2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Koyo Radiator Failure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-12-07 | 01:58 PM
  #1  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
Koyo Radiator Failure

I recently heard the low coolant buzzer going off so I checked to see what was causing it. It seems to be leaking by the threads on the coolant level sensor.
From what I can tell, there seems to be a plastic insert for the threads that some how broke and will not allow me to unscrew the coolant sensor.

My question is, has anyone heard of this or had it happen to them?
If so, HELP!! Does anyone know where they sell replacement parts?
Old 11-12-07 | 02:02 PM
  #2  
brooklynfc3s's Avatar
Full Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn ny
Get a stock radiator, and a stock clutch fan and shrowd. Nothing like this will ever happen to you again.
Old 11-12-07 | 02:22 PM
  #3  
J-Rat's Avatar
Alcohol Fueled!
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,093
Likes: 2
From: Hood River oregon
My wife's vert came with a Koyo. It just started randomly leaking at the point where the bars meet the end plate.

Not too impressed with Koyo at the moment.
Old 11-12-07 | 04:03 PM
  #4  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
I could, but then my radiator wouldn't be as efficient
Old 11-12-07 | 05:40 PM
  #5  
Noel Caraballo's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
koyo radiators are 100% pure aluminum they dont use a plastic threads for the level sensor. You sure its a koyo? Now the stock sender piece has plactic threads on it which i think its a shitty design, that could be your stripped peice.
Old 11-12-07 | 05:46 PM
  #6  
NoDOHC's Avatar
Automatic = Power drain

 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Were you having trouble with the car overheating? If not, your efficiency is basically a waste (lower radiator temps do not make the engine run better).

Because the thermostat controls the engine temperature, as long as the radiator is adequate to keep the car from overheating, it is fully sufficient (a bigger radiator does not make a colder engine).

Actually, the under-engine pan and the skirts coming down from the hood latch make more difference for overheating than the radiator, as they channel air through the radiator at highway speeds.
Old 11-12-07 | 09:50 PM
  #7  
Badmofo3000's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
I in the same boat with RevinRx7, I snapped the plastic bleeder screw on my Koyo, does anybody know any ONLINE store that sells Koyo spare parts?
Old 11-12-07 | 09:54 PM
  #8  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
Originally Posted by Noel Caraballo
koyo radiators are 100% pure aluminum they dont use a plastic threads for the level sensor. You sure its a koyo? Now the stock sender piece has plactic threads on it which i think its a shitty design, that could be your stripped peice.
There's a big KOYO stamped on the top of the tank, so I assume it is . I didn't buy it, came with the car.
There appears to be a white nylon ring under the level sensor though, and it turns with the level sensor. The sensor neither tightens nor loosens.

If this piece were stripped don't you think the sensor would come out?

Originally Posted by NoDHC
Were you having trouble with the car overheating? If not, your efficiency is basically a waste (lower radiator temps do not make the engine run better).
No. It came with the car. I have plans for the car and its a safety precaution
Old 11-12-07 | 10:08 PM
  #9  
88turbotime's Avatar
I'd hit it.
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by brooklynfc3s
Get a stock radiator, and a stock clutch fan and shrowd. Nothing like this will ever happen to you again.
I've never heard anyone recommend a stock radiator for an rx-7. Usually people say thats the first thing that should go
Old 11-12-07 | 10:51 PM
  #10  
NJGreenBudd's Avatar
rx-for-my-7
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 15
From: New Jersey
i have heard good things about the stock radiator, and more good things about the stock fan/ shroud. I hear more about over heating with e-fans and aftermarket rads that the stock setup.

Post pics of the broken piece so we cans ee what your looking at, might be more clear then.
Old 11-12-07 | 11:38 PM
  #11  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
Pics tomorrow
Old 11-12-07 | 11:43 PM
  #12  
Silverfc88's Avatar
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 3
From: Travis AFB, CA to Okinawa, Japan
Originally Posted by Badmofo3000
I in the same boat with RevinRx7, I snapped the plastic bleeder screw on my Koyo, does anybody know any ONLINE store that sells Koyo spare parts?


I did the same thing some time back. I just replaced it with a bolt and just used the same gasket.
Old 11-12-07 | 11:47 PM
  #13  
rx7legend's Avatar
Fc3s 4 life
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
i was having problems with my stock radiator on my TII so i decided to get a koyo and an e-fan. have to say one of the best mods ive done till today.
Old 11-13-07 | 12:47 AM
  #14  
Juiceh's Avatar
Saiga-12 Power!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 0
From: N of Chicago
Originally Posted by J-Rat
My wife's vert came with a Koyo. It just started randomly leaking at the point where the bars meet the end plate.

Not too impressed with Koyo at the moment.
I had the same thing happen to a koyo. What radiator are you running J-Rat?
Old 11-13-07 | 12:52 AM
  #15  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
Originally Posted by Badmofo3000
I in the same boat with RevinRx7, I snapped the plastic bleeder screw on my Koyo, does anybody know any ONLINE store that sells Koyo spare parts?
You actually sound like you have a completely different problem than I do. This isn't the bleeder screw.
I guess we both may need to find parts.
Old 11-13-07 | 01:11 AM
  #16  
RETed's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 26,664
Likes: 19
From: n
Something interesting you guys might want to check...

To the OP, it sounds like the sealing washer failed...



-Ted
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
electrolysis.pdf (57.5 KB, 359 views)
Old 11-13-07 | 01:26 AM
  #17  
Phantomkid's Avatar
Senior Member

 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
From: united states
i got an error on that ted....
Old 11-13-07 | 02:09 AM
  #18  
RETed's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 26,664
Likes: 19
From: n
It's a PDF file...

Do you have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer?

Here, I've converted it to jpg's...


-Ted
Attached Thumbnails Koyo Radiator Failure-electrolysis01.jpg   Koyo Radiator Failure-electrolysis02.jpg  
Old 11-20-07 | 03:06 PM
  #19  
RevinRx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Concerned Citizen
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Miltown, WI
Yep I finally got it out today. The plastic threads on the Coolant level sensor were broken. Anyone know a decent place to find a new one?
Old 11-20-07 | 04:27 PM
  #20  
Noel Caraballo's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
mazdatrix
Old 11-20-07 | 05:35 PM
  #21  
Syncro's Avatar
Buildup Thread Encourager
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
I've got the same problem, but mine is much less severe... for now. I can tell coolant is escaping but I have yet to have to add any more (9 months and counting).
Old 11-20-07 | 05:47 PM
  #22  
freemanrx7's Avatar
^Hold On

 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 1
From: eureka
Originally Posted by RevinRx7
Yep I finally got it out today. The plastic threads on the Coolant level sensor were broken. Anyone know a decent place to find a new one?
Your local mazda dealer. Make sure to use a new gasket!
Old 11-20-07 | 06:20 PM
  #23  
stevensimon's Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,575
Likes: 6
From: salt lake ut
Originally Posted by J-Rat
My wife's vert came with a Koyo. It just started randomly leaking at the point where the bars meet the end plate.

Not too impressed with Koyo at the moment.
mine did the same thing.. had to take it to a rad shop to get it welded up
Old 11-20-07 | 08:12 PM
  #24  
I wish I was driving!
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 84
From: BC, Canada
Originally Posted by RETed
Something interesting you guys might want to check...

To the OP, it sounds like the sealing washer failed...



-Ted
I like to install a sacrificial zinc anode with a new aluminum radiator or a new engine, as well as run a new block ground. The $10 anode is cheap insurance for your cooling system.
Old 11-21-07 | 12:15 PM
  #25  
Houpty GT's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
From: Rock Hill, South Carolina?
Originally Posted by scathcart
I like to install a sacrificial zinc anode with a new aluminum radiator or a new engine, as well as run a new block ground. The $10 anode is cheap insurance for your cooling system.
This is wrong. Aluminum is more reactive than zinc or iron. So your radiator is sacrificing itself to save your zinc.


Quick Reply: Koyo Radiator Failure



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:00 PM.