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Coolant Mystery

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ScuderiaRossa, Sep 29, 2005.

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  1. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 22, 2001
    2,230
    #1 ScuderiaRossa, Sep 29, 2005
    I flush (my mechanic, actually) the coolant on my '86 328 every two years. I've had the car for five. About two years ago I noticed a tiny amount of fluid dribbling from the overflow tube. The coolant level is correct. Two brand-new factory coolant caps later (about $20), icluding the one upgraded to 1.1 bars, and I still have the leak. I purchased an $8 cap from Pep Boys, and guess what, no leak. What's going on here?
     
  2. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
    2,192
    Kingsport, TN
    Full Name:
    Lawrence A. Coppari
    #2 Lawrence Coppari, Sep 29, 2005
    Mine 328 also relieves itself when it is filled to specified amount. I've owned the car for 17 years. It'll leak down to where the vapor pressure is low enough so that the pressure is sustained by the spring in the cap. It is nothing to worry about so long as there is coolant in reservoir. The original factory cap had a greater tendency to relieve. Caps seem to be like people in that respect.

    I assume you have removed air from the system, and I assume your temperatures are normal.
     
  3. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 22, 2001
    2,230
    #3 ScuderiaRossa, Sep 29, 2005
    Thanks Lawrence. Yes, the temps are normal, and I have to assume that my mechanic knows what he's doing re: air in the system, although I will mention it when I see him. Thanks for the response and the philosophical observation!
     
  4. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,354
    UK
    #4 Iain, Sep 29, 2005
    Suggest you open the bleed screw on the top of the radiator - I'll bet you get some air out of it. No tools required, you should be able to do it by hand. Its located on the top to the right hand side of the car. Do it when the car is cold & open the expansion tank cap first & also have some paper towel handy to mop up any drips.

    When you've done that then check the level in the tank - should be six cm below the bottom of the filler neck.

    rgds

    I.
     
  5. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 23, 2002
    15,247
    Montana, Oregon, Hawaii
    #5 Glassman, Sep 29, 2005
    I cannot stress this point enough times. 99.999% of the time a coolant leak like that is air in the system related. Keep bleeding and it will stop.
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #6 f355spider, Sep 29, 2005
    Some cars just do this...and if you leave them alone they seem to eventually reach some "equalibrium", and stop. It may end up being slightly below the 6cm spec, but it will be fine.
     

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