reality_storm

iTrader: (1)

Planning on refreshing my car completely, just got it back from the shop after two weeks for a complete transmission rebuild. Just got my oil changed and the guys at Jiffy Lube told me that there is a radiator coolant leak with coolant getting into my oil.

I have been planning on buying a rebuilt engine and replacing everything at that time. I have been planning on buying parts slowly then having them installed all at once at the time of engine install. I have bought (but not installed)a new radiator and fan (Mizu rad and fan), racing beat silicone hoses, Turbo XS header, catless down pipe, and CBE, Mazmart water pump, Greddy oil pan, AP under driven pulley, RotaryFX lightened A/C and alternator Pulleys, performance belts, Cobb Accessport, Raceroots motor mounts, 200 amp alternator from Quality Power.

I have already installed a new clutch (F1 Stage 3) and fly-wheel (F1 light flywheel), AFE SS, Race Roots LS1 ignition kit with new plugs, Race Roots synchro saver.

So the Jiffy Lube technician told me he didn't think the radiator leak was too significant, but I am starting to think that I should go ahead and have the new radiator and hoses installed now. and I figure I might as well have the full header back installed as well. Am I ok gambling and not installing now or should I bite the bullet?

TIA!

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

1) Can you confirm that there is coolant in your oil? Jiffy Lube is well documented for unreliability (why would you even take it there?!?)
2) If that is the issue, it's new engine time.

reality_storm

iTrader: (1)

I'm very good at what I do, which is unfortunately not cars. I'm no mechanic, however, they did show me the dipstick and it appeared that there was more than just oil. Coolant leak means new engine for sure? I was hoping to hold out for another 3-6 months as I am planning on getting the Racing Beat lightened rotors and new rotor housings. This pinches the savings account a bit, but you gotta do what you gotta do I guess. I'll take the car to another shop to confirm, will keep you updated. I brought to Jiffy Lube because I was getting the engine oil light and didn't have time to go anywhere else. I usually find that Jiffy Lube does a decent job at oil, and with military discount it isn't too much. Thanks for the info.

ThatNewGuy

iTrader: (2)

I bet most of those guys haven't ever dealt with an 8.
On the earlier models there was an issue with condensation in the dipstick tube..causing that chocolate milkshake buildup..it's probably not coolant in the oil.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

They probably showed you white milky looking substance on your dipstick and it is a common issue. There is a Technical Service bulletin that addresses it and it is not a problem, it's just condensation getting into the oil.

The guys at Jiffy Lube are not mechanics. Find a decent mechanic to service your car, you will be thankful later on.

reality_storm

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the advice, that's exactly what they showed me. I've been looking, but there aren't any rotary specialty shops in my area (a couple of rx-7 places ~ 1+ hour away). With the prices that the dealer gouges you on (and many know very little about the RX-8 also) I had hoped to avoid them and have been doing some of the DIYs on this site. I won't sweat the leak then as it sounds like that's what I have and will look at sticking to my original timeline. Thanks for the help guys.

wcs

iTrader: (2)

I'm curious ... you say that you have already "installed a bunch of stuff" (and it's cool stuff) and you have a bunch of other stuff that you have "bought" and is waiting to be installed (more good stuff).
You're going buy a reman engine so you can do a complete "redo" (and I do like all the stuff you've bought, FYI the pulleys are a rip-off, but go big or go home I guess).

Yet ... YET!
Wait for it

wait
wait

Yet you take your car to Jiffy lube and you have never heard of the RX8 Foam on the Dipstick issue.

Dude I'm sorry, I know my post is douche-baggish but something stinks here

reality_storm

iTrader: (1)

Not getting a reman engine, I'm going to get a rebuild from one of the retailers from this site. I've been talking to RIP. I've also considered getting firsttowin.com (semi local) to rebuild my engine for me. I also understand that gains are minimal from pulleys on the RX8, however, if I'm getting a rebuilt, I might as well replace everything.
I can change the oil myself, not too difficult, but I don't have a place to do so at home (my garage is full, my wife claims I'm a bit of a hoarder) and I just don't have the time to take it to the workshop on base, not with two toddlers and a three day old. I've never had a problem with Jiffy lube as far as getting oil changes, I find them to be perfectly competent at that. With my military discount I also find them to be fairly reasonable. I wasn't sure about what the tech said, hence I posted here. I have only owned my RX8 since September, was an STi owner previously, and am only now starting to learn all of the idiosyncrasies of the rotary. I hadn't even thought to search for condensation appearing in the oil. I assumed that something getting into the oil was bad and thought I would ask here if it meant that I needed to fast forward my engine replacement schedule. Thankfully it appears that I don't. I'm not sure why someone would want to come on here and pretend to own an RX8 with a made up problem.