hi all good evening, im anthony and im from the north east of england, im looking into buying an rx-7 3rd generation, im looking for information on a slight problem before i buy her or swap her for my subaru, but CAR IS LOSING WATER. IT IS GOING INTO THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE BUT NOT RETURNING. I HAVE A LYLE FUNNEL AND I HAVE DONE THE CHAMPAGNE TEST, THERE ARE NO BUBBLES APPEARING. THERE IS ALSO NO EXCESS SMOKE OR SMELL OFF COOLANT. PROB SOMETHING EASY BUT I DONT HAVE ANY MORE TIME TO SPEND ON THE CAR. can anyone help please thank you anthony

 

Releasing this thread but I'm thinking you need to walk away from the FD, Anthony. These cars are not for the faint of heart or the impatient. They require maintenance and love and are def not turnkey daily drivers like the Subaru.

Let's see if the 3rdgen guru's on this board can give you some quick clues, though, on the coolant issue. I've moved this thread from the intro board since it's def more a tech question.

Mario III

 

Check the small-diameter hose that connects the radiator to the overflow bottle. If there is a small leak in that hose the coolant will flow to the bottle but will not return to the radiator when the engine cools creating a vacuum in the coolant system. It can be a very minor air leak that does not exhibit leaking coolant.

Mar3 is correct in that the 3rd gen is a pretty complex assemblage of vacuum lines and solenoids with a fully occupied engine compartment. If you are mechanically inclined and looking for a challenge, go for it. Otherwise you might want to consider a series 5, 2nd gen (i.e., MY 89-91).