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Home >> Mazda >> 2003 >> MX-5 Miata Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Mechanical >> Cooling System (Mechanical) >> Cooling System >> Engine Coolant Replacement

Engine Coolant Replacement

  1. Drain the coolant in the coolant reservoir.
  2. Remove the radiator cap and the radiator drain plug. (See COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS  .)
  3. Drain the coolant into a container.
  4. Flush the cooling system with water until all traces of color are gone.
  5. Let the system drain completely.
  6. Tighten the radiator drain plug.

    Tightening torque 

    1. 0.7-1.1 N.m (7-10 in.lbf) 
    Fig 1: Identifying Radiator Drain Plug
    G01906772Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    CAUTION:
    • The engine has aluminum parts than can be damaged by alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use alcohol or methanol in the cooling system. Use only ethylene-glycol-based coolant.
    • Use only soft (demineralized) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will cut down the coolant effectiveness.
    • Engine coolant will damage paint. If engine coolant does get on a painted surface, rinse it off quickly.
  7. Referring to the following graph and chart, select proper gravity of the coolant.

    Antifreeze solution mixture percentage 

    Fig 2: Antifreeze Solution Mixture Percentage Chart
    G01906773Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  8. Slowly pour the coolant into the radiator up to the coolant filler port.

    Filling pace 

    1. 1.0 L (1.1 US qt)/min [max] 
  9. Fill the coolant into the reservoir up to the FULL mark on the coolant reservoir.
  10. Fully install the radiator cap.
  11. Start the engine and warm it up.
    Fig 3: Specific Gravity Graph
    G01906774Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    CAUTION:
    • If the coolant temperature becomes too high, stop the engine to prevent it from overheating.
  12. After engine warms up, perform the following steps.
    1. Run the engine at 2,500 RPM  for 5 Min. 
    2. Run the engine at 3,000 RPM  for 5 Min. 
    3. Repeat steps (1) and (2) several times.
  13. Stop the engine and wait until it is cool.
  14. Inspect the coolant level.
    • If it is low, repeat Steps 7-12.
  15. Verify there is no coolant leakage.