Oil cooler thermostat help???
08-09-12, 12:55 AM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: San Diego
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oil cooler thermostat help???
Hey club, I was doing a simple oil change today which I accomplished. Also figured that I change out my crush washer on the drain plug on my oil cooler since it was causing an annoying weapage or leakage, not bad but it annoyed me. What I did not expect is that the thermostat popped out with a spring as the remaining oil did as I removed the plug. Anyways I then took the washer and took to my nearest auto-part store to see if they had any in stock for replacement. They had washers but it was a hair to small. So no help. I'm going to have to order it online or something. That being said I've just installed everything together and yes using the old washer.. I fired my baby up and boom the leak was worse then before. it was like leaking 4 drops a second oppose to 1 drop every 20 seconds. Sucks. Did I install the thermostat incorrectly or the washer is the situation. I tighten the plug as tight as I possibly good. My real question is, there any diagrams or specs about the oil cooler system. I tried looking everywhere. 
Last edited by Dr!freak; 08-09-12 at 01:12 AM. Reason: Add pic
08-09-12, 06:53 PM
#2
This is my social media.
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: WA
Posts: 2,744
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is not the place to post a technical issue. Be sure to search for or post technical issues here -> RX7Club.com > 2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
I had this issue around November of last year. I too went around to different auto parts stores and even hardware stores. No luck. I had to order a new aluminum crush washer from Mazda. (Roughly $6 and some change.) - This didn't fix my issue... The leak was actually worse. I completely removed the oil cooler. I thoroughly cleaned around the oil cooler line bungs and oil cooler thermostat bung. After a very close visual inspection, I noticed two hairline cracks in the threading of the oil cooler thermostat bung. Swapped in a used oil cooler and properly reinstalled everything. I've had no leaks since.
I advise that you remove the oil cooler, unless you're able to get a very good visualization of the threads and bung.
Looking at your picture... If you installed the spring onto the thermostat the way it is sitting and then stuck the bottom of the thermostat into the threaded plug, then you installed it properly. The link below will give you a pretty decent idea of how it should be installed.
Page 2-16 -> Foxed.ca FREE FSM: 1988 Mazda RX-7 - Lubrication System
I had this issue around November of last year. I too went around to different auto parts stores and even hardware stores. No luck. I had to order a new aluminum crush washer from Mazda. (Roughly $6 and some change.) - This didn't fix my issue... The leak was actually worse. I completely removed the oil cooler. I thoroughly cleaned around the oil cooler line bungs and oil cooler thermostat bung. After a very close visual inspection, I noticed two hairline cracks in the threading of the oil cooler thermostat bung. Swapped in a used oil cooler and properly reinstalled everything. I've had no leaks since.
I advise that you remove the oil cooler, unless you're able to get a very good visualization of the threads and bung.
Looking at your picture... If you installed the spring onto the thermostat the way it is sitting and then stuck the bottom of the thermostat into the threaded plug, then you installed it properly. The link below will give you a pretty decent idea of how it should be installed.
Page 2-16 -> Foxed.ca FREE FSM: 1988 Mazda RX-7 - Lubrication System
