n2trbl

I'll admit I don't know jack about the fd yet and I'll also admit that I should have done more homework before buying my car. With that said I hear alot of people talking about replacing the stock AST. I guess I still have the stock one since it's black and plastic. My questions to you guys are: what is the AST? What does it function as? Is it to keep air out from the coolant? Is it that black box with the cap on top to the left of the battery? How full should this thing be? I've done searches but just ended up with responses to flushing the system. I still don't quite get how to "burp" the system. I live in California where the weather usually never gets below 35F so would a 35% antifreeze mixture be okay or should I go with a higher percentage? Thank you guys for your help. I'm trying to learn as much and as fast as I can. I feel so stupid asking these questions because I feel I don't deserve an fd. I just don't want to F something up. One more question. Does haynes make a manual for the 3rd gens?
I can't find one anywhere.

dubulup

iluvmyrx7.com - manuals
AST - Air separation tank, yes that's where it is, replace it, that's pretty much what it does.
burping, after flushing, I fill, then squeeze the lower rad hose until level drops, fill, then squeeze lower rad hose until level drops, repeat...low rad hose(runs on right of IC)

FDjunkie

To continue dubulup's post, ideally you want ALL the air out of the FD's cooling system. Not only does trapped air reduce the car's already weak cooling capacity, it also contributes to rust. So no air is your target.

The Factory Workshop Manual (FWM) recommends a minimum of 35% antifreeze up to a maximum of 55%. You need at least 35% to lubricate the water pump and to prevent rust and corrosion. However, more than 55% will significantly reduce the cooling capacity, so stay between these recommendations. Also, remember that antifreeze's protection doesn't last indefinitely. Its good preventative maintenance to replace the antifreeze every year or two. I use the extended life 5 year/150K mile verity but still change it every two or three years.

This would also be a good time to check/repalce the radiator, overflow, and turbo cooling hoses. I think there are a total of 6 in all. You might as well get it all done at once.

n2trbl

yeah I'm considering flushing my system since I'm not sure when it was last done. (I just got my car a month ago). Does anyone recommend a particular brand of coolant? Any favs? I've always used Prestone in all my previous cars and I was thinking of using it in my 7. Has anyone used Prestones super flush? It's supposed to flushout stubborn rust and other debris. So 45% antifreeze solution should be okay then? I want as much cooling power as possible without giving up too much protection. Also I was considering using their 5/150 extended life antifreeze. Thanks for your help guys.