944turbo

Ok, I dont post here often, I did a search (3-4 of them actually) and I have a question or two.

I have been chasing a low coolant problem for about 2 weeks, it became apparent the problem was the plastic filler neck. Of course, one of the bolts holding it in place sheared in hald, the tap broke off in the bolt, etc. I therefore bought an entire new WP housing (a great deal from MAZDA BTW, new WP, thermostat, housing, etc for about 235.00) and replaced it. I am no car novice, bled the system 4 times, replaced all the hoses clamps, etc.

I have chased down two leaks which were pretty obvious with my pressure tester.

The buzzer still goes on and off. I removed the low coolant sensor from the top of the radiator today and that sucker looks to be in BAD shape, not to mention I could not get it to seal properly. Two different Mazda dealers have given me prices on the sensor and both seemed VERY high. One was 180 bucks give or take. I have had numerous RX7s and I could have swore that sensor was only 40 bucks or so.

1) Does anyone have a picture of what the sensor should look like, with the wiring coming out of the sensor for an S5 Vert?

2) Does anyone have the P/N and approximate cost of the sensor handy?

Car runs and drives fine, does not overheat (despite the ever so slight leak from the sensor) but the sensor is in clear need of replacement so I suppose that is my next step.

WAYNE88N/A

I can help you with one item- if you torque down that sensor on it's seal more than, say, 20 in/lb, they will leak on you. Just go finger tight, then another 1/4 turn, and try it again. The more you tighten her, the more she'll leak, because you're deforming the seal.

944turbo

Wayne, thanks for the information, can you say too little too late

This sensor is tore up in the threads, I believe the PO might have overtorqued it and I know I have recently as well. I have got it to where it only leaks the tiniest bit but it needs to be replaced.

944turbo

friendly bump, man things get pages deep here in a hurry.

jimmyv13

I've got an extra sensor on my shelf. It worked fine in my 87 TII, but I don't know if it's compatible with an S5 system. If you want it, PM or email me, jveillett@emich.edu.

SureShot

It's just a metal pin that dips into the coolant, with a wire soldered on.
If the radiator threads are stripped anyway, just JB-weld the thing in place.

944turbo

Jimmy - thanks for the offer, I will try to find out if it works.

Sureshot - the threads on the SENSOR are stripped (and broken) not the radiator. AFAIK, it is exactly as you describe a pin with a wire. I prefer not to half *** work by JB welding it. I would prefer to replace it BUT I dont have a PN and the local dealer is stocked full of idiots.