WargFC88

Heya's, names Aaron - new to forum: (sorry for posting introduction twice - I realize you have to approve the post Zzz) *go check my post out!*

Sup guys, want to start out saying I can't talk mechanic-wrench-language, but...

I bought a 88 GXL n/a automatic had 88k miles on it, and I was 19, just needed a car that ran: 800 USD, been driving it around now and have 110k miles, been keeping fluids up, but after reading here I've been acquiring little bits of knowledge trolling forums. And now that I've encountered my first issues with the car, I'm scared that I wont be able to keep this beautiful car on the road (as I've come to discover its uniqueness) *hoping to get some tips on troubleshooting my issues*

1) I recently find out that I shouldn't been idling at 1000rpms - how bad effects could this have had now me driving it daily driver 2yrs? What might need be replaced fixed, inspected? [I'm going to get idle adjustment soon to 500]

2) I have a lot of horsepower loss I think than I should have - and I read here that automatics are kinda low on 'low end horsepower' but I'm convinced my acceleration isn't what it should be [I've read to check my 5 and 6 ports and maybe compression could be a little off on one of the seals?] *but I've been running now for 30k miles, could I have royally ruined stuffs? -Engine sounds fine still, and runs-

3) only recent problem I've had is my coolant leaking out: and for a week I was adding water to my overflow, just so I could drive to school and back without Ef'ing my car TOO much... Finally got around to checking stuff out, and discovered a hose leak, fixed it, then still was seeing coolant dripping [only when car turns on this time] *leaked so much* -I got a new water pump, installed it, put on new ALT belt, PS, belt, S belt- and after installation there was no more leaking when I looked under the car...

Then I drive it the next day [kinda hard I have to admit] *I kept eye on fluid levels realizing they'd have to 're-stabilize'* but at the end of the day I parked and coolant light went on... *I look under car and I'm leaking again*

Radiator looks fine, unless there is a giant hole in the bottom (but I would have heard that explosion?) *I'm pretty sure I didn't Ef up my water pump installation, haven't been able to get underneath and look though: and my hoses were all good before! SO what the Ef?

I been reading and maybe I killed my coolant seals? Or need a new thermostat? How should I go about trouble shooting this coolant leak? And I'm going to get a compression test tomorrow: how much should I pay for them to get those numbers right?

-sorry to type a novel-
(thanks for reading/ideas)

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Looks like your avatar is an image from my website.

It's not a big deal. The only effect will be slightly higher fuel consumption. A high idle could be due to many reasons. The most common is a slight vacuum leak. Check thoroughly for vacuum leaks, adjust the TPS and then fall back to an actual idle adjustment if no other problems exist. Factory idle is 750 RPM -+ 50 RPM, not 500.

What makes you think the car is slow? Cars begin to feel slower the more you drive them. You get used to the car and it seems like it's not as fast as it once was.

NA RX-7s aren't fast...They are about 16-17 seconds in the 1/4 mile.

Well, where is it leaking from? A thorough examination of the cooling system is required. If you can't find the leak by sight, then a dye kit can be used to locate it. The dye is added to the system and then a UV light is used in the engine bay to highlight the leak point. These kits are at the auto parts store. Coolant leaks can be so slight that the coolant exits as vapor instead of liquid.

I don't think there is a reason for you to waste money on a compression test.

WargFC88

Thank you very much for quick feedback Cake! Sorry to be using your name (-Aaron- & pictures from your website haha v) *beautiful picture, had saved it from last visiting your site I guess - obviously)

Well turns out that when I installed my Water pump (which I bought from NAPA) *which I learned to never buy parts from them again* [I'll be looking into World Pac and Rising Sun for Japan made parts Zzz,] - I had to grind down the water pump casing a little,

I did it on the outside (I left the seal/o-ring side alone) my OEM was smaller then the NAPA one I got, so my pulley was rubbing against it, no clearance room *And I was told that when I went grinding away at the thing, that I could have melted/ruined a seal/o-ring that is actually "inside my water pump" -like there's two: 1) the one I had to put on, 2) and one already installed inside the pump itself?- (or something like that, is what I remember him telling me)

*He said I need to get in there take it all off and out again and remember to take off some spacer shims between the housing and the block* (kinda all I remember, but he showed me, and I'ma take a stab at it) maybe you can give me some literature on replacing whatever he's describing to me?

-what do you think of this scenario/possibility with my water pump installation, and what I've been told, [valid]? - (because I'm still leaking like a ****, and no hoses were showing leaks *we checked, and radiator just has those first sign air pockets at the top*

We stuck a air pressure thing in my radiator and saw evidence of room for Air to seep through, and Ef'ing A: turns out I had my radiator caps on backwards all this time... (they were toast already anyways) -But all these 30k miles that I've been driving around like this, I'm an idiot eh? How torn can this lead other specs of the car to be?-

Anyways, so I can't drive around more then 10mins without my coolant light going on, but no worries I just keep like 8 jugs in my car at all times - that might be a hazard by the way huh lol? I keep all my extra oil, tranny fluid, all that shiz in my car, yikes I could blow up if we get too hot inside maybe huh?

Was told to use Poly-glycol stuff, and that all the rest sucks/is bad like: Dex Cool, and all the funky colored ones *GREEN ONLY right?* And that maybe I should be running with 20W 50 Oil [I've been running 5W 30 synthetic] - so should I change? - problem to his recommended 20W 50 is I didn't see synthetic at my AutoZone lol, so I got 10W 40 synthetic [I think] (I haven't added yet, going to wait for your word what oil to be using in San Diego CA?) and synthetic vs regular oil?

I'm looking around for all the hoses, going to do the entire coolant lines new I guess, get new caps, maybe a radiator, and wish me luck attacking this water pump (area) once again.

Also I'll take your word, and not go around asking for compression tests anymore, anyways I seen some videos (I can probably do it myself if I find that gauge) -is it a dangerous procedure? *guess I'll read up later* When do people usually do these tests though? Just hungry for the knowledge,

Thanks for correcting my RPM range... I got a Chilton so I won't be estimating anymore, *can't wait to adjust it! There a archive walk through to do this? *I'll go looking later*

Lastly - just want to say, this kinda sucks being a poor college kid and trying to baby my Rx7 through these rough times; it's an Automatic - and I've lost 2nd gear (I've been manually shifting: 1st to 60mph, then Drive to avoid the 2nd Gear *if I attempt to use 2nd, it kinda makes a sound as if I'm in neutral, and RPM's go up fast, so been avoiding it*

This is a sad scenario because if I have to save up for a new Tranny, and do the swap then I'm going to be living on the streets and in my car... I'm willing to though... but, I want to make sure my engine is good enough shape, that this Tranny purchase would be worth it: so that brings me back to the compression test - wouldn't that be the way I may get closure that my engine is still strong and reliable, and that my: 'steel, aluminum, steel, aluminum' block hasn't Ef'd and burned/melted/warped any of my seals, as it can slide around a little bit there when the engine gets really hot?

(Meh I have not to worry right? Because I'm a n/a automatic FC lol, and I really haven't got my engine HOT huh?)

Ok Chapter 2 Ends,
(sorry for novel, thanks for reading/ideas)
-Aaron W-

[PS - Everyone: family, friends (all have no knowledge of these beasts) telling me to walk away from the car this Summer... and say, "Hey you got your money's worth out of it." Ef man, I like this car, even though I don't have a mint condition one like half of your guys' this unique engine has grown onto me, and makes me feel different and special lol, and legit behind the wheel [even though I'm far from it Zzz] so some encouragement would be nice to hear! (and redirection to archive walk-throughs, be appreciated - Thanks again folks,

[Why can't I see my introduction post? Can you guys see it?]

WargFC88

Want to apologize because I think I've submitted my Introduction Post like 9 times, because I haven't seen it pop up Zzz, needs to be approved I guess? Or since I tried to upload it with pictures of my car? Anyways, sorry to the Admin. guy that deals with that, eek