Hi guys can you help me out here i am trying to replace my temp sensor because my auto shop said it was leaking on the top of the radiator. So i took off what i thought was the right part but it doesn't look the same. Now i broke off a wire going to it can you tell me what i did?

 

What you have there is the Water Temp sensor that goes into the rear iron underneath the oil filter I believe. I believe that top radiator sensor you're trying to remove is the coolant level indicator that tells you if you're running low on coolant in the radiator.

 

well rock auto was selling it as a temp sensor

 

Correct, RockAuto sold you the coolant temp sensor.

Your mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about, because the top sensor on the radiator isn't a coolant temp sensor - I believe it's the coolant level sender.

So you bought the wrong part, after the mechanic told you incorrectly that the sensor on the top of the radiator is the coolant temp sender.

 

I still have the slip just trying to find it it said your temp sensor is leaking on top of the radiator or something like that. That is how i looked up the part to buy.

 

Or maybe they called it the wrong part it looks like it is leaking out of that spot does it need to be replaced?

 

Yeah, mechanic told you it was a temp sensor not knowing it is actually a level sensor.

Leaking out of the top of the radiator sensor? Then yeah, you should replace it.

 

Well if you can see in the second pic the antifreeze splatter around the sensor. So I guessing it is coming out of the sensor

 

There is a small rubber seal/o-ring that goes on that sensor on the radiator. That is probably deteriorated and is causing the leak. That sensor, as Dreams pointed out is the sensor for the low coolant warning light. It will most likely NOT be listed on "typical" parts sites, and would need to be purchased from the Mazda dealer or Mazdatrix etc. The seal itself might be listed separately and you could just replace that if you wanted.

 

Okay thanks but the wire came off of it while taking it off how do a reattach it?

 

The wire on the top of the coolant level sensor really isn't fixable. Even the wire on the new ones is very easy to break. Also, don't over tighten then new one. There made of plastic and easily striped.

Until you get a new one, put the old one back in and ground the connecting wire so the buzzer doesn't go off all the time.

 

Well my car is my garage right now getting other things fixed so i will fix it before driving. Where can i buy a new one of these?

 

RockAuto. Either search for part number #855315610B on the part number or use the Part Catalog tab -> Mazda -> 1985 -> RX-7 -> 1.1L R2 -> Cooling System -> Coolant Level Sensor

(TANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # FLS78 {#855315610B} Intermotor Category: Coolant Level Sensor $28.79

There might be cheaper places to find it.

If you ever have a question about geting the right part, just look them up at a site like this. It gives a breakout with pictures.
http://www.jimellismazdaparts.com/sh...roduct=1813072

 

weird when i looked it up the same part i bought came up as the coolant sensor.


1979 Mazda Rx-7 Coolant Temperature Sensor - Auto Parts Warehouse

 

The RockAuto one has the correct picture of what you need. I think the last one I bought (not sure where) it was only $15.

 

Okay but your did it under a 85 will it fit and work with a 79 sa thank you.

 

I don't see one listed on RockAuto for a 1979. I'm pretty sure the one I listed will work. Try looking it up at Jim Ellis Mazda.

 

Pretty cheap directly from Mazda.. Just find the part numbers and give them a call

 

I believe all the first gens (and even S4 FC's) use the same low coolant sensor. Honestly I've been running without one for years in all my cars, just keep an eye on the level when you check our oil, which should be regularly

Didn't realize rockauto had them though, good to know

 

According to Mazdatrix (who also sells them, ~$36) the water level sensor is the same across all RX-7's from 79-88.

The rubber seal is the same for all RX-7's 79-95; Trix has them for $3.01

Black Dragon has them too; way too much for the sensor, but only a buck or so for the seal.

Fragile and easy to break; definitely do NOT want to over-tighten. The large hex head encourages people to use a large wrench. They will snap clean off without half trying.

 

yep, same part number from 79-85, 8553-15-610A probably S4 FC too, although i didn't look.