CoryMStewRX7

just picked up a 88 n/a vert.
haven't done a compression test but I'm not seeing smoke oil pressure is on idles at 750 but I've drove it for a week and haven't seen the temp gauge go up more then 1/3 of the way maybe even a forth. I let the engine warn up til the idle drops drive but it stays there.
my problem is theres no coolant in the over flow reservoir but I can see it almost at the top of the radiator. I'm not sure if this is a problem but I'm UNfamiliar with the rx7 cooling system.

CALPICO

iTrader: (4)

just top off the radiator and top off the reservoir. sometimes people forget to add coolant there. but it should be ok as long as the add coolant light has not come on.

CoryMStewRX7

alright will do thanks man.

CoryMStewRX7

oh is there anything to look for to tell me how full or am I just filling it?

FDeeznuts

iTrader: (1)

Try checking it before you start the car cold a few times and after a few times it should be full

RXSpeed16

iTrader: (41)

The temp gauge staying below half is common on s4 cars. Nothing to worry about.

You should add as much fluid as will fit in the radiator/filler neck.
The overflow bottle will have "full" and "low" in raised lettering.

The system should normally cycle some fluid into the reservoir when warm. Then suck some back into the engine after cooling. Nothing special about the system on the FC vs any other car.

koenig

yeah, typically if you have coolant in the reservoir when cold, it means you have a little bit too much in your system. its an overflow tank for when the fluid heats up to engine temps and expands, it needs somewhere to go. If your radiator is full, thats all you need as long as your temp gauges arent spiking.

CoryMStewRX7

ok cool because I put coolant in the overflow and after 2days its almost gone so maybe I didn't have a enough in my radiator?

CoryMStewRX7

ok cool because I put coolant in the overflow and after 2days its almost gone so maybe I didn't have a enough in my radiator?
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CoryMStewRX7

ok cool because I put coolant in the overflow and after 2days its almost gone so maybe I didn't have a enough in my radiator? though the radiator seemed topped I could touch coolant with my finger

marshall13B

iTrader: (5)

Just keep watching it. You may have to burp the system a little bit. Not a bad idea to flush the system (along with all other fluids) whenever you buy a car, especially an FC.

koenig

Im new to rotarys so I dont know specifivally for the car yet, but when you add coolant, its good to start your engine and let it idle for just a minute, you will see bubbles coming up for a bit, and then close the cap before the coolant starts heating up and expanding. I believe thats what marshallIm new to rotarys so I dont know specifivally for the car yet, but when you add coolant, its good to start your engine and let it idle for just a minute, you will see bubbles coming up for a bit, and then close the cap before the coolant starts heating up and expanding. I believe thats what marshall13b refered to as burping

CoryMStewRX7

yeah ill be flushing her out soon thanks for that tip.
its a vert (they'res rip) at the stress points. do you think I could get the window half reupholstered? if not anywhere I can get a cheep top? my automatic switch for the top doesn't work so I'd prefer one I would oem or one thar has latches like the one on the car. or a nice hard top.
I also hear that an 88 hatch tail lights wont fit my vert? is that true or is there somewhere else that I can get it's the driverside turn signal that's cracked open.

thanks for the help

RXSpeed16

iTrader: (41)

Search for "convertible top replacement" and do some reading.

No hard tops are commercially available, but anything is possible with a rediculous amount of money.

Vert tail lights are different because they have the keyhole. You can use the coupe lights, but you lose the ability to open the trunk from outside the car. Look for parts in the 2nd generation classifieds when you get enough posts. Or buy new from Mazdatrix, racing beat, mazda dealers, etc.

CoryMStewRX7

when you buy one you have to buy two? because therez a Guy here in Maryland said he could sell me just the driver side one. or would I need them both?

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

You should buy SET of VERT Tails..period!.Make sure you get the set of tails and the center section.
You can put the S5 Vert tails in,but you would just have to cut a wee touch of metal off where the bulbs enter the body.(you can do that with tin snips.)
They are plug in and Go.
It is Best to use the VERT tails because IF you don't you will lose the Keyhole to the trunk,and I have been here long enough to Throw you a Truck full of Threads that have guys complaining that they put in Coupe tails,and their cable no longer works and they can't access the trunk.
Do it Right and you don't suffer!

CoryMStewRX7

what does the driverside light have to do with the keyhole I thought if I replaced just the one it'd be fine. and I wouldn't have to worry about keyholes or a center piece

CoryMStewRX7

is it not possible to replace just one?

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Sorry..I meant get the Proper set.Not the coupe tails.
ya one is OK.As long as it matches.
I found a set for you,
here:https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-rx-7-1986-1992-parts-194/88-vert-taillights-bezels-msc-make-offer-1000871/

Toofer89

When you drain your radiator take a flashlight and look in it too. Sometimes the rows inside can corrode almost shut. I just replaced the radiator on my car for that reason, its an 89 so these things can just deteriorate over time. Good excuse for an upgrade!

CoryMStewRX7

yeah there's a Guy n my neighborhood with an 87 coupe the tail lights from sight look the same but I guessing they bolt on diffrsnt or something?

CoryMStewRX7

oh and update on the coolant issue.
coolant seems to stay in the radiator but the resivoir is empty