Hey. Recently, my rx7 stopped and I noticed white smoke coming from front left of hood; had to push it into a garage at the airport where I was. After my trip, the '7' started and I was able to drive it only a short distance; then it started overheating, not steam, just smokey from oil dipstick. I realized the coolant was (real) low and I just poured coolant in and it is pouring from the heater hose connecting the lower left engine to the firewall. Looks easy to replace; where do I get one? Did I damage the engine? I suppose once the hose is replaced, I should change the (smokey) oil. Any other suggestions? Thanks. Kurt (new to rx7club!)

 

Mazda Trix or the dealership will be a source for the hose. Overheating is the death knell for these cars as it ruins some of the seals within the engine. On an S5 the midway point on the temp gauge is the norm. On an S4 it is 1/3 at most. If it climbs to high for too long (both S4 and S5) it will damage the engine seals.

 

Okay. I just changed the heater hose ($50) that attaches below the oil filter to the heater pipe on the fire wall and filled with clean coolant. Seems to run fine when idling, (except low and pulsing idle with AC on! Been doeing this whenit is hot for a while.) but after driving a few miles in SC heat and then stopping, temp goes up, rad cap starts popping and boiling coolant overflows from overflow tank. Problem started when coolant was lost from the broken tube; engine got hot and oil was smoking a bit. Is there a process to determine if my problem is thermostat, water pump, clogged radiator or line or blown seal? Coolant doesnt appear oily and oil doensn't look bad, though I'll change the oil and check it out. Any help appreciated. Kurt

 

Just did the bubble/champagne test and seems to be okay(?); hopefully(!). A few very small bubbles over 10 minutes. I pulsed the throttle a little and level went up and down as I did. Coolant flowed slowly out as it heated up. Ran it until the temp. gauge got to half, and then some. I'll post video once downloaded. Now what?