Hi all..
in need of a bit of help i think
1st oil change and plug change as a relatively new FD owner..both not horrible experiences, except the left upper plug was a bit rough.
anyways..during the warm enging up phase...prior to changing the oil, i noticed the stock AST was leaking a bit at the seam...like i;ve read so many times about...no question it is time for a change.
I did open it to see what was going on in side...nothing came shooting out..and i closed it.
I then finished my work.
later I went out after the car had cooled...wanted to check the coolant levels.
Checked the front left..looks ok (hard to tell with that stick)
Im not sure how to check the filler (yellow cap) any tips?
And i tried to open the AST cap and can't...for some reason it will not open. Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated
thanks
eric

 

You should have coolant practically all the way to the top of the filler neck.

As for why the AST cap wouldn't open, I have no idea. Must be just stuck. Replace that thing.

 

or remove it completly.

 

Tri-point racing has a nice aluminum AST (better quality than Pettit) uses stock size cap and is cheaper. If the AST is leaking coolant don't drive it. Your not building pressure and the boiling point will be much to low on water/antifreeze at zero pressure. I have a low milage AST (came off my 94) you can have for $25 plus shipping to get you by if you want it.

 

when loosening up the ast cap, you have to twist it counterclockwise two "clicks," not just one to one stop like most conventional caps. the first one is about a quarter to a third rotation, then you have to sort of press down on it and turn it the rest of the way. that should do the trick.

and if your ast is leaking at the seam, i think you should get rid of it or replace it immediately. the plastic is cracking and is about to explode!