Hello,

I just got my water pump replaced on my new FD (94 PEP 39k original and stock) and we still smelled some coolant afterwards. I looked under the car but I did not see any leaks (as i did before I replaced the water pump). However, upon closer inspection I found coolant around the edges of the AST.

So now im kind of frustrated with it (enough frustration to sell it). Do you guys feel it's safe to drive it for a couple of hours, or would that be too risky?

Thanks for your help.

 

It should be safe for a short trip. I'd get an aluminum AST pronto.

This is a common failure point on the car - no need to get frustrated . Consider this your first way-neat upgrade for the car .

Dale

 

Are there any precautions I should take before driving 2 hours? Someone suggested that I use duct tape around the edges. I hope it will be safe.

 

Like if this thing busts on my way, is the car gone without warning?

 

Gone? Maybe or maybe not depending on your reaction time. An AST burst is an immediate make-or-break attention-getter. The stock one can seam-burst like a Holland dam and you'll be puking coolant at the roadside viewing an exquisite mushroom cloud when you open the hood. While idling at a stoplight and you see steam seeping around the hood/headlight lid seams and the "idiot guage" starts heading north FAST, pull over. NOW. If moving shut it down and coast if you have to(don't lock your steering column tho, lol) If you catch it before the coolant buzzer all the more better. At the temps these cars operate at, driving an FD with a seeping stock AST is just asking for trouble.

 

I agree with Toadman - at least track down a used / good condition one ASAP. The Glass Man had one listed the other day.

Dave

 

I ordered one from Pettit. But I absolutely have to drive back home on this 1 1/2 - 2 hr drive.

 

If you're cognizant of the leakage, just stop now and then to check. Pick up a gallon of distilled water in case you need to add to the coolant level.

Maybe it's possible to run the system at reduced / atmospheric pressure for this trip? (Naturally don't drive the car real hard). That would cut the stress in the AST to nearly zero and greatly slow any leakage. It's just an idea - you'd need to figure a safe way to do it as well as be sure it's safe for the engine.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave. Bringing coolant and driving slow were on my agenda.

 

Can you poor-man bypass the lines or no tools available? Duct tape will melt.

A great AST/cap but one thing about the Pettit that makes me nervous: They don't have a molded male nipple on the bottom tank fitting. You have to really torque the hose clamp down on just a straight 1/4" fitting so the already-short enough hose coolant can't slip off. Anyone else have a bone to pick about that, because I worry about it sliding down and off the AST. Maybe I have an older grey/black speckled tank. I'm sure we'll hear from the AST elimination crowd now once again.

 

I just recently replaced mine I had a leak on the side where the hose connects. I took the chance and drove my FD to work and back If you do decide to take the chance on driving on your leaking AST make sure you have enough coolant before you make your trip. An keep a close eye on your temp guage just incase your AST decides to blow on you. No one can reasure you that NOTHING will happen and you'll get home ok. All i can tell you is good luck making it home and if you already order an aluminum AST then thats great. If you get home w/o the AST messing up on ya then I leave it parked till you get your new one.

 

Roll the dice or draw from the deck. Aaaah, you'll make it home or have already done so in these cold winter temps. The plastic AST can seam-split without warning, seeping or otherwise. I'm speaking from experience with less than 50k miles.

 

Thank you for the wise words, Devious and Toadman. I decided not to take the risk by driving it. I was also wondering how to install it. Can anyone give me links?

 

The feared stock AST Failure. D'oh. Hope you made it home alright with no issues.

 

AST???? what does that stand for?

 

1) Wait until the engine is cool
2) Remove old AST. Take rubber grommet on bottom pin and place on new AST.
3) Reconnect everything and refill new AST halfway with coolant.

You will spill a litte coolant, but I don't think it's necessary to drain the system. (However, if the coolant hasn't been changed in the last year, nows as good a time as any). Removing the battery may be necessary to really see what you're doing.

Dave

 

JESUS!!!!! replace it move on with life....

 

Air Separation Tank

 

Lik D said, a metal AST install is pretty simple. If you can, plug the removed lines with golf tees/screws/bolts before they puke too much if you can(the top two fittings will trickle, but the bottom canister fitting will puke). Have a gal of coolant handy and a few new screw-type hose clamps. You will likely need to top-off and burp the system after introducing outside air into it(ask us later if unfamiliar).

 

I had a hose blow off mine and damn it was a mess and watch your hands. coolant is hot when its gushing out. the big worry is losing the coolant and then worrying about the integrity of your engine. scary ****!! get the alum ast and make sure your hoses are good. burb, refill and burb again.good luck.

 

Funny how you guys are so much more helpful and knowledgable than most of those in the FC forum.