wedgenix

B18C1/JDM B16, JR Supercharger ('95 GSR)

I got my air:fuel too lean a couple weeks ago and ran hot . No performance degredation so I don't think it ran hot very long, but by the time I noticed the temp guage it was pegged. I stopped immediately, had no water to run over the radiator so I had no choice but to just turn the car off, call a ride, and check the damage after work.

I enriched the fuel back to where it was when it ran fine (APEXi V-AFC unit), added coolant, and it fired up and the temp stayed normal, drove it for 2 10-mile trips w/ no noticable problems....except a puddle of coolant dripping somewhere from the back of the motor. No coolant in oil, no oil in coolant, no noticable performance drop...just the leak.

I couldn't tell exactly where the leak was coming from, and since I purchased this car used a month ago and don't know that much about it, I decided to start tearing it down til I found the problem. When I removed the supercharger and intake, one intake nut was finger tight and 2 other nuts on the same side (dizzy side....where the water jacket is) were way loose as well...there were also signs of leakage in that general area (#4 cylinder side) but no "leak trails" near the head gasket, so I felt I found the leak. I ordered another supercharger to intake gasket and a hondata heatshield gasket for the intake, reassembled everything and poof.....not a damn bit of difference and I still have a leak.

The reason I'm posting in the forced induction forum is in hopes someone knows a trick or three to see behind and under the damn intake/charger to see exactly where it's leaking. It leaks immediately, well before it warms up or the thermostat opens. Currently, I'm suspecting the O-Ring where the water pipe hits the thermostat housing...but I've never had one apart (I've done a lot on smerican V8s but I'm brand spanking new to imports) and heard they were a major PITA to change. All I have on the car is a Haynes manual which doesn't help too much...I've never laid an eyeball on a Helms. Does a Helms go in to more detail? When I had the intake off, I really couldn't even tell how that damn water pipe even fits in (or how it comes off). The water pipe is easilly moved back and forth between the firewall and block about 1/2" by hand...is that normal?

Is it possible to pressure test the cooling system with the intake off (perhaps by blocking any hoses removed)? I will be picking up a pressure tester today after work and am certain I can get it to leak with everything still bolted on....I just can't see under the intake. Any of you supercharged freaks know any tricks to see around corners? Would an inspection mirror be enough? (will also be picking up one of those today)

Thanks for the tips, sorry for the long post (didn't want to leave anything out)

98civic94gsr

I have the same problem and I didn't take the main water pipe off or twist it much either. Mine doesn't seem to leak until the car is warmed up and then I shut the car off and let it sit for a while and then thiers a huge puddle underneath car. I took off oil filter can't see ****. I guess I'll try to take the damn oil box off. That one hose is a bitch though.

Any help?
Maybe trying to twist the pipe or something.

Thanks,
98civic94gsr

Weq

sounds liek its leaking from the IM gasket or one of the various other mainw ater lines that sit under the IM

98civic94gsr

Why do you say that versus the main water pipe?


Thanks,
98civic94gsr