3rd Generation Specific Talk about 3rd gen RX-7's here.

Antifreeze Keeps Dripping

Old Jun 1, 2005 | 09:32 PM
  #1  
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I replaced my lower radiator hose a year ago. But last week it started dripping out the upper end(the end that connects to the engine) of the lower hose. So I tightened the clamp, replaced the lower hose with a new one, sanded and steel wooled the aluminum piece that the lower radiator hose connects to and it still drips. Sanding and steel wooling the metal tube that this lower hose connects to did slow the drip. But the drip continues. I could put two clamps on it and it would still drip. Obviously I've replaced the coolant. What could be wrong?
Old Jun 1, 2005 | 11:18 PM
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that is kind of odd. i would inspect it again and try moving the clamps higher up
Old Jun 1, 2005 | 11:23 PM
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use worm drive clamps and not the gay stock ones
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 07:49 AM
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[quote name='rfreeman27' date='Jun 2 2005, 12:23 AM']use worm drive clamps and not the gay stock ones

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I've been using the worm drive clamps all along. I'm going to go back to a stock one since it actually worked at this spot.
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 08:06 AM
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Are you sure it's leaking at that connection? At the risk of suggesting the obvious, maybe check all the stuff that's above it. Maybe the thermosensor or temp sensor behind the WP housing? Or the throttle-body coolant line connects above there too. I know I've tracked down little leaks like that and the source can be pretty far away sometimes. Just a thought.
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 11:01 AM
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[quote name='Signal 2' date='Jun 2 2005, 09:06 AM']Are you sure it's leaking at that connection?
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Yes I'm sure. I've had my head right up there watching the coolant leak out of the lower radiator hose where it connects to the engine. I keep the upper part of the engine dry of all anti freeze and have looked up repeatedly for any signs of leakage from above. I just watch the drips come right out the top of the lower radiator hose while the engine is running and when I just turn it off.



I've tried both types of hose clamps(stock and screw) on it in high and low positions. I'm convinced that this is happening because there is too much pressure builiding up in the coolant system. Therefore the air with the coolant choose the path of least restistance which seems to be this radiator clamp on the lower hose. Well I guess I'll replace the two radiator caps and just for the heck of it the thermostat too. I've never had this problem before so I think it's something other than the new radiator hose and clamp.
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 02:25 PM
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[quote name='Signal 2' date='Jun 2 2005, 09:06 AM']Are you sure it's leaking at that connection?
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Umm your right. Dave Barninger of KD Rotory said that the antifreeze drip was probably coming from somewhere else. So I looked extra hard and saw the stream of water coming from the water pump shaft. I guess that means it's time for a new waterpump. Is the dealer the best place to get a one?
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