FD sporadic Add coolant light
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FD sporadic Add coolant light
I recently bought my FD and have been coming across an annoying issue.
My add coolant light will turn on at times and will turn off soon after (light only, no buzzer). It will do this a handful of times while driving.
I removed the cap and checked the highest point in the coolant system (not sure what it's called, sorry) and it's all topped off.
Could it just be a sensor? if so, which one?
I recall that RX-8s have a problem with the coolant level sensor going bad after 80k+ miles, which would cause the coolant light to come on permanently or on and off randomly, but I didn't think it would be a problem for 3rd gens.
My add coolant light will turn on at times and will turn off soon after (light only, no buzzer). It will do this a handful of times while driving.
I removed the cap and checked the highest point in the coolant system (not sure what it's called, sorry) and it's all topped off.
Could it just be a sensor? if so, which one?
I recall that RX-8s have a problem with the coolant level sensor going bad after 80k+ miles, which would cause the coolant light to come on permanently or on and off randomly, but I didn't think it would be a problem for 3rd gens.
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Another thing that I noticed is that the oil pressure gauge moves around a bit when I take off from a stand still.
Is it supposed to be a dummy gauge like the temperature one? Because it moves quite fast but always ends up going back up to the middle.
I really appreciate the help by the way.
#5
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Yeah it moves. I try to keep mine below 60 or so until the car warms up.
I think he's asking about the gurgling sound because 90% of the time, your symptoms are the AST acting up. I see you have an aftermarket one which is good, but maybe check the cap and around it for leaks. Its the aluminum bottle/tank by the battery.
EDIT: don't touch it when it's hot!
I think he's asking about the gurgling sound because 90% of the time, your symptoms are the AST acting up. I see you have an aftermarket one which is good, but maybe check the cap and around it for leaks. Its the aluminum bottle/tank by the battery.
EDIT: don't touch it when it's hot!
Last edited by Natey; 09-21-16 at 04:33 PM.
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Are you saying that one can control oil pressure?
And my oil pressure gauge on the cluster moves around when it's already warm. It will be in the middle while idling at a light, but once I start to get going again it drops quickly and goes back to the middle once I'm back in motion.
My AST tank isn't leaking or anything. Although I tried opening the cap but when I twist it it won't come off the tank. It's weird, Im not sure what's holding it back
And my oil pressure gauge on the cluster moves around when it's already warm. It will be in the middle while idling at a light, but once I start to get going again it drops quickly and goes back to the middle once I'm back in motion.
My AST tank isn't leaking or anything. Although I tried opening the cap but when I twist it it won't come off the tank. It's weird, Im not sure what's holding it back
#7
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The oil pressure sender is on the right/passenger side of the engine just below the oil filter pedestal. It has a single spade connection that tends to get fouled over time from dripping oil/dirt when the filter is changed. At times, like at idle, there's little indicated oil pressure because the signal can't get through the poor connection. When warm the oil also has a thinner viscosity and tends to produce a weaker signal. Clean it and see if your indicated oil pressure improves. Sometimes it's the sender itself.
You really should get a copy of the Factory Service Manual (FSM). Downloadable for free in the FAQ sticky at the top of this page.
You really should get a copy of the Factory Service Manual (FSM). Downloadable for free in the FAQ sticky at the top of this page.
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I've been monitoring the temperatures with the PFC and this is what's going on:
During high way cruising the light never turns on, it's during stop and go traffic that the light comes on and I see a spike in temperature in a very short amount of time (86c-98c in a minute) shortly after the light turns off, the water temperature drops back to around 86c.
I purged the system (or thought I did) and I still have this problem. What else could it be? I'm thinking that it has to be air in the system
During high way cruising the light never turns on, it's during stop and go traffic that the light comes on and I see a spike in temperature in a very short amount of time (86c-98c in a minute) shortly after the light turns off, the water temperature drops back to around 86c.
I purged the system (or thought I did) and I still have this problem. What else could it be? I'm thinking that it has to be air in the system
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I thought I had burped it. I used one of those big funnels to get the air out.
I pressure tested it and found that pressure slowly drops. I inspected for leaks but couldn't find anything. I was looking for a hissing sound that would be caused by a puncture in a hose or something but nothing.
Could it be internal? Like somehow in the block? Although I don't smoke at all.
I did hear some gurgling noises after shutdown today. I pulled the "vent" lever on the AST cap and the gurgling got a lot louder. (I have a feeling I introduced a ton of air into the system by pulling that lever. IF that's the case, I feel like a complete idiot).
I pressure tested it and found that pressure slowly drops. I inspected for leaks but couldn't find anything. I was looking for a hissing sound that would be caused by a puncture in a hose or something but nothing.
Could it be internal? Like somehow in the block? Although I don't smoke at all.
I did hear some gurgling noises after shutdown today. I pulled the "vent" lever on the AST cap and the gurgling got a lot louder. (I have a feeling I introduced a ton of air into the system by pulling that lever. IF that's the case, I feel like a complete idiot).
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Well, the engine is at 136k miles (Yes, original. Never rebuilt)
so it wouldn't be surprising if it's the coolant seals...BUT..
does that mean that my temperatures spiking are actual coolant temps going up, (due possibly coolant being lost in the housings) not just water vapor hitting the sensor? or could it be that air is being introduced from within the block (the bad coolant seals) because like I've said, the engine doesn't smoke at all.
By the way, this engine is incredibly healthy. It runs great and starts right up, hot or cold. pushing 300whp @12psi on a conservative tune with no problems
so it wouldn't be surprising if it's the coolant seals...BUT..
does that mean that my temperatures spiking are actual coolant temps going up, (due possibly coolant being lost in the housings) not just water vapor hitting the sensor? or could it be that air is being introduced from within the block (the bad coolant seals) because like I've said, the engine doesn't smoke at all.
By the way, this engine is incredibly healthy. It runs great and starts right up, hot or cold. pushing 300whp @12psi on a conservative tune with no problems
Last edited by Premixxer; 11-21-16 at 06:15 PM.
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