Coolant Puddle Passenger Footwell

[rotatopotato]

As the title says, I've discovered a large pool of coolant (judging by the taste) in the passenger footwell, which I can only assume is a leaking heater matrix.

So.... how much of a bitch is it to replace, assuming it is replaceable?

Additionally, I think I will probably be putting the car up for sale once this issue is fixed - it's passed my threshold of patience, though ironically I've not had a single problem with the engine (it has performed faultlessly!). Of course, that view will change if sorting out this heater issue isn't the end of the world.

[rotatopotato]

It could be the matrix, or it could just be a hose.

What it won't be is the heater control valve, as the RX-8 always runs the coolant through the matrix, and controls cabin heat with the airflow, unlike many early cars that would control the coolant flow, via a valve that often seized/leaked.

Also double check that it isn't screen wash, or a/c condensate.

[rotatopotato]

A/C is dead/disconnected so definitely not that. Screen wash Reservoir hasn't dropped enough to account for the volume of water, and I forgot to mention the coolant level does appear to have dropped. I've had a sloshing noise on and off when starting the car since owning it, so I guess air has been getting in for a while. Its possible this has been happening steadily for a while and I haven't noticed it.

If it's a hose, do you mean a hose coming into the cabin to the matrix? Can I get at them to check without a full dash disassembly?

[BigPete]

It's a pig of a job to do either and yes the dash has to come out.

[rotatopotato]

I had a feeling that might be the case

Any recommendations for an RX-8 friendly mechanic in/near Glasgow? I think I've reached the end of my tether of constantly fixing problems and I'm not keen on trying to sell it as-is!

[rotatopotato]

If you're not apart of the RX8 Scottish Owners club FB page. I'd ask on there for a bit of a more local idea. I know that Ben Taylor on there use to live near Glasgow and does mechanic RX8s. If not then someone else might be able to point you elsewhere.

[rotatopotato]

Cheers, I'll blow the dust off my fb login and join them to see what I can find

[350matt]

a can of kalimex / Kseal perhaps ?

[rotatopotato]

I'd only ever use something like that if I were stranded and it were the only option - those products ultimately ruin your cooling systen/engine.

[xamtex]

k seal in my experience is wonderful stuff that will fix most leaks...ive been using it for years with no short or long term problems.

[350matt]

I'd only ever use something like that if I were stranded and it were the only option - those products ultimately ruin your cooling systen/engine.

that is the case wth some of them I would agree ( rad seal)
however k-seal has no ill effects and I've used it many times

[rotatopotato]

OK, K Seal does appear to be a bit different from the usual stop-leak sh*t that fills your cores/galleries with mush. I'm still a bit hesitant to use it, but if there really is no long term issue then I guess it can't hurt to try. I see a few heater cores were blocked on the amazon reviews, I'm guessing they didn't open their heater up while running (and yes I know we don't need to turn our heaters on as coolant is always flowing through). There are also just as many/more people saying it fixed their heater core.

[xamtex]

i left water in my suzuki offroader over winter and put a 9 inch long crack in the block across the core plugs...put k seal in and i ran it hard overheating it on a regular basis and it was still sealed 3 years on when i sold it...its in norway now and as far as i know its still ok.

[rotatopotato]

I've given K Seal a go - replaced the coolant bottle at the same time with one that has a working level sensor. No dice, still droplets hitting the passenger side carpet running up the back length of the centre console.

Going by some of the reviews for K Seal I've ordered a second bottle to see if thats the extra help it needs, otherwise back to square one.

Cheers for the recommendation/reviews folks.

[350matt]

it will take a some time for the K-seal to work I've found you have to run the engine with the leak for at least 30 mins once its at temp

[rotatopotato]

Aye that'd be at least how long I ran it yesterday, including a drive with several beeps. Hopefully it is just a delayed effect, really not keen on taking that all apart

[rotatopotato]

So still a piddle?

I've found that 2-3 drive cycles are needed to form a reliable seal.

Sent from my SM-G398FN using Tapatalk

[rotatopotato]

Aye, it's just the odd droplet while running, though I haven't checked what it's like this morning - i remember from my youth having coolant leaks that piddle while running and then dump once the car shuts off and the pressure drops (or maybe it peaks for a moment when the engine is shutoff and the coolant stops circulating?).

I'll give it a few more runs and dump in the second bottle of K Seal, see where I get to. It certainly seems like the kind of leak K Seal should handle judging by the reviews, as I say it's just droplets.

[rotatopotato]

Second bottle doesn't seem to be necessary, some more driving and the drips appear to have stopped. Hurrah K Seal!