1991 Astro LT questions

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Hello everybody, first of all I'm new to this forum and I'd like to say hello to all. There are a couple of questions I've been wanting to ask about my newly acquired 91 LT.

1. My radiator reserve tank is always dry. There's never any coolant at the cold level when I go to check it. However, the radiator is always full. Why can't I keep any coolant in the reserve? Is there a problem? I've never had any issues with overheating...just wondering.

2. How do I remove the cowl to get at the air filter? Are there any special tools I will need to do this? I'm trying to perform enough preventive maintenance on this van, so far I'm LOVING it!!

3. My horn won't work, hence my radio memory doesn't either. I checked the fuse and its fine. I really hate not having a horn.

Thanks in advance for any answers to my questions. I look forward to the forums! Thanks!

[Smiliesafari]

Welcome aboard, Red. Your water usage could be bad intake gaskets. It's a very common problem. There's a right up on removing the engine cover somewhere. You'll have to look for it. The horn also has a relay. Check it.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Welcome.

The coolant overflow bottle probably has a crack in the bottom since it is 18 years old. The horn could be a fuse, relay or the horn itself. To check the horn itself, have a friend hit the horn button and use a test light or meter to check for voltage at the horn connector.

[CaptSquid]

No special tools are necessary to get to the air filter. You need to remove the doghouse to get to the air filter. You will need:

1 -- LONG flat-bladed screwdriver or the lug wrench from the back of the van.
1 -- flashlight
1 -- 7mm socket
1 -- 10mm socket
1 -- 1/4" ratchet
TBD -- Barley pop

1. Remove the glove box/cup holder assembly by removing the two (2) 10mm nuts at the very bottom and the two (2) 7mm screws at either end. Unplug the connector on the driver's side.
2. Using the LONG flat-bladed screwdriver, loosen COMPLETELY the captive screws on either side of the doghouse. You'll need the flashlight to see the screw on the passenger side.
3. Lift the latches at the bottom and remove the doghouse. You'll see the air cleaner when you do this.

[astrozam]

91-95 engine cover ( which you will hear mentioned as the Dog House ) removal...http://www.astrosafarivans.com/howtotec ... se9195.htm

P.S welcome to ASV

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Thank you for your responses, immensely appreciated! I am off to check to see if there is a crack in the reserve tank.

I'm enjoying my new (to me at least) LT, it is a nice van and I got a good deal on it. Now I'm in the midst of discovering how to do preventive maintenance on it. I look forward to posting often and again, thanks for your answers.

[red]

The reserve tank was cracked heavily towards the top of the neck where the hose comes out. There were pieces of tank stuck in the clamp, and the other half was missing. I used some duct tape over the area and reinstalled the clamp to a nice snug fit over the tape. Then added coolant to the radiator and the reserve, let it idle for a while, drove around town some, and so far the reserve is holding at half full (hot level). So far so good!