Oil Cooler Flushing: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

The contaminated cooler line (oil pipes and hoses) and auxiliary cooler (if equipped) must be flushed completely when ATX is overhauled or replaced.

Remove the two oil cooler line hoses and apply air pressure of 200 kPa {2.0 kgf/cm2, 28 psi} from the return hose (pipe) side.
- If there is no ventilation, flush the oil cooler lines using the power- flushing tool. (See POWER FLUSHING )
- If there is ventilation, go to next step.
CAUTION:
- Power flushing should be performed very carefully when removing the accumulated debris from the fluid baffle, otherwise the debris cannot be removed or the problem becomes even worse.
Fig 1: Recommended Power-Flushing Manufacturer
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing Two Oil Cooler Line Hoses And Applying Air Pressure
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Carry out the followings steps.
1. Remove the oil pan and inspect the fluid filter element from the front filter.
  - If the element is covered with too much debris or particles and cannot be seen, replace the oil cooler. (See OIL COOLER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
  - If the element can be seen, flush the oil cooler lines using the power- flushing tool.
NOTE:
- Performing back and reverse power flushing 2 times each does not work because debris or particles flow out from the feed pipe side of ATX.
Fig 3: Identifying Fluid Filter Element From Front Filter
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.