Broken AST at 98,000 Miles
#30
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Exactly. Its needed. Anyone who buys a Plastic AST new, to replace a Broken one, needs to check their priorities. If keeping their 7 running is one, then a new aftermarket AST is in need.
#31
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (83)
Well I have an AST in place so I dont have to worry as much about bubbles. Trust me, if I could I would be rid of it. I want to keep my car as STOCK as possible but I wont forego reliability. The only reason I can see for keeping things stock is for resale value and if thats the case, you can just replace the aftermarket part for the OEM one before you sell.
#33
Urban Combat Vet
iTrader: (16)
If a more novice owner had started this thread, all these comments about a metal AST might be warranted. But the OP is a long-time, experienced owner whose car is probably better taken care of than the majority. I'd venture to guess he knows the risks. While I might not agree with his choice, he has his reasons... and doesn't need the lecture. My .02.
#34
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (14)
If a more novice owner had started this thread, all these comments about a metal AST might be warranted. But the OP is a long-time, experienced owner whose car is probably better taken care of than the majority. I'd venture to guess he knows the risks. While I might not agree with his choice, he has his reasons... and doesn't need the lecture. My .02.
#35
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
Bubbles? I've been running without an AST for years with no issues. We also delete them on customer's cars if that is what they want, and we still warranty the motor.
#36
Urban Combat Vet
iTrader: (16)
Not if they start with reading stickys and searching like they should. Besides, there are VERY FEW things are absolute/universal about these cars, because each owner brings a different set of priorities and uses. No accounting for stupidity if they make decisions on any of them after reading one thread.
#37
Recovering Miataholic
Thread Starter
If your temp gauge moves AT all, your engine is already dun-fer
I'd venture to guess he knows the risks.
#38
94 Single Turbo FD
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i think the chance of losing an engine to a broken ast are pretty slim. its gonna crack and leak, not explode imediately draining your coolant system and overheating the engine.
#40
Don't worry be happy...
iTrader: (1)
I PREFER THE OEM AST VS AFTERMARKET
Not if you understand why the plastic one broke. Was it age or was the hose applying stress on the nipple? Two easily solved problems. Always make sure the AST is black (not green) and that the hoses are connected straight into the nipple(s), meaning not coming in at an angle thus creating stress on the connection.
FYI most of people's "leaking coolant out of the over flow tank problem" is due to leaky aftermarket ASTs. Not a bad radiator cap, which is a band aid. The quality control just isn't there IMO that is why some get lucky and get good ASTs and some don't.
so to both of you: all I'm saying is that there are reasons why it isn't a bad idea to stick OEM.
+1 I'm currently taking steps to remove mine. Tired of dealing with the subpar quality aftermarket AST's, and always watching the OEM one. Burp the system correctly and don't look back.
M-
so to both of you: all I'm saying is that there are reasons why it isn't a bad idea to stick OEM.
M-
Last edited by Montego; 01-30-09 at 01:30 PM.
#41
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (14)
It is pretty common, for example, for people on this board with 100k mile+ original engines to attribute its longevity to their superior maintenance skills that - whereas it should be pretty clear that they got lucky.
#42
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not saying the OP dosent know anything, just saying, that the majority of FD owners, know the risks of owning a rotary, and why put it in more jeopardy then you need to?
#43
94 Single Turbo FD
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree, but some people dont watch their gauges carefully, and might not notice your engine overheating. i would suspect some one who buys a OEM AST, that are prone to cracking and leaking, might be one to not to watch their gauges carefully.
Not saying the OP dosent know anything, just saying, that the majority of FD owners, know the risks of owning a rotary, and why put it in more jeopardy then you need to?
Not saying the OP dosent know anything, just saying, that the majority of FD owners, know the risks of owning a rotary, and why put it in more jeopardy then you need to?
#45
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree, but we have all heard those stories, about "Coolant light was on, but i thought i would just drive it home". Im just saying,m taking precautions isnt a bad thing, and how hard is it to dish our 20 moe dollars to limit the things that could go wrong )Stock AST to Aftermarket one is $20.
#46
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: next to the polishing wheel!!!
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Goodfellafd3s ,good point . I deleat them on customers cars with no problems reported .
Last edited by GARCO MOTORWORKS; 01-30-09 at 09:39 PM. Reason: Add a statment
#47
Recovering Miataholic
Thread Starter
Installed the new AST today. It is a N3A1-15-35XB, which looks identical except for the printed numbers on the side to the -35XA that broke. Color is maybe a little blacker, but not much. The new unit went in with no trouble at all. Refilling the coolant is time-consuming; don't know when all the air will finally be out of the system. If/when this one breaks I will offer to all who recommended the aluminum aftermarket units.
#48
needs more track time
iTrader: (16)
It should last a while. Other than temps, the AST is not a highly stressed part. It just sees a lot of temp changes and pressure from the coolant system being pressurized while running.
Automakers have been steadily making as many parts out of plastic as they can. If you think the Mazda AST was a bad decision, think about the fact that BMW makes their waterpumps out of plastic. They usually break at 50k miles.
Automakers have been steadily making as many parts out of plastic as they can. If you think the Mazda AST was a bad decision, think about the fact that BMW makes their waterpumps out of plastic. They usually break at 50k miles.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post