Hi guys,

I have tried to search for replacing thermostat but there are threads on this but not on the actual steps which is what I need. So I need a little help. Maybe because it it too easy of a task to have a thread but thanks in advance, I am a newbie.

I just got the Mazda Genius Thermostat delivered to my place today (got it from rx7story.net) so I am trying to replace it myself. Can someone walk me through the steps please? I have read about the pin on top needs to be pulled all the way up during the installation but I don't know the details of how or what to do.

Do I have to refill or flush the coolant since there will be some coolant coming out when I took off the hose to get to the thermostat?

Please walk me through this, thanks a lot!

David
car is 88 NA vert

 

Jiggle pin goes at the 2 o'clock position. Make sure the surface where the o-ring goes is nice and clean. It is pretty straight forward.

Also, I can't stress this enough...USE NEW BOLTS and lockwashers. The mazda stock bolts are flimsy. Get some zinc chromate M6-1.0 bolts and lockwashers to put the filler neck back on. Zinc chromate bolts are yellow/gold in color.

As for the second question, yes you are going to have to burp the system.

 

I still don't quite get the jiggle pin thing, and do I leave the pressure cap on the rad hose on when un-clamping and removing the hose from the thermostat housing?

I am Still a bit confused.

 

Sorry to thread jack but is kinda relivent.

Mazdatrix doesnt' sell the S5 (at least the turbo) OEM thermostat anymore, something about the ruber failing. They sell the Stant as a replacement, which of course can be bought at just about any shucks/checker/kragen now O'reillys which used to be a local chain called Al's.

 

The stock bolts suck ***, they almost ruined my threads.....

And yes, get the stant at the local parts store. Make sure to get the "super stant" or whatever they call it now. It's the better made one.

 

I think he already bought a mazda t-stat.

Post a picture of your thermostat you bought if you have one...I'll photoshop some thing on it for you to help.

 

1. Go to the FAQ page in the 2nd Generation Specific forum.
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/frequently-asked-questions-2nd-generation-rx-7-faq-fc-494667/
2. Click on the Manuals & Links hyperlink.
3. Click on one of the shop manual links for your car.
4. Go to Chapter 3. See the instructions for the THERMOSTAT on page 3-13. Yes, there are even pictures!
5. Prior to reinstalling the thermostat cover, go to Chapter 30, page 30-6 of the manual, and see the TIGHTENING TORQUE for the thermostat cover. If you don't have a torque wrench, then buy one, rent one, or borrow one. You will be VERY sorry if you attempt to work on your car without one. I recommend the "click" type as opposed to the dial type.
6. When you add more coolant, see the anti-freeze specifications on page 3-6. Also note that the manual calls for soft (demineralized) water. You can buy distilled water at your local grocery store for about $1/gal. I like to pre-mix the coolant and water in a clean used water or coolant jug, then use a black marker to write the mix ratio on the jug so I don't forget what is in it.
7. To "burp" the system, with the filler cap and air bleeder plug removed, follow steps 6 thru 8 on page 3-6. Be sure to use a screwdriver that properly fits the air bleeder plug, and be careful not to over-tighten it to the point that something cracks.
8. When finished, tell all your friends about this piece of ancient but useful technology called a "manual", and how it helped you to succeed.

 

thanks a bunch Evil Aviator and jjwalker. that helps a lot, and yes....I did forget the ancient but useful "manual". haha. Evil you are the best.