Ok so I have a 2004 mazda rx8... well for some reason smoke that smells like coolant comes out of my handbrake.... it comes out constantly and is very strong... another problem.. it never happened until i starting getting on the interstate alot to go to college, but when i would be at high revs the red radiator light would pop up, but only at high revs. over time, now the light even comes on when i'm at 3000 rpm.. If anyone knows whats going on I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks,
a guy in need

 

when was the last time you checked your coolant level?
I would check for a leak / failure in the cooling system such as a loose / torn hose.

Is it leaking anything on the floor?
overheating?

 

are you loosing any coolant?
Read this https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=3638906

 

The radiator level light is a known problem, mine comes on all the time. Especially at highway revs. Only thing i can think of is if its getting to hott and starts venting out the hose by the cap. Then if you have a gap in the seal around ur shifted that's ur smell

 

It's leaking somewhere.

 

Radiator light as said is a known issue. The float inside the bottle looses bouyancy over time. The cure there is..............
1.) Buy a new bottle(the sensor is part of it)
2.) Unplug it(which will turn off the light), and check your fluid often.
3.) You can try cleaning/flushing the bottle out. This seems to work for awhile.

Now, your other issue. The much bigger one!

1.) You are overfilling the bottle and it's dumping out the overflow tube and somehow getting so that it makes it up through the handbrake area. This IMO isn't very likely.
2.) You have a hole in a hose somewhere. (This is my guess)
3.) You are blowing a seal(not good and worse case!)

So..........any coolant smell in the exhaust?
Are you overfilling the bottle?
Do you see puddles under the car and if so..............where?
Assuming you aren't overfilling.......How much coolant are you loosing?

 

hey man, If you dont have it fixed by next weekend. I will be more than happy to help you out. I live near nippers corner in brentwood and work in franklin, so its not to far. just let me know.

 

I think he has a coolant leak on the rear rotor housing. Its not easy to get to or to inspect FYI.

 

Could be an expansion plug, I just had them replaced. I didn't have the smoke coming in the cabin but I did have a coolant smell with no puddle under the car.

 

ok, well my phone number is 615 967 6532... name is jimmy. I appreciate all of the info and posts. I will definately need help bro. My father owns a car repair shop.. but it's funny how none of the mechanics want to even touch the rotary engine!

 

alright bud. I will give you a call after this crazy weekend is over and set up a time when i can come take a look at it.

 

Yeah Doc........I hope that ain't it!
Was trying to make sure it was nothing relatively easy first.
Expansion plug would be nice.

Good things....................if dad own shop, then tools, lift, etc, are available AND it's nice to see a fellow local member step up and try to help! Kudo's!!!!!!

Good luck guys! Let us know what happens please.

 

^ will do bud.. I am a tech at a ford dealership and I know my way around rotaries since i have owned them for 4 1/2 years now and friends in the rotary performance business.

 

Alright, sure appreciate the help you guys!

 

i dont get what you mean under your user name. 13b 3rotor?

 

Dropping the transmission to fix it would be nice??

 

i meant 13b 2 rotor! hahah I'm swapping the engine out after college! well atleast that's the plan! new engine drop and hopefully boost!

 

As opposed to a blown seal and needing a rebuilt motor and/or yanking for new seals.
I guess it's all relative.

 

Haha, ok fair enough.

 

you guys I need front, rear, and sides pictures of a black rx8.... anyone who knows how to get me one please let me know... thanks

 

hey man, i just texted you