Rmazda8

Hi clubbers, Finally found some time to tinker with car took some time to start , after doing the flood start procedure car finally started ,took for a spin on highway and it goes like a bat out of hell ,if the compression is low I wouldn't want to be in car if it goes any faster.It did backfire once when floored it and a big puff of blue smoke came out ,so from my reading on site would say possibly it needs apex seals .Car was loud because haven't hooked up exhaust pipes properly needs new gasket..Haven"t done compression test yet but will when get more time .trans seems little hesitant at times .So when got back home white smoke was coming from front end when idling for 5 mins not sure if coming from exhaust pipe or engine bay.Could the puff of smoke on highway be caused by coil packs just wondering, Thanks

UnknownJinX

I hope you don't have a catalytic converter on the car.

Have you checked if there is any oil in the intake?

White smoke could be either overfilled oil or coolant seals. How is the coolant level?

Rmazda8

Hi U Jinx, didn't check intake for oil but will soon also haven't checked water level just noticed that water level guage didn't move up, cat is hollow.

UnknownJinX

The water gauge in the dash is for water temperature, and it doesn't move until you are really overheating.

When the engine is cold, you should have coolant between the H and L lines on the reservoir.

Rmazda8

Thanks ,have to get some new gaskets for exhaust before take for another spin ,to check coolant level when hot ,hoping it was just coming from overflow why car was smoking in engine compartment .

Loki

iTrader: (1)

That would make sense. Make sure the coolant reservoir isn't cracked and the cap is holding pressure. You don't want it to lose pressure and cause an overheat.

Rmazda8

finally was able to get some gaskets for exhaust after slugging to get them on sound is much better but the one next to cat doesn't have good seal ,I think because the cat is not stock the fit is off so have to go under again and see what I can do. Well took for a spin after topping coolant up with half quart or so ,just noticed that there was a knock in engine area haven't noticed b4 ,hope it wasn't be because of low coolant.so when got home some smoke in front end coming up from just in front of air box wasn't as heavy as last drive , so shut engine off .When driving noticed that the auto trans kind of lagged when changing gears ,like its taking a few seconds to engage.When car was initially started it was smoking white smoke not sure if it was from it being cold after warm up seemed to clear up somewhat .Any one know what the springs on the exhaust joint is for ,Im assuming its for adjustment .

WinnipegSE3P

[...Any one know what the springs on the exhaust joint is for ,Im assuming its for adjustment .[/QUOTE]

The springs are there to allow play (wiggle room if you hit a bump or what not), on the exhaust system, allowing less stress on the welds.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

On startup, was the white smoke dense enough that you can't see through it, or light and whispy?

Rmazda8

the smoke seemed kind of light and whispy especially after driving it, that's from the rear exhaust on initial start up and also after driving in engine bay looks light and whispy also.Looked at oil didn't see any sign of water

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Well wait, if you still had smoking out of the exhaust after driving, that's not a good sign.

Rmazda8

I don't like it either, will have to try again tomorrow ,any idea with the knock , I know its not valves or crank ,what would it be on a rotary

Loki

iTrader: (1)

The intake valves (SSV, etc) can make a rapid taktaktaktaktak sound, which is harmless. Post a recording. Could be many things.

Rmazda8

starting has been good lately,Initially starting there was a whispy light smoke ,took for drive got back home ,no smoke from exhaust when parked and idling , smoke still in front end ,,noticed antifreeze on ground in morning after leaving over night below radiator ,maybe half cup or less . Still knocking sound but didn't hear it when idling at start up only after driving .I did a scan and 2 codes came up #### P0300 Random Misfire Detected #### AND ##### P0420 Catalyst System Efficiently Below Threshold {Bank 1] #####

Loki

iTrader: (1)

I would stop driving the car at this point. It's leaking coolant and misfiring, you're risking engine damage. Find the source of the leak and figure out why it misfires. You haven't mentioned if the ignition coils/wires/spark plugs have been replaced, or why the cat had to be replaced. Poor ignition kills cats first, engines second.

Rmazda8

not sure if coils have been changed ,just bought car only thing guy told me was he put new plugs , did check oil looked to be over fill line after driving ,maybe reason it is smoking on start up

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Have you already read about ignition problems on thsrt cars? Look into that The New Owners thread in the New Members section covers it at length.

Also on a rotary power is not linearly related to compression. Does the car restart easily when warm? If it does, your compression is high enough to at least not be a problem. Yet. But if it overheats, it's toast. That's why I'm suggesting to stop driving it until everything has been gone over.

Can you call the guy and ask about coils?

Rmazda8

THANKS will not drive it