Rrail

As of about a week ago (when we had a cold snap, I WONDER WHAT THE CONNECTION IS), I've had a coolant leak. Rather, I've had a lack of coolant in my car, and when I try to refill the reservoir, it leaks automatically from the area where the reservoir/tube to the reservoir is. I haven't had time to really take a great look because I've been super busy with work, so my car has been sitting disabled in my garage.

Any ideas what this could be, so I can look for it, or at least begin to price stuff while I'm at work tomorrow? Also, if it's just a crack in the reservoir or something, is there a way for me to patch it so that I can at least get it to the shop to replace it?

And on that note, is it safe for me to drive in order to get it to the shop or something? The coolant buzzer comes on within 20 seconds of me starting the car.

fd3s_

Did you check your air breather tank? I had 2 of those stock replaced and finally got a stainless steel one. Problem solved, until recently it started leaking from the top, these things under go tremendus temp/pressure.

Also, have you tried reflling it and running the engine and looking under the hood? You should be able to spot any direct leaks straight from there or from underneath the car.

Good luck ..

Rrail

I had the car running when I refilled it with a whole half gallon of water and watched probably 50-75% of it drain straight out underneath the plastic reservoir on the (if looking at the car) nose of the car, left side.

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

You need to get someone well versed in mechanics or Rx7s to help you. If the warning buzzer is going off, heed the warning and not drive it until the issue is resolved.

fd3s_

Try flushing your whole radiator system and fillt it all from the start. Also check all the radiator and breather piping to make sure its not blocked or bent in anyway. If all ok and it still spilling it means your collant system is building pressure from inside. I'd next recommend a compression test on your engine ..

PhoenixDownVII

Well, sounds like it could be one of several notorious things (Don't you love 3rd Gen's..?)

First of all, is there a visible LEAK of coolant? Or just a noticable LOSS of coolant?

Because, Coolant could be leaking or getting burnt up by bad coolant seals.

Possible Leaks:

1. AST (Air Separator Tank): These should be replaced by an Aluminum aftermarket unit. Stock Tanks are known to leak/bust over time (because they're PLASTIC, holding very hot coolant under pressure!).

2. Cracked Overflow tank: Like any other car, these reservior's are plastic, and can break or get cracked. Take it out and take a look!

3. One of many Smaller or Larger coolant hoses: My FD had a mechanic's boo-boo and the small coolant line that runs from the bottom of the AST to the lower end of the radiator had it's clamp loose and 6" up the neck! Not down and fitted as it should have been! Check these hoses, and the large upper/lower rad hoses.

4. Leaky Radiator


I'd say pull the car up on ramps and remove the plastic underbody panels and snoop around.

Good thing you took everyone's advice and have the Rx7 second to a daily beater right.....right?

Rrail

Phoenix, I car visibly watch it pour onto the ground underneath the plastic reservoir tank. It drains out in a ragged fashion, like its hitting something in between and spattering.

PhoenixDownVII

So, you're not talking about the AST but the actual reservior tank. Because you know (unless my memory escapes me) that the AST is conveniently up front behind the radiator and IC while the coolant reservoir you can only see the filler neck and top, not the tank itself....

It's been a while since I've had my FD, my bad if that doesn't make sense.

Otherwise, it sounds like your next step is to get UNDER the car and do the same thing and watch where it comes from, OR just remove the reservior tank and check it out!

Rrail

Ok, after further testing, it's overflowing out of the little overflow hole in the top of the reservoir. Pretty much time to take it to a RX-7 shop, or is there some other stuff I can check myself (I have semi-low mechanical knowledge of the car, I'm decently skilled mechanically though)?

Phoenix, yah, I'm talking about the reservoir where you can only see the neck/top. Luckily I've now figured out that it's overflowing out of that, and is not (as far as I can comprehend) that parts fault.

Rrail

Anyone, please? I'm trying to get this figured out tonight so I can hopefully order the part tomorrow.

psquare8

AST hoses, radiator hoses, AST or Radiator - any or combination could cause what you describe - could also be a bad thermostat

Rrail

Can you give me a description or better yet, a picture/diagram of what I am looking for (component wise)? I'm pretty new to working on RX-7's. Also, what should I look for, problem wise, on the radiator and AST themselves? Obviously on the hoses I'm just looking for a rupture/loose hose.

psquare8

You can download the factory service manual at the links posted on this page above. Section E will give you a diagram and layout. Page E-2. The manual will walk through all the troubleshooting tips. Is there any chance you or anyone switched up the radiator cap on the engine(filler cap) with the cap on the AST - this can cause it to leak past the cap? As to what to look for cracks and leaks but it sounds like a pressure issue, cap or thermostat. Technician can do a pressure test.

Rrail

Yah, apparently I'm not losing water, it's just not pressurizing or something. Time to have it towed to a shop somewhere. I was just about to put it up for sale, too.

Rrail

Any idea what this might cost to fix? I'm sure it's a pretty broad range because who knows what the problem is, but even a ballpark range would be wonderful. I'm already looking at probably 100 dollars each way towing to get it to a RX-7 shop since I think the nearest (reputable) one is KDR Rotary, but I'm not completely sure.

overehttop

Be thankful if it's a hose, one of my housings is leaking coolant into the rotor. my local guy told me just to get a new engine. aparently this has been going on for a few years.

PhoenixDownVII

Shouldn't be a costly fix, so long as an engine rebuild isn't the fix!

Keep in mind; you SHOULD only have to tow it ONE way. Because once it's fixed you'll get to drive her home

AAA Would be great for itmes like these, and that daily driver