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overheating 308gtsi

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by sheflys, Feb 20, 2005.

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  1. sheflys

    sheflys Rookie

    Dec 1, 2004
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    Sydney Australia
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    David Caruana
    #1 sheflys, Feb 20, 2005
    previously (few months ago) enzoferrariphil posted a thread re-1980 308 gtsi thermostat. recently I had total replacement of the cooling system in my 308gtsi and now overheating while idling at the lights (on hot days) during the renewall we installed a theremostat as previously the car came without one.
    in the thread by Motob previously the conclusion was not there.

    Could anyone out there please advice if I should just throw away the theremostat or replace it? if to be replaced, which one and what temp rating should I use. The model is 1983 308gtsi.
     
  2. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    May 5, 2001
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    Groton, MA
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    Verell Boaen
    #2 Verell, Feb 20, 2005
    Probably already done this, but just in case: Have you opened both heater valves & bled the air out of the radiator & thermostat housing a couple of times.
    Search the archives, the procedure's been posted several times.

    Trapped air is one of the most common causes of overheating, especially as it sounds like radiator, wp, etc. is new.
     
  3. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 4, 2001
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    #3 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Feb 20, 2005
    Are you sure the fans are coming on? Overheating at a stop light makes me wonder.
     
  4. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,073
    Pocono Sportscar
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    Jim McGee
    #4 Dr_ferrari, Feb 20, 2005
    To add to what tommy has said, also check the speed of the cooling fans. if turning too slow it will cause the problem you have. I remember this happening to another 308.

    best regards, Jim
     
  5. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    Jul 2, 2003
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    Sparky
    #5 Darolls, Feb 21, 2005
    Also, the 308 thermostat has a small hole in the flange of the thermostat.

    When installed, the hole is is supposed to be on the top side to facilitate air bleed off.

    If there are air pockets in the system, it will overheat.

    Also check for air bleed off at the bleed screw on top of the radiator.
     
  6. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #6 parkerfe, Feb 21, 2005
    Bad alrenators on my BB512i caused my fans to turn too slow which caused the a higher than normal coolant temp while in traffic. After having the alternators rebuilt, the problem was solved. Even though your fans may be turning, you can't tell how fast with the naked eye.
     
  7. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Feb 21, 2005
    Did you notice other problems too like dim headlights and a weakly lit charging light or was it just running hot in traffic?
     
  8. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #8 parkerfe, Feb 21, 2005
    My car never really overheated, but it would get up to 100c or so in Atlanta summer traffic. The fans were turning so I racked my brain trying to figure what was causing the high temps. After recoring the radiator, replacing the thermostat and flushing out the system , it still would go to 100c in traffic. After the car wouldn't start one morning I had the guy at Advance Auto Parts check my battery and alternators and the tester he had showed they were only putting out 8 volts or so. That was not enough juice to turn the fans at full speed. After the alternators were rebuilt I could then tell they were turning much faster by both the sound they made and the volume of ait they pushed out of the hood vent. My coolant temp now struggles just to get to 90c!
     
  9. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Tommy
    #9 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Feb 21, 2005
    I remember when that happened now.
     

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