1st Gens 1990 4WD work log

[1st Gen]

Getting ready for winter

[SgtRauksauff]

d'oh! I was gonna post this before, and I forgot...

I got a set of these locally for under 5 bucks..

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/53500/10002/-1

so far, I've used one set on the transmission cooler for the '92 Chevy van w/ the 454 (7.4L). And another set for the Subaru cooling fan that I mounted in my AE86 in place of the clutch -fan.

I personally think they're safer than bolts, because there WILL be vibration, and metal-to-metal vibration, when the bolt (steel) is harder than the radiator (aluminum) can only turn out one way. Might take a long time, but I'd hate for this kick-ass work to be effed in the A because of a busted tube in the radiator...

--sarge

[1st Gen]

Thanks Sarge. It's funny but I was relieved when I found out that the holes weren't caused by my fan install. lol, I'll use this on my next radiator for sure.

[SgtRauksauff]

I had three radiators start leaking on me. The first one was in my GTX front clip, and the second one was the one in one of my 4WDs. or maybe both of them, actually. Right along the seam of the plastic tanks and the metal core. One cracked up by the neck, one cracked above the seam, and one didn't crack, but the seam sealer just let go.

Plastic tanks FTL, IMO.

--sarge

[1st Gen]

The EGT aluminum radiator
It's different than the OEM radiator so I'm mulling over the differences and weighing the consequences.

[FE3-323]

good deal on that radiator!!

how is it different then the OEM one tho??

[1st Gen]

good deal on that radiator!!

how is it different then the OEM one tho??

Well from the looks of it, it bolts directly to the core support on both sides instead of the top and bottom brackets with the rubber grommets. The fill, inlet, and outlets, are all in different places too. Size wise, I think it fits just fine. It just doesn't attach in the same way. I'm also concerned that the 12" Spal fan I'm using will be too big for it. It just barely fits the OEM radiator. I'm pretty sure the Protege DX version listed earlier in this thread would fit the fan just fine, and I know it fits just like the OEM radiator. It's just not aluminum.

CORE SIZE: 21 5/8 x 17 x 1 would seem to be big enough for the fan. I'd just have to buy new hoses and fashion some mounting solution. Not hard to do, just more work than the alternative. Is aluminum worth the extra effort?

[SgtRauksauff]

I think the escort radiators are crossflow, with tanks on the sides, and the mazda radiators are vertical flow, with tanks on top and bottom.

Escort radiators are slightly narrower than the opening of the core support, at least mine were, and the mounting nubs on the bottom are spaced differently than the mazda ones, so will require a bit of moving.

--sareg

[1st Gen]

Did some thinking today.
I have to admit that the car wasn't ready to try and start and putting the VAF in there all tilted like it is is not acceptable. I guess I was looking for a kind of "proof of concept" that would allow me to better wrap my head around just exactly what needed to be done still. I think it worked because I was able to make some good decisions today.

For one, I'm going to back up and take some of that intake material out so that I can better position it. This is also a good time for me to hook up the fuel pressure regulator and install the wastegate solenoid valve. And since I'm going to have a little extra room to work in there, I should also do any radiator work that needs to be done. This is the part where I admit that I haven't replaced the thermostat but plan to do so during the next big wave of work progress.

In part, the major decision was to get that EGT radiator coming in. Over all, I have a better sense of where I'm going and what I want to get done.

I'll take lot's of pics of the radiator when it does get here so anyone considering it can make comparisons.

[1st Gen]

Got the car up on stands again today. Found out the trans is leaking a bit from the drain plugs. No prob to tighten those down a bit. I also found that the new calipers I put on are getting some rust on them. Hrrm. I should have painted them. I'll have to before I consider this car done.

It seems like it's been raining since the day I put this in the garage. Spending time on it today while it's raining outside was a joy.

I'm going to have to tear it back apart a certain amount but that's okay since I'll have most of the configuration work done. Paint by numbers is way easier.

Edit-The bad, it looks like the majority of the oil underneath the motor is actually power steering fluid. I got to looking and it appears that the steering rack is leaking from the right piston. At least it's not the motor but, darn it.

[FE3-323]

drain the rack of fluid & loop the lines???

[1st Gen]

drain the rack of fluid & loop the lines???

I hadn't thought about this but I have to admit, it's not the fix I was looking for. I think a rebuild kit might actually be about the same amount of work. (I hope) Besides, call me lazy but I like power steering. I'm going to stop by NAPA today and see how much a rebuild kit cost if I can even get one. I don't recall anyone ever having to deal with this type of thing.

[1st Gen]

Went to Costless to price a rebuild kit. None available. Priced a whole new rack. The cheapest was $255+30 sh&h.

Manual steering huh?

Is the steering rack for a 4WD the same as a FWD Protege? I know they bolt up differently but I'm holding out hope they're interchangeable. If nobody knows, I'll do some comparisons and post up some pics.

[Mazda_Powered]

not the same rack as far as i know, i hear you on the power steering thing, all my BGs i've driven i removed the pump and just looped the lines, this one's keeping the p/s.

all in all tho all my BGs were lowered and running 195-205 series tires and it wasn't too bad driving it, just have to get use to parking. I usually kept the wheels straight and played with the throttle til i started to move then crank the wheel while playing with the throttle as well.

[FE3-323]

looping the lines doesn't make the car as difficult to drive as you would expect.

give it a shot