My 1990 non-turbo RX-7 got a rebuilt engine in 2003 @ 108K miles when the factory tip seals failed.

The rebuilt engine came from Hayes Rotary Engineering near me in Redmond, WA. The engine has been fine, until now. Hayes has since gone out of business.

At 130K, the engine suddenly began running very badly and producing clouds of mist out the tailpipes. The mist smells strongly of antifreeze.

If this were a piston engine, I would look for a blown head gasket. But with the rotary, what kind of failure would cause this? Any guesses would be appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Jim Russell
Seattle, WA

 

almost every time water vapor comes out the back of a rotory, it means that the rubber "o" ring that seals the water ports between the rotor housings, has failed. before you take the motor apart, check real good around the turbos for any leaking water connections. good luck. jim