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May i bypass it ?
belgian2b - 23/6/21 at 07:55 PM

Hello,

problem with MX5 NA : steering oil leak

the leak is on the steering oil cooler. In fact, it's just a pipe that runs to the front and back.

Do you think i can just bypass it ?


Gerardo

theconrodkid - 23/6/21 at 09:21 PM

best not, it,s there for a reason.
it,s just a piece of pipe, any hydraulics place should be able to knock one up

nick205 - 24/6/21 at 11:47 AM

Agree with conrod

The pipe will be there for a reason, so best not bypass it and replace it.

It'll give you a chance to change the oil while youu o the job.

indykid - 25/6/21 at 08:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by theconrodkid
best not, it,s there for a reason.
it,s just a piece of pipe, any hydraulics place should be able to knock one up

It serves a purpose, but it's not essential and wasn't fitted to (at least) late UK mk1s.

I have 2 '97 mk1s on the drive that don't have the cooler loop but my '92 did. If you're autotesting, it might be wise to keep it but for road use, it's certainly not mission critical.

The cooler's on the return loop IIRC so it's not pressurised. Either bridge the rotten section with flexible hose or bypass where convenient

Mr Whippy - 25/6/21 at 08:57 AM

I'm impressed it's even got a power steering oil cooler, must be expecting some racy driving

Is it what it is, just a pipe and if it's on the low pressure side you can use anything that is suitable for the oil (like a hose) and has a bore close to the original pipe. What's the leaky part made from? if it's Ali you could get it TIG welded, if brass some solder. Maybe a radiator workshop could fix it for you. I've found them very helpful in the past. Seems a shame to bypass the cooler if it can be fixed.

indykid - 25/6/21 at 09:32 AM

It's a plated steel pipe but I expect it's rotted through where the pipe is clipped onto the chassis leg.