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07-28-03, 10:19 PM
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New to the Forum
Hi everyone! 
I just bought an RX-7 and have no experience. It's a beautiful car and I'm sure it just needs a little love and money!
I'm getting the add coolant warning due to a clogged radiator says the Dealer here. They recommend that I flush it and replace the thermostat. No sign of damage to the engine or seals. It's got 115k on it now.
Well, I live in New Orleans and it is now Summer. I expect to be in stop and go traffic with the AC on full.
I have read some things about these cars running hot. Does anyone have any experience and advice about radiators and cooling? Is there a better radiator at a reasonable price?
I looked at this pre buyer checklist here...
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm
...and fortunately it looks like this car is not subject to most of the common pitfalls. The body and finish are great as is the interior.
I would also appreciate any good links for parts and info...
tia
I just bought an RX-7 and have no experience. It's a beautiful car and I'm sure it just needs a little love and money!
I'm getting the add coolant warning due to a clogged radiator says the Dealer here. They recommend that I flush it and replace the thermostat. No sign of damage to the engine or seals. It's got 115k on it now.
Well, I live in New Orleans and it is now Summer. I expect to be in stop and go traffic with the AC on full.
I have read some things about these cars running hot. Does anyone have any experience and advice about radiators and cooling? Is there a better radiator at a reasonable price?
I looked at this pre buyer checklist here...
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm
...and fortunately it looks like this car is not subject to most of the common pitfalls. The body and finish are great as is the interior.
I would also appreciate any good links for parts and info...
tia
07-28-03, 10:26 PM
#2
Welcome 
Draining the coolant system would be a good idea, and when you do, replace the rad cap and thermostat with OEM mazda units ONLY! Never use the "stant" or whatever else generic brand. You can get these and almost any other stock part for your car at www.mazdatrix.com
Also, the stock radiator is actually pretty good, but there are a few aftermarket alternatives, such as koyo ot fluidyne. Make sure that the clutch fan is still working (should kick on occasionally during idle, keeping the temp steady) Your temp gauge should stay steady at about 1/3 the way up on 86-88 cars, and about 1/2 the way up on 89-91. Unless of course you have a turbo2, where you will have no stock coolant temp gauge.
Draining the coolant system would be a good idea, and when you do, replace the rad cap and thermostat with OEM mazda units ONLY! Never use the "stant" or whatever else generic brand. You can get these and almost any other stock part for your car at www.mazdatrix.com
Also, the stock radiator is actually pretty good, but there are a few aftermarket alternatives, such as koyo ot fluidyne. Make sure that the clutch fan is still working (should kick on occasionally during idle, keeping the temp steady) Your temp gauge should stay steady at about 1/3 the way up on 86-88 cars, and about 1/2 the way up on 89-91. Unless of course you have a turbo2, where you will have no stock coolant temp gauge.
Last edited by Rxmfn7; 07-28-03 at 10:29 PM.
07-29-03, 01:32 AM
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Originally posted by Rxmfn7
Welcome
Draining the coolant system would be a good idea, and when you do, replace the rad cap and thermostat with OEM mazda units ONLY! Never use the "stant" or whatever else generic brand. You can get these and almost any other stock part for your car at www.mazdatrix.com
Welcome
Draining the coolant system would be a good idea, and when you do, replace the rad cap and thermostat with OEM mazda units ONLY! Never use the "stant" or whatever else generic brand. You can get these and almost any other stock part for your car at www.mazdatrix.com
Also... anyone around here from New Orleans?
07-29-03, 04:09 AM
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thermostats are here http://www.mazdatrix.com/b9.htm
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07-29-03, 01:49 PM
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Yep, you should be fine after a flush, fill & new thermo...Check the other fluids too, Rear diff, full tuneup, gear fluids...Take care of her & she will you!
Good luck/skill!
Good luck/skill!
07-29-03, 02:50 PM
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Thanks Dougster, but it will be all luck... not skill! 
I'm gonna get the original radiator rodded out, but if it should fail.... will a replacement radiator do? 160.00 at the shop.
It's not a Turbo.
I'm gonna get the original radiator rodded out, but if it should fail.... will a replacement radiator do? 160.00 at the shop.
It's not a Turbo.
08-04-03, 09:18 PM
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Originally posted by Fel
I found the rad cap at mazdatrix but not the thermostat. Any ideas?
Also... anyone around here from New Orleans?
I found the rad cap at mazdatrix but not the thermostat. Any ideas?
Also... anyone around here from New Orleans?
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