IawoBill

iTrader: (1)

I am new to RX7's and just bought a '94 FD. The first mod I plan to do is the lower temperature fan switch, 185 degree thermostat and plastic AST replacement. Should I flush the cooling system as well? Is there a preferred process that folks prefer? I did see the burp process thread, but did not see a thread on flushing the system. The car has 38K miles. Thanks

evot23

iTrader: (17)

Depends if you know how old the coolant is? Its never a bad idea to flush the cooling system but for the mods you are doing, probably not necessary. No fancy way to flush the system other than drain, fill, drain, refill.

IawoBill

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the help. It looks fine but I will check the PH and see what it looks like.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

There are some very thorough threads on cooling system maintenance and upgrades in the 3rd gen fAQ thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/

You can get almost all the coolant out by draining the radiator and also draining the block using the drain plug/bolt on the center iron. There is a pic in one of the coolant threads in the FAQ thread. The lower temp thermostat might not be worthwhile but the lower fan temp switch from the FC is (and its a direct plug in unit unlike the Miata switch).

All OEM parts can be bought from Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda. He is the parts manager, owns and FD and has been giving us all disounts for years.

vel525

iTrader: (4)

Congrats on your new FD! There are a handful of FD owners in the area and several other FC and FB owners as well. There are several reliability mods that will help a lot.

Otherwise, enjoy it and you should come out to one of the local meets to meet some other owners and ask any questions. There is a regular Friday meet over at Dulles Town center. Ceck out the Northeast section.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like a nice car.

Short answer on the coolant: yes you should flush the system. Do not use any tap or spring water to refill. I just do a drain/replace method.

I just picked up a cooling fill funnel that helps burp air out of the car, I highly recommend it. Otherwise filling and purging the air is a slow painful process.

Keep looking through the maintenance and reliability threads on FDs. Come to think of it, I recommend pulling a couple of coolant hoses while you have the system drained to inspect the hoses. Even though your car has only 38k, the age of the hoses might justify replacing them.

AWDTTS4

i would change all fluids as soon as you buy

IawoBill

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the advice, I will get on it.
Bill