blizzerone

Need help! I have an 84' Rx7 GS with a 12a. Bought about 3 months ago. It's a fixer upper. Trying to make it a project. Was running good for a while. Most recent problem is that it has a rough time starting up. It also was puffing white smoke. At first it only did it for a while durring start up and then it would go away. But now it's just doing it constantly. I checked the spark plugs and noticed that the two spark plugs from the first rotor housing (in the front) were wet. It was coolant. Ive read some posts on coolant prolems. Ive read that it might be some O-rings on the intake manifold that might go bad. But do these cause it to leak coolant into the motor? I've also read some posts on doing the "additave fix" but wasn't sure to do it without getting some advise first. I'm not trying to get the motor rebuilt, at least not yet. Trying to do whatever I can before I have to. I did take the nikki off and got it rebuilt. Just need some help on what my options are here.

Please, any help would be greatly appreciated

mar3

iTrader: (8)

Do not do the "additive fix" and yes. it's possible for the intake manifold seal to be the source of your coolant...if you see any coolant pooling on top under the heat shield area, you might be one of the lucky ones who have that problem and not the dreaded INTERNAL ENGINE O-ring failure which means rebuild time.

blizzerone

hey thanks. So would it be pretty easy to tell if the o-rings are bad? And when replacing, is there anything I should look out for?

Kentetsu

Mar3, there's at least one "addative fix" out there that really does work. I've got over 10K miles on her, took a trip to NC, never had an issue after the Alumaseal was used....

I would say check the orings under the intake manifold, replace those and the intake gasket. Then if you're still loosing coolant, read this thread and decide for yourself:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/engine-coolant-seal-repair-maybe-750774/

Good luck!



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blizzerone

Hey Kentetsu, I believe I read your thread about your experience with the "addative fix". Although I am glad it worked out for you I hope It's as simple as just replacing the O-rings for me. But just in case it keeps on loosing coolant then I will go a head and try it.
Took out the carb yesterday and ill take a looksie under the intake manifold today. Man , i really hope its just the o-rings. We'll see what happens. Thanks you guys.

blizzerone

I managed to take off the intake now and a whole lot of coolant came out. I got a look at the O rings and they looked sort of ripped up. The gasket came off and broke off in a couple of places. I got to clean up the intake pretty good and now im gonna try and take off the o-rings and do some cleaning around that area. Im gonna order the O-rings and gasket from Mazdatrix as soon as i can. Does anyone know if something goes on the o-rings when installed? Lube, maybe?

Kentetsu

I would use a dab of silicone sealant or something, just to hold them in place while you remount the manifold.

I just got a pair of 20mm freeze plugs and plugged those ports. Another option for you to consider...

blizzerone

hey thanks. I already ordered the orings and gasket so il try those out and see how they hold up.

blizzerone

Alright, finally got the rings on and a new gasket. Put the carb back on and put water in the rad. Got it running and it didnt smoke anymore!!! Let it run for a few minutes, temp was cool and took it around the block and it ran fine. Now, it only has a problem turning it back on after it has been running. It seems to have a rough time starting up again after the engine is warmed up. I crank it and it turns but wont stay on unless i keep on cranking it and step on the gas. Then it will stay on and run with no problems. Does anyone know what could be causing this???

Kentetsu

Are you still getting water on the plugs? Is this a new issue for you, since replacing the mani gasket? If so, start checking for vacuum leaks etc...

blizzerone

No, i havent checked to see if there's still water on the plugs. I assumed there wasnt because it stoped smoking, but ill pull them out to make sure. And I believe it had the same issue before replacing the gasket. I thought it was just having a rough time starting because of the coolant getting in the engine. But now its still doing it, but only when its warmed up. If I start it and let it run for a minute or two, then turn it off and turn it back on, it will start right away. But its only when It has been running for a good 15 to 20min that it has a rough time starting up again once i have turned it off. Ill check for vacuum leaks and see if i find anything. Any ideas of other things I should check from the simptoms I give???

Kentetsu

Incorrect timing will also cause hard hot starts... Good luck...