jeff8932612

hey i have a few precautionary questions i need to ask before i attempt to install my aluminum a.s.t. IS their a proper way to disconnect the hoses to the stock ast? Is it full of coolant? and if so, how do i remove it w/out dumping the coolant all over the engine bay?? THanks alot! -Jeff

JBC

It shouldn't have any coolant in it, maybe a little bit. Make sure you elevate the hoses, fluid might want to drain out it if you leave them loose.

DamonB

The AST is full of coolant as you said. There are two ways to swpa it out without making a mess. First, you could empty the AST with a turkey baster. This will give you just some small dribbles. Or, you could drain the radiator which will also drain the AST. The drain plug is at the bottom of the radiator in the middle, you can see it through the hole in the belly pan. It is a plastic phillips head screw with an o-ring.

Toadman

Heh, didnt have a turkey baster or syringe when I did mine, Damon. The bottom AST hose disconnect is the messy one, so try and plug it. I loosened everything and lastly slipped off the bottom hose and quickly put my finger over the bottom of the AST and saved about a pint from leaking. But that lower hose to the radiator continues to pee, so use a golf tee, bolt, or something to plug it. It only dribbles out of the thermohousing joint. battery removal really helps also to get at that lower clamp.

DamonB

Well, when I did mine a while back I did it just like you describe. I still made some tinkles on the floor. Trying to give the best answer with some hindsght p

RotaryKnight

Here's the best tip. Do it in the morning when the engine is cold!!!

It's only coolant if some spills no big deal. Unplug the top two then the bottom and put your finger there to stop it simple as that.

Toadman

That's a no-brainer, knight. :p The bottom fitting is the messy one.
The less you spill the less you burp..