2nd drive in 328 & possible coolant smell inside | FerrariChat
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2nd drive in 328 & possible coolant smell inside

Discussion in '308/328' started by m81b, Feb 19, 2012.

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  1. m81b

    m81b Karting

    Oct 20, 2007
    82
    Minnesota
    Full Name:
    Erik
    #1 m81b, Feb 19, 2012
    I took delivery of my 87' 328 a couple days ago. It's winter in MN, so very little opportunity to drive it- however I did for about 10 minutes yesterday and again for about 30 minutes today (it was about 42 degrees).

    I was not sure the 1st drive, but I am now... there is a sweet smell in the cabin, something like coolant. I can't find any leaks- nothing in front, back, or dripping under the car. The oil looks clean.

    All of the climate controls appear to work.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks,
    Erik
     
  2. TacElf

    TacElf Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 15, 2010
    1,719
    Seattle area
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    Jeff
    #2 TacElf, Feb 19, 2012
    Are you using the heater (I expect you are in MN) perhaps there's a tiny leak at the heater core?

    Being a new owner as well, I have also learned there are a variety of new smells to the driving experience that you just don't get with ordinary vehicles.
     
  3. Rock

    Rock Formula 3

    Nov 9, 2003
    1,652
    Toronto, Canada
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    Rocco
    #3 Rock, Feb 19, 2012
    heater core is leaking, there are two
     
  4. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
    4,334
    Sydney
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    maurice T
    #4 maurice70, Feb 19, 2012
    x2..They are relatively easy to get, but are no longer available.Remove them and bring them to a radiator specialist and have them pressure test them and see where the leaks are..They might be able to repair them for you,or they might be able to custom make some up.
     
  5. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
    4,786
    Marin
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    Geno
    #5 Sledge4.2, Feb 19, 2012
    It's probably not the core, more likely the valve that controls water to the cores...or a hose
     
  6. m81b

    m81b Karting

    Oct 20, 2007
    82
    Minnesota
    Full Name:
    Erik
    #6 m81b, Feb 20, 2012
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2012
    Engine temp seems to be normal, and again I can't find a visible leak or evidence on the floor of the garage. The heat has not been on and the cabin fans are off. The smell only seems to be in the cabin, noticeable- but not overpowering. Looking for a posts that has pictures of places to check, but looks like I'll need to remove the spare tire pan to see anything.
     
  7. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
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    Marin
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    Geno
    #7 Sledge4.2, Feb 20, 2012
    I am not familiar with the 328, but if I were you I would start by examining/studying the parts diagram for the cooling/heating system, take off the shroud, get the car nice and hot, run the heater and start peeking around. There isn't much more than the heater control valve, the heater hoses and the radiator cores.

    After you are done, you'll be able to say you fixed a Ferrari !

    Geno
     
  8. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    3,030
    #8 2dinos, Feb 20, 2012
    Two bits of info:

    1. The tiniest leak will create that smell
    2. After repair - you must wash carefully and thoroughly any heater parts to remove any trace of a/f
     
  9. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,168
    Vegas baby
    #9 TheMayor, Feb 20, 2012
  10. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    May 1, 2005
    4,004
    #10 PT 328, Feb 20, 2012

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