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.

 

Be carefull with tightening too much, i already broke one oil cooler and made hair-crack in threads for thermostat.....

Diagram you can find in FSM :

http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/19...ION_SYSTEM.pdf

 

Yeah, you have to tighten the plug as lightly as possible because the aluminum will split the second you pick up the ratchet. You don't even have to put the ratchet near the oil cooler. Just get it close and think "tighten" and the aluminum splits.

IIRC that washer was aluminum so it is hard to anneal (soften) but if it is a cooper one you can heat it with a torch until it glows dark red and dunk it. That'll soften it so that it'll seal. But since you' tightened it as hard as you possibly could the washer probably doesnt matter.

 

mazdatrix sells the washer you need but it sounds like its to late for that.

 

Yes thanks guys. I ended using an used cooler. $20 cant beat that and it was in good condition. I was told you werent suppose to touch that plug where the thermostat sits. But oh well Ivwe fixed the prob. Turned out there was a fine crack along the threads that was causing the leak. Much like hiGGI's problem.