Oil Cooler Blockage?
 

I was looking at my RX-8 oil coolers (front left/right grill openings) and I noticed that much of the forward extending fins on the radiators were smashed over and it appeared to me that the condition could affect air flow and, conseqently, oil cooling. These "fins" extend out only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch and are the consistancy of aluminum foil. Apparently bugs can easily smash them over. And when they are smashed over, they cover much of the opening in the adjacent narrow air passages. I looked at the oil system in the manual and didn't see any oil temperature senser. Is there a high oil temperature diagnostic on this car that will give you a warning? And if not, could this condition contribute to engine damage, especially on long trips and/or in hot climates? Check yours. Also, does anybody know of an after-market fine mesh grill that can be installed in the openings ahead of the coolers?

RB has 'em.

Search "oil cooler screens" in the DIY section, first mod I did, July 2003.

S

StealthTL wrote: "RB has 'em.
Search "oil cooler screens" in the DIY section, first mod I did, July 2003."

Thanks for the info, I will look that up. As to my origional posting, I now wonder if pressure washing the coolers could have blown over the ends of the corrigations which separate the flow tubes? I will have to watch it more closely.
But some more questions popped up. My RX-8 is a 2006 MT. It has two oil coolers. I noticed that the "Workshop Manual" implies that only some RX-8s have "twin coolers" . Apparently some cars do not have the right side cooler which is referred to as "High Power". Does anybody know the reason for one or two coolers? Is the "High Power" cooler used only on the MT model which has a slightly higher HP? Or maybe it was added to solve a previous reliability problem or part of a fix to boost the HP up to the advertized value? Any comments would be appreciated.

Only manual trannys have two coolers. I don't want to sound like an ass but searching "oil coolers" can give you many answers. Also, power washing is a super no no. You'll fold all your fins over in no time. Lightly wipe bugs off with a soft brush. Use a small flathead scewdriver (like for glasses) to straighten fins or buy a radiator comb on eBay for about $9 shipped to you.

use a flat head screwdriver and you'll be able to straighten out the fins. they're very soft.

you can also buy a fin comb that will also straighten them out.

a screen is good. the racing beats work, so would getting a mazdaspeed bumper.

Thanks for the information on screens, power washing, and and reason for "twin coolers". I didnt realize the fins were so delicate. In cleaning the pocket down, in front of one of the coolers I found a small bird. That would explain some of the damage.