survey re failed cooling system o-rings
09-08-01, 09:02 PM
#1
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survey re failed cooling system o-rings
o-ring system failure seems to be a common cause of premature engine death with FDs...question is, are there some common factors involved with these failures? I've heard some theories...for those of you who have replaced an engine diagnosed with an o-ring failure, do any of the following apply?
1) use of "extended life" antifreeze (like the orange stuff)
2) use of aggressive cooling system cleaners, such as Prestone "Super Flush"
3) neglect of the cooling system (i.e. going for more than a year without changing the coolant)
it is possible that the high heat of these engines causes increased tendancy for scale formation inside the cooling system passages, esp with old fluid, which may cause early thermostat failure as well
anyway, I change my fluid at least once a year...hopefully that will help....btw, does anyone on here know how much fluid is left in the engine block after you drain the radiator? thanks
1) use of "extended life" antifreeze (like the orange stuff)
2) use of aggressive cooling system cleaners, such as Prestone "Super Flush"
3) neglect of the cooling system (i.e. going for more than a year without changing the coolant)
it is possible that the high heat of these engines causes increased tendancy for scale formation inside the cooling system passages, esp with old fluid, which may cause early thermostat failure as well
anyway, I change my fluid at least once a year...hopefully that will help....btw, does anyone on here know how much fluid is left in the engine block after you drain the radiator? thanks
09-09-01, 12:35 AM
#2
Senior Member
Re: survey re failed cooling system o-rings
Originally posted by gsxr1000
btw, does anyone on here know how much fluid is left in the engine block after you drain the radiator? thanks
btw, does anyone on here know how much fluid is left in the engine block after you drain the radiator? thanks
As for your theory on O-Ring failure, I think a lot of the failures are due to overheating (which can warp the housings and cause the seals to stop sealing). Most of these overheatings can be blamed on the reasons you listed above, with the common denominaitor usualy being a lack of preventitive maintanence. This is not to say that sometimes **** happens, but I think a lot of them could have been avoided. Also one big thing you left off that list is failure of the stock AST, and failure of the stock plastic radiator.
09-09-01, 10:47 PM
#3
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Is it possible that a rebuilt engine w/new o-rings get blown after the first 1600 kms. I kept it under 5000 rpm for the frist 1600km break in period as well.
I'm getting huge white smoke and oil into the exhuast.
Wondering if this is the turbo or engine or both????
The o-rings are brand new...
could it just be the turbo leaking or burning coolant? as well
as oil?
help..... jc
I'm getting huge white smoke and oil into the exhuast.
Wondering if this is the turbo or engine or both????
The o-rings are brand new...
could it just be the turbo leaking or burning coolant? as well
as oil?
help..... jc
09-11-01, 09:46 PM
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I was a victim of the popular cooling system o-ring failure. When I had my car towed to KDR, Dave told me that there were 17 other FDs with the same problem - all with blown engines!!! Ouch. Fortunately, being married, I was able to explain to my wife that to keep the car I need to put some money into the engine and do it right 
She agreed Anyway, Dave told me that it is usually that a previous owner had overheated the engine. You can usually overheat an FD once and it will be ok but it will the seals and o-rings to fail sooner or later. I went 1.5 years to do the coolant so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. I'm pretty sure you should drain and change your coolant every 15-20K To start with, eliminate the AST - you don't need it. Second - during a rebuild have the engine torn down and have coolant and oil porting done. Helps coolant circulate to rear rotor. Along with the eccentric shaft plug mod, oil porting keeps more oil flowing throughout. We all know what a streetport does But also while I had my engine ported, Dave also put new silicone seals and o-rings - much more sturdier than what comes with a factory reman - if you plan on keeping the car and need a rebuild - do these mods and you'll be happy you did.
She agreed Anyway, Dave told me that it is usually that a previous owner had overheated the engine. You can usually overheat an FD once and it will be ok but it will the seals and o-rings to fail sooner or later. I went 1.5 years to do the coolant so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. I'm pretty sure you should drain and change your coolant every 15-20K To start with, eliminate the AST - you don't need it. Second - during a rebuild have the engine torn down and have coolant and oil porting done. Helps coolant circulate to rear rotor. Along with the eccentric shaft plug mod, oil porting keeps more oil flowing throughout. We all know what a streetport does But also while I had my engine ported, Dave also put new silicone seals and o-rings - much more sturdier than what comes with a factory reman - if you plan on keeping the car and need a rebuild - do these mods and you'll be happy you did.
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