Question about bleeding cooling system

The cap may be new, but could be faulty / not sealing correctly

How much fluid do you loose from the header tank, does it empty the tank completely or does it get to a certain level (which it should do) and then stop ?

 

I had the same problem with my '85 308 a couple of years ago. It was solved by installing a 16 lb. Stant cap, purchased at Advance Auto, for about $5 ( Stant # 11229). Before this cap, I bought a new one from Ferrari and it didn't work.

Assuming that the system is adequarely bled, could you have too much coolant in the tank? It shouldn't be higher than between 2-3" from the neck.

 

Also--do you have the heater valves opened when you bleed?

 

Yes--you need to open the heater valves for a proper bleed. Otherwise, air keeps getting caught in the system

 

It's an open system. Every time you top it off it will pee when it gets to full operating temp. When it cools it will draw air back in. After that you will always have an air space at the top of your header tank.

I converted mine to a closed system by installing a surge tank that catches the excess and holds it until things cool down. No more pee on the ground and when I bleed the system I get a solid stream of coolant, rarely any air.

 

Spasso--where to you mount the surge tank? Any pics?

 

It's the chrome looking cylinder mounted vertically on the rear firewall, next to the header tank.

I hooked the overflow tube from the header tank to the bottom of the surge tank with rubber hose sleeved in aluminum mesh for heat resistance. The surge tank also has an overflow tube that exits down by the left rear frame member.

The surge tank only holds 16 ounces. Just barely big enough. 18 ounces would be better. The tank is manufactured by Billet Specialties. I bought mine through the Summit Racing catalogue.
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Wow--very slick looking. Nice installation job! Thanks for the pics.

 

My pleasure...............