3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

coolant leak advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-18-08, 09:59 PM
  #1  
dorito powered

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
KKMpunkrock2011's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,839
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
coolant leak advice

ok, I got my FD about two months ago, and I had it checked out and everything was ok. Well i bought a boost gauge the other day and while checking the boost levels I was revving the engine at above 5.5k and slowly climbing when I noticed a lot of white smoke that smelled like coolant coming from the exhaust. I was like what the hell?
Anyways, i did my research and found out the coolant o rings are probably shot. My only question is, is it safe to drive my car at the moment as long as i don't let it get too hot? it is my only car right now and I can't have it sit in a shop for weeks on end while it gets rebuilt, but once school starts up I won't need to drive all that much and I can get it done then.
Old 07-18-08, 10:36 PM
  #2  
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
dhays's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: University Place, WA
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by KKMpunkrock2011
Anyways, i did my research and found out the coolant o rings are probably shot. My only question is, is it safe to drive my car at the moment as long as i don't let it get too hot? it is my only car right now and I can't have it sit in a shop for weeks on end while it gets rebuilt
Sounds like you didn't do the research at first that would have told you "Don't have an FD as your only car if you are going to depend on it for transportation."

From what little I know, you can probably drive it. Just take it easy, stay off boost, and watch your coolant temps. If you don't have an aftermarket coolant temp gauge, I wouldn't drive it. Also, check coolant level every morning before you start up the car.
Old 07-18-08, 10:59 PM
  #3  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
JM1FD's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, if you decide to park it and not have it fixed for a while DRAIN ALL THE COOLANT OUT FIRST. The coolant will leak into the engine, and turn the rotors and housings into a GIANT BALL of RUST if it sits idle for too long with coolant in it.
Old 07-19-08, 01:01 AM
  #4  
dorito powered

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
KKMpunkrock2011's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,839
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yeah, thanks for the advice, I know it isn't wise to have an FD as my only car, but I just got the ok to have my old car back from my parents for a while as my daily, but I still don't have the money for a rebuild, but since the leak isn't too bad, if I stay off the boost and I'll get the coolant temp gauge ASAP and I will deffinitely check the coolant levels, thanks for all the advice guys.
Old 07-19-08, 01:45 PM
  #5  
needs more track time

iTrader: (16)
 
gracer7-rx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Bay Area CA
Posts: 9,188
Received 509 Likes on 350 Posts
Since you are new to the car, I'd suggest getting a second opinion from a good rotary shop near you. I've seen more than one person who has misdiagnosed coolant seals for another problem. I'd also suggest going to Autozone to get a coolant pressure tester for imports and doing a coolant system pressure test.
Old 07-19-08, 08:26 PM
  #6  
dorito powered

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
KKMpunkrock2011's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 2,839
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmm... ok, that I can do, but when I revved it, it deffinitely smelled like coolant, any other reason why there would be large amounts of white, coolant smelling smoke coming from the engine bay AND the exhaust?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
7
09-18-15 07:13 PM
sinistersam
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
09-13-15 07:17 PM
ZaqAtaq
New Member RX-7 Technical
2
09-05-15 08:57 PM



Quick Reply: coolant leak advice



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:38 PM.