355 coolant change procedure | FerrariChat

355 coolant change procedure

Discussion in '348/355' started by WATSON, Sep 4, 2013.

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  1. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    21,611
    WI
    Any tricks in draining and refilling the cooling system for the 355 5.2 cars?

    I see there is a bleeder screw on the top of the water elbow above the thermostat. Does this need to bled out or do the return hoses to the burp tank handle the air discharge?

    Thanks in advance for any experiences or advice.
     
  2. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,264
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    Watson, My brief coolant change procedure:
    1. Remove underside trays to allow access to radiators and block.
    2. Open expansion tank cap.
    3. Remove plugs. Drain both radiators.
    4. Remove plugs. Drain block both sides.
    5. Install both radiator and block plugs with new “o” rings and copper washers.
    6. Pump system down with my AirLIft system. Check system holds vacuum.
    7. Fill system using the AirLift system. No air pockets or purging needed using this tool.
    8. Using my wife’s turkey baster, remove coolant from expansion tank to correct factory level.
    I use BMW’s coolant product.
     
  3. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    Nov 23, 2012
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    Dave Lelonek
    LMAO! What time is Thanksgiving Dinner? LOL
     
  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    The 355 is self bleeding so no need to remove any bleeding screw. Just run it, and continue to fill up the coolant to the right level. Check the next day and top up.
     
  5. AVMotorsport

    AVMotorsport Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 11, 2004
    250
    SoCal
    Full Name:
    Alex V
    #5 AVMotorsport, Sep 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I downloaded this document somewhere in FChat (I think) many, many years ago, and have done countless coolant changes using the steps that are outlined, with great results.

    HTH, YMMV.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  6. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    21,611
    WI
    Awesome. Exactly what I needed and worked perfectly.

    Major brotherhood points for you!
     
  7. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

    Jul 8, 2006
    5,234
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Bruce


    Perfect and spot on John...THANKS
     
  8. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    21,611
    WI
    OK. I did breakdown and buy an airlift system. The reviews are very good. I have never heard of it until now.

    I already have the turkey baster :)
     
  9. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

    Mar 30, 2014
    731
    NYC
    Is it possible to use the Airlift system (or some other tool) to evacuate the system?

    In other words, suck out all the coolant so you don't have to bother with all the steps necessary to drain the coolant the traditional way?
     
  10. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jun 11, 2004
    10,629
    CT
    Full Name:
    John Kreskovsky
    Short answer, no.
     

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