I took my FD out for the first time in a couple weeks and noticed coolant leaking, soon after the low coolant warning came on. So, I took out the air box to check the upper radiator hose that had given me trouble before. From the looks of it the leak was coming from somewhere near where the upper radiator hose connected to the thermostat housing. Since the hose was old and I had already cut part of it off before to fix a leak I decided to order a new one from Mazda ($30). After installing the new hose I took it for a test run and it was still leaking pretty bad. So, I took off even more this time and saw that the coolant was leaking out around the top of the hose - and around a little thing that looked like the head of a bolt in the thermostat housing (turns out the hose clamp was cracked in the back where I couldn't see it). After a little research I found out that little thing that looked like a bolt was actually the coolant level sensor and they need to be completely replaced if they are leaking around the edges. So I went back to Mazda and ordered a new coolant level sensor and gasket and had them rush it ($70). I got the parts on Monday and I finally got it all back together today. Anyway the leak is fixed and I'm happy. Here is a picture of the coolant level sensor, it is a really small part and I'm pissed that it was so expensive. O well, I'm glad it doesn't leak anymore.



-Charlie

 

I actually spend the same 70 on the same thing. But with mine the wire to the sensor broke off right up next to the bolt side so it couldn't be sodered. Anyway, congrats.

 

I havn't had it happen to me but I have scene it on other cars. Be sure to burp your system properly.

 

tight bro ... you got yours fixed... my fd is leaking coolant too and i can't seem to find where it's comming from... glad that yours work out tho... have fun with the fd

 

Thanks for the compliments guys - I figured I'd post it just in case at some point someone is having the same problem as I did and maybe it will save them some time. As far as removing the coolant level sensor I pretty much just broke the plastic head off and then used a screw driver and a hammer to knock it through so that it fell out the bottom. It was quick and easy, just make sure you remove the radiator hose first so it doesnt get into your coolant system.

-Charlie