Changing an oil cooler pipe... how easy is it?

[Jim_rx7]

This pipe from my drivers side oil cooler has split. I need to source a new one and swap it over.

Anyone any idea how easy it is to replace? The oil cooler side shouldn\'t be too difficult (I wouldn\'t think so anyway).

But where does the other end go, and how easy is it to get access to it and remove it? Will it be stuck on stupid tight??? :2Confused

Any help appreciated... also if anyone knows where I can get another pipe?? (I will post a request in the wanted section also).


Finally, some rx7s only have one oil cooler. Is it possible to easily convert mine to only run with one? (if it\'s easier than changing the pipe). Or would it be advised to simply source the needed pipe.

[Jim_rx7]

anyone??

[TonyC]

should be easy enough - just had a look on mine. The drivers side oil cooler pipe goes to the block under the aircon pump (not on my car in this photo).

It is the one nearer the pulley.



The other pipe on the oil cooler runs across the car (under the cross member beneath the AST, etc) and feeds the other oil cooler (presuming yours has twins!)

Hope that helps,

Tony

[Jim_rx7]

Yeah... it has twins.

So is the pipe I\'m replacing going to the block or the other oil cooler?

[TonyC]

I can\'t tell from your pics which one has split. Best bet is to have a look at the car, if you remove the undertray you will be able to follw the pipe back easily.

[Grizzly]

My advise it don\'t loose the Clip The Clip holding the Engine section of the pipe to the Oil cooler section tends to ping off if you are not ready for it (there are 5 pipes from memory from the engine to Coolers then back)

The Job is not to hard to do, The engine side Pipes are alot easyer (there is a bit of oil about so the mountings tend to come off without snapping) but all in all if you have a Jack and some WD40 its not a Bad job.

May be worth investing in some new Copper washers, but often you can reuse the old ones.

[Jim_rx7]

I can\'t tell from your pics which one has split. Best bet is to have a look at the car, if you remove the undertray you will be able to follw the pipe back easily.

It\'s the inner pipe (if that makes sense?)

[mazda bait]

Did mine a few weeks back whilst it was on ramps.  It\'s not too hard but like everyone else has said do not lose the clip!  Drain the oil is the first job.  Then just use a small screwdriver or similar tool to spin the clip until it starts to lift then lever it out.  The pipe should just pull off then but be careful of residual oil left in the system.  The other end of the pipe should release in the same way.  When you put it all back together make sure the pipe is fully engaged before placing the clip spin it until it slots in.  Start the car and cross your fingers, mine pressurised and then i found out \'messily\' that i hadn\'t engaged one of the ends properly.  Hope this makes some sense if not i could probab;y talk you through what i mean!

[Jim_rx7]

Sorta makes sense.

What\'s this clip business all about? It take it it isn\'t bolted on anywhere?

[Grizzly]

The Clip is like a fast Relise type thing, the joint is below the battery.

Its realy easy to Split, just flick the Big clip off (just take it easy and watch where it goes )

Then once its off wiggle the Pipe and it will split, its like mazda did it to get the engine out a bit quicker

[Jim_rx7]

Clip on the oil cooler side also?

[Grizzly]

There are two clips (In and out lines) its so you can Split the Oil coolers and the Engine without having to remove the Bumper and Dirt Trays etc.

There is just one clip per pipe.

[Jim_rx7]

So one clip per pipe. What\'s on the other end of the pipe? A bolt to the oil cooler side?

thanks

[mazda bait]

lol, no still a clip!  The only other fixing is on the other pipe into the oil sump which had a bolt through it with a large copper washer i believe...

[Jim_rx7]

Sweet... sounds easy as pie!

Will soon see once my pipe arrives!