OK, 1st I don't drive my car daily. Usually 20 miles a week, only to bars (he-he). Removed my air pump a few months ago and have trouble starting it ever since. It sounds like a weak battery (not the case). I have NOT installed any block-off plates (although I do have them, no time to install). I have a 1yr old Interstate battery and the original alternator, checked out both and both are fine. It cranks but will not turn over, almost but just wont do it. Always puts out a bit of white smoke upon start-up.
Recently I've had to add water after spirited driving or a drive over 10 miles. I do have the AST removed and do not see any leaks. Any ideas? Any good shops in Richmond, VA?

 

i would install the block off plates to see if helps and report back

 

my father had the same problem we kept adding more and more water but no leaks anywhere. then he turned it over one more time we heard the rotors swishing in the water/coolant and realized blown coolant seal released water all inside the housings .. nottrying to scare you but just thought i would share that with you since you seem to have the same diagnosis. MURDER . good luck -jason

 

I've had that same problem with shot coolant seal. Adding coolant constantly, trouble starting, gushing water sound comming from the passanger dash, white smoke during warm up, coolant shooting out from the over flow tank. Good luck!

 

i think the water seal have been broken.if you want to make sure then do this.take the water cap off (the one on the motor) and then try to start your car if you see water shooting out so that was how i checked my motor

 

So....... shot coolant seal= blown motor? I do not have any time to work on my car, so will have to have a shop do it. Any quick test? Where is the water cap?

 

I had a very similar problem: Car was incredibly difficult to start. The cause was definately a bad coolant seal (see below pic). You can test it for sure, by doing a coolant pressure test (any decent shop should be able to do this), or to sniff-test the coolant for hydrocarbons. Good luck

-Rob

 

Sniff test? Do you mean see if it smells like oil? I'll do that in a few. Does a coolant leak = bad motor? It will still crank and almost starts.

 

.. So compression would blow the coolant out of the engine cap like when you check for a head gasket on a piston engine..... it's eating coolant but no leaks... white smoke (burning coolant)... Good things the motors arent much! Sure sounds like a blown seal...Time to swap in another reman unit matt.... Just drop it in and dont worry about disassembling the engine and machine shop stuff.. or maybe it's time for an upgrade??? even 3 rotor!

 

i am getting a motor for my car too,i had the same problem.