Coolant leak from level sensor

[alexb]

Hi All

You may remember that 6 weeks or so ago my FD had a coolant leak which ended up being diagnosed and fixed by Andrew at Jimmy\'s as a leak from where the coolant level sensor goes into the alloy thermostat thingy. This was sealed, but unfortunately last week I got the low coolant buzzer again

After doing a bit of investigation* it turns out that the leak has reoccurred, once up to temperature water leaks from there, runs down the large pipe leading to the rad and drips from there at the rate of about 4 every 3 seconds. There\'s definitely no split in that pipe (my initial thought as when I moved the rubber shroud over the pipe it was wet underneath).

So, I\'ve left a phone message with Andrew but I think he might be on holiday, and as I need to drive down to Devon in 2 weeks time, I think I need to get it sorted myself!

Not being a plumber/car mechanic I\'m not really sure of the best approach. What can I use to re-seal the sensor area? Does anyone know if it screws in? Is it a standard thread that I can (temporarily) replace with a bolt & rubber washer or something? How much would it cost to replace the sensor or thermostat cover with new items?

Any ideas/advice appreciated!

Cheers,
Alex

* as an aside, couple of questions: a) does anyone have a spare std airbox for sale?! While taking it off I broke the connection for the air pump return hose which I don\'t think is a major problem to be honest... and b) those spring clips holding the airbox hoses on are a nightmare! Can they be replaced with jubilee clips or do they not clamp hard enough?

[rx7veilside]

if u are talking about the black level sensor in the front of the water filler then yes this just screws in but be carefull as they can fall to bits unscrewing it...the green sensir in the back is a temp sensor and once again screws in but i doubt can be removed and blanked

[framey]

Just get some PTFE tape from a plumbers merchants or any DIY store, wrap a couple of layers around the thread of the sensor and screw it back in.
Just watch when you are tightening it back up - it does not need to be too tight - finger tight and 1/2 a turn should be enough.

The sensor is only plastic so don\'t overtighten it!

[alexb]

Thanks for the replies chaps, I\'ll give it a go with the PTFE tape.

Cheers,
Alex

[alexb]

Update:

Removed the coolant level sensor - found it\'s got a crack running most of it\'s length... Put on the PTFE tape and it\'s helped a bit, but I\'ll be on the phone to Wrights mazda for a new one tomorrow. Let\'s hope I can get it fitted before the 10th.

Cheers again for the advice guys

Alex

[alexb]

Conclusion:

Ordered a new level sensor on Thursday, arrived Friday, removed old one and fitted replacement yesterday. Problem solved

Cheers,
Alex