So I went to MazdaTrix yesterday, and after looking under the hood with the micro-flashlight for leaky spots...and then pressure testing it...we found that there is a hole in the radiator It is closer to the top than to the bottom but it doesn't really make any difference. The overflow tank is not supposed to be pressurized, so the small crack on the feeder tube to the tank (he said) was of no significance. Before I took it in, leaking wasn't all that noticeable on the ground and I had to add more coolant once every couple of weeks or so. Ever since I took it in, now I have a very noticeable leak of green and have to add even more frequently! It will remain undriven until I can afford to get it fixed - unless I want to put coolant in every time I drive it, which I don't.

MazdaTrix wants $705 for the aluminum radiator including installation/labor.

Can anyone beat that price (was basically 500 for the part...400 for the stock version)?

 

everyone can beat that price, can you install it yourself?
I just sold my radiator for 30 and it was in fine condition.

 

If it's not a complex job I can install it myself. The real question should be whether I've actually ever done it before - and the answer is no.

 

Were you there around 11am? When I stopped by for a hose section I saw a VR sitting outside with a trail of coolant, & John was talking to someone about price.

Back when I got my FD, I had ordered a Koyo online for ~$350, and had them install it. At their rate of ~$80/hr, they wanted $150. The other brands out there were somewhat higher, so the quote seems around the basic range.
I thought the overflow tank was connected to the side of the AST, not the radiator

 

I have a stock radiator thats in perfect condition. $50+ shipping and its yours install is so simple. Takes 30-40 mins if you know what you are doing.

Mitch

 

Just glad to hear the coolant is leaking, and not being burned. New radiator <<< new engine.

 

It's not a complex job but you do have to remove the battery, AST, airbox, intercooler, and the crossbar all those things sit on just to get to the radiator. Glad to hear it wasn't anything more serious and I would recommend a Fluidyne radiator since it's a drop-in replacement. It's probably a 3 hour job if you've never done it before.

 

Yep, that was me. You were the one (I assume) that needed the power steering hose(s)?

 

yup it was more like a 2weeks of figuring out where the leak was coming from job for me until i just completely swapped out te radiator. I uninstalled and resintalled about 3 or 4 times trying to problem solve what was wrong with it, and it made it a little harder since i had the AT radiator. But i just went with a separate hose from my front ATF cooler instead of into my radiator and out.. it virtually does nothing with the cooling of ATF. but anyways, Just let me know if you need instructions on swapping out the radiator or anything.

 

Maybe if you had a relocated battery, no ac, no airbox, etc. ; otherwise, it should take at least 1-2hrs from start to finish (given it fits right in).
Expect to spend some time on the radiator job, ask RX7RAGE.

 

Yeah, seriously. Maybe on a car with no air pump, no EGR, no DT, no A/C, no P/S, no AST, V-mount intercooler and single turbo. Not to mention the time for jacking it up and down? Refilling and burping coolant?

I'm with Walien - it will take a good afternoon - especially doing it for the first time.

Dave

 

Fortunately I now have help. Werd to there being an "rx7 community" of peeps who'll help out other peeps on good faith! I'm taking it to a friend's place to start working on it at 10:30 pst...hopefully it can be done in time to catch at least the *end* of the Bowl!

I won't say who, to keep him from getting inundated, but a friend of a friend is selling me a koyo for $300 and helping me install it at his place.

 

Yeah, that was me.
Glad to hear that it's going to work out well.
*don't forget to burp it after refilling

 

All done! Took several hours (9), as the koyo is 4 times thicker than the stock radiator. Had to have lots of plastic shaved to fit around the fans, and then also realized I also need NEW CAPS!!! But it's not leaking and no more infinite coolant adding! Yay and thanks to all who helped make the fixing of my car possible...affordably (also got 2 air filters to replace the one stock filter...cuz we just couldn't fit that damn plastic box back in there...oh well, these are far better filters anyway