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First time coolant change. Question s

Discussion in '348/355' started by drbob101, Apr 26, 2014.

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  1. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #1 drbob101, Apr 26, 2014
    My first shot doing the coolant change. Drained both rads and opened both block plugs. Drank some coolant, drenched my clothes, soaked the floor and spent 30 minutes looking for the block plug as it went flying as I was consumed in anti freeze. Lol. It was stuck up in the engine Anyway.....


    Followed tazs doc for refilling. I got two gallons of BMW coolant , cut it 50/59 for four gallons.

    Filled the tank up, turned on the heat, let it run idle fit maybe 15 minutes, both temp gauges went to normal area but the coolant level never dropped in the tank.

    Took it for a ride, temps fine, heat working and hot. Let it sit and added maybe half a quart and coolant level is where I usually keep it. About a knuckles worth on my index finger

    So I have only used a bit over two gallons. Car is cooling now

    Am I missing something??

    Thank you
     
  2. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Wade, Apr 26, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. S-T48

    S-T48 Formula Junior
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    #3 S-T48, Apr 26, 2014
    Remove any remaining air through the bleed valves.
     
  4. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #4 Dave rocks, Apr 26, 2014
    Just about pissed myself Bob, that's too funny. I'll be in your shoes a few weeks from now :D
     
  5. Carbuilder

    Carbuilder Formula Junior

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    #5 Carbuilder, Apr 26, 2014
    There's your problem. You made over 100%! :)
     
  6. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #6 drbob101, Apr 26, 2014
    I see that capacity is 2.4 gallons , so I'm not that far off anyway.

    I can use the extra for my next shower!
     
  7. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #7 drbob101, Apr 30, 2014
    Anyone who has changed the coolant, how the heck do you get those rubber plugs back in the holes for the radiator drains?

    I destroyed one with a screwdriver and was able to muscle the other one in. What a royal pia!
     
  8. Steve Harkness

    Steve Harkness Formula Junior

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    #8 Steve Harkness, Apr 30, 2014
    From what I have learned it best to order a couple of new bungs when doing a coolant change. As once quoted on here they are made from some type of soft cheese !
     
  9. TrojanFan

    TrojanFan F1 Veteran
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    #9 TrojanFan, Apr 30, 2014
    Bob:

    Having not yet ventured to change my coolant but knowing it's a project for later this year, what is are the rubber plugs that you are referring to? On the parts diagram, I see #20 which is listed as a threaded plug. Is this the part?
     
  10. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #10 AceMaster, Apr 30, 2014
    If they are threaded, then likely yes. They are the radiator drain plugs.

    If you can list the diagram that you are referring to that would be helpful :)
     
  11. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #11 drbob101, Apr 30, 2014
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2014
    Ferrari F355 M5.2 (1996+) Parts : Table 106 - BODY - OUTER TRIMS

    Peter. I believe they are #36 in this frame. I will check with Ricambi before ordering but they are about 1 1/2" black rubber plugs that fit into about 1" holes and they are a royal PIA to put back in. Look under your car in front of the rear wheel well right inboard of the rocker panels. They are flush with the underbody when installed.

    You have to pry them out to access the radiator drain plugs which they conceal/protect but I would like someone to tell me how the heck to get them back in. As I said I was able to get one in and destroyed the other with a screwdriver.

    Just called Daniel and he confirmed that it is #36 on table 106 that I am referring to.
     
  12. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #12 AceMaster, Apr 30, 2014
    When I changed my coolant, I thought of an easy way to drain the excess old coolant (when draining and then flushing with a garden hose, the coolant will go from dark green to light green to clear water). This will make you believe that all of the old coolant is now out of the system since the fluid coming out is now clear water....but it is not ;)

    With the drain plugs still off, I had a garden hose running inside the tank at a rate that it doesn't overflow, but at the same time maintains a full level.

    Then I started the car, turned on the heater to full, and let it run for about 5 minutes. You will see the clear water coming out revert back to green (or whatever colour your coolant is), and then all of old coolant gets flushed out...shortly after it will become clear water again.
     
  13. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #13 SoCal1, Apr 30, 2014
    You need one of these to see if you have any issues with coolant flow, cavatation or leaking head gaskets
    Putting one on my car as we speak

    :)

    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh2zy3jaxJs]Head gasket leaking seen through Killerglass hose - YouTube[/ame]
     

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