ironj221

Warning: This is the first time I've worked with cars, so I'm very new. I heard this was an easy project so I'd like to try.

I'm trying to replace the coolant reservoir.

I unscrewed the two screws which was obviously easy. Now for the hoses. Any one know how to remove this? They have some metal clamp on them that I don't see any way of removing.

Any other tips would be appreciated.

nuke0907

iTrader: (2)

you have to use pliers to squeeze the metal clamps apart while removing the hoses. you might need a spare hand to help you out. they are very awkward.

ironj221

Thanks! Any idea how to get this electrical wiring off that is coming out of the bottom of the reservoir?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Yeah... disconnect the harness attached to the left side of the tank (between the tank and PCM box)

ironj221

Yeah, I saw that but didn't see any way of pulling it apart. Does it snap off somehow or just pull apart?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

It has a tab that you press in to "unlock" it.
Then while you're pressing the tab in, pull out the connector.

ironj221

Thanks for the help guys.

Unfortunately, I didn't see anything wrong with the reservoir. When I put coolant in it, it just never fills up (when it was installed). I think there is a leak somewhere else. The hoses are dry and don't appear to be leaking. From what I've read, it could be a million things, correct?

Sounds like an expensive try to the repair shop.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

If there is a leak... you'll see it on the ground!
How much coolant have you put into it so far?
Was this after draining the radiator?

ironj221

I poured half a jug into the thing and no change. There doesn't appear to be anything on the ground except for stuff I spilled. The radiator wasn't drained.

What happened was my brother was driving it and it just shut off on him. Under the hood the cap was blown off with coolant everywhere. We were so close to home that I just drove it to the garage in 30 seconds. The burning smell was pretty strong, but never any smoke.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

You can always pour a couple gallons of water into the tank to see what happens.
If it starts to fill the tank, then you know you're good.
If it doesn't fill the tank, a couple gallons of water would end up coming out of somewhere!
But then you'll need to drain the fluid out and pour in fresh coolant, which isn't a bad thing to do anyway!
Crazy that you would be that low though.

ironj221

Really appreciate the responses. If it really was that low and there was nothing else wrong, why would it have blown off in the first place? That's what leads me to believe it's probably something else.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Yeah... I would be concerned how the pressure got that high.
Could be a seized water pump or stuck thermostat.

Have you been monitoring your coolant level?
Any indication of it being low prior?
Did you notice the temp gauge on your dash go up?

ironj221

Unfortunately I wasn't driving and my brother doesn't know what the temp gauge was reading.

I haven't filled the coolant level for about a year but there were no indicator lights on. I think I originally filled it a year ago because it gave me a lot coolant level light. I did get an oil change about 2 months ago and they should have topped everything off, but I wouldn't trust that because they also forgot to put the clamps back on under my car.

Grace_Excel

iTrader: (5)

If you could smell a sweet flavored fume blowing inside your car through the vents, you may have a leak. I replaced the stock-plastic-core "CALSONIC" radiator with a thicker aluminum radiator last December, six months after I bought mine... It was a 5 hour labor when I removed/replaced the part. Also, on the side note, never use regular tap water to flush or add fluid with the coolant, always use distilled water. Tap water will create calcium build up and can cause corrosion/clogs in the water pump and radiator pipes at high temperatures!

















Would you believe this, CALSONIC in a MAZDA? I thought they only made parts for NISSAN as I've seen it in 180SX/SILVIA's and SKYLINEs!

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Stock radiator is very good. Much better than my POS Koyo but that's what I get for being a cheap ***.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

dunno about u but I never had a problem with my Koyo

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Yeah if I lived in new York I probably wouldn't either. And don't give me any BS about a heat wave. 100F in South Texas in July is normal and it is every single day.