JTSki44

Ok so I think it’s OK to Post a Question here on the “Nicky-New-Guy” part of the “Introduce Yourself” before I have 10 Posts. And my question(s) are: The old Rad.’s a weeping mess. So I pulled it out and got a new KAYO for my 1987 Series 4 RX-7. And on the WEBSite it said the mounting brackets were different for Series 4 and 5. And that I should use my OLD brackets. I have seen the same advice on this Forum, and on some other RX Forms. I thought NO problem, not my first time around a Spanner wrench… Problem, when I got the old Brass Rad. Out I see the mounting brackets are Brazed onto the old Rad.So before I fire up the Heat wrench and try to get them off without twisting & bending the “Fu-nction” out of them. I thought I would ask if anybody has some input. I’ve seen on Forums where others said they just “made” some brackets. I have the knowledge and tools to make some (maybe not ALL the skill needed to use the knowledge or tools), but I thought I would be smart enough to ask. Maybe someone has a pair (I know NO asking for Parts until 10 Posts), and that is not the point of this Post. If I have to I’ll get the ones off the OLD Rad., just thought if I don’t have to re-invent the wheel, that would be nice!So any thoughts?

Thanx… JTSki…

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

I was just about to blast the thread ,,heh,heh.
The brackets on the Plastic rads are usually what I have dealt with.
I sort of forget a bit but there was stuff I read about the holes not lining up if using different series brackets on another car..BUT I did encounter that and found that if you dremel the holes you can fit the brackets on the rad and then install onto the car.

I am not familiar with the brass rad mounts.
Do they incorporate the mounts as part of the rad or can you get them off easily?

WondrousBread

That radiator is for an Automatic Rx7, I have an identical one in my shed, I can take a look for you tomorrow and see if mine has any way to disassemble it.

I also have a spare Manual rad in my shed, I can post a picture for comparison. I believe when I went to an aluminum radiator, I used the brackets from the Manual one.

JTSki44

Thanks for not Lambasting the Poor Old Man . But thanks for the reply both of you guys. I agree that I too think it's a Rad. for an Auto. My guess is that when my Sister decided the Motor was getting some miles on it (just under 100,000) she replaced the motor. NOT had her's rebuilt, nope a fresh Motor from Mazda. And that is maybe where the Auto Rad. was stuck in. When I was chasing the leak in the beginning I thought (i.e. hoped) it was one of the Caps for the Auto trans cooler lines leaking. Even though mine is a Stick, I thought maybe Mazda said "Hey we only need one Rad. for Auto or Stick. We can just Cap off Cooler lines for Stick Cars". And the "Hope" on my part was "I'll just re-seal the connections, and be done". WRONG, the Rad. was leaking all along the bottom where the fins meet the Tank. So my decision was replace it don't fix it.
And yes these brackets are Brazed, Soldered, Glued, Magic Spell or whatever onto the sides of the old Rad. I think (again with the hope thing) that maybe I can get them off. Just really seems like a lot of work that might have a better way to go, and so I thought I'd ask. With (wait for it) the "Hope" someone would just say, "Oh yes just wiggle your toes, turn 3 times to the left, bow to the west, and they just fall off".

We will see what happens... JTSki...

insightful

thats actually an aftermarket brass radiator, they're soldered to the core, so they won't swap over.

WondrousBread

I went out and took a look at my old rad (didn't take a photo as they are quite literally identical other than the fact that you have rounded end tanks and mine are squared off).

What insightful said is 100% accurate, they are brazed or soldered onto the end tanks. It looks like maybe you could go to the effort of slicing out the end parts and drilling holes to mount it onto your new rad, but that would be a lot of effort to go to for substandard results. Also, not sure if the edges are bonded in any way, which would make it a lot harder to remove.

Unfortunately Mazdatrix only sells the right side bracket, and at $58 each. It is probably easier to try and find an S4 radiator locally or fabricate your own brackets.

JTSki44

Thanks everyone. It makes sense that the Rad. I took out is a Third party item. And for those who know me it makes complete sense that IF I got the brackets off they would not fit. I have often said that I’m living proof God has a sense of humor. So I will now spend my time trying to “Junkyard” source an original Mazda Series 4 FC Rad. with brackets. NO I’m NOT asking for Parts!! Though I wouldn’t turn down an offer. Hee Hee!So again, thanks to all who replied with good info. It might not have ended up to be the information I wanted, but it is the information I needed!On-ward, and Up-ward… JTSki…

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

You can always post an ad and ask for the brackets if you wish.
I do have a set but when it is small stuff the postage is usually more than the part!

JTSki44

This will make my Post total 6, and I thought I wasn't allowed to ask for, or try to sell parts untill after 10. But if you have a pair of brackets let me know if you do want to sell them, and the price. I would not care about the Shipping/Postage cost because having the Bracket would be worth the cost.

I'd be in your debt... JTSki...