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Another 308 Coolant Leak Question

Discussion in '308/328' started by ediehl, Jan 14, 2008.

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  1. ediehl

    ediehl Rookie

    Aug 21, 2007
    12
    Southeastern PA
    Full Name:
    Eric Diehl
    #1 ediehl, Jan 14, 2008
    Sorry for yet another 308 coolant question but I had my 1980 GTSI out this weekend and when I got back to the garage I checked the oil with the car running as usual. Everything looked good so I shut her down and took my usual look under the rear of the car at which point I saw coolant streaming out of the overflow. It has done this before but never this much. I am guessing that about 6-8 ounces drained before it stopped. I also notices some fluid toward the front of the car (near front left suspension). Could I be developing a problem or is it my continued use of the heater since it is a little cool in PA this time of year?

    I just checked the level in the overflow and it is up to the top (this has me concerned as well since this is not the first time it leaked/drained so I would expect it to be down a little not up to the top). Only other concern was brown scum on top of overflow. I am guessing this is rust and not a good sign. Should I be looking at a radiator overhaul this spring?

    As a first year owner my paranoia level is extremely high so I could use some good advice.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,320
    UK
    #2 Iain, Jan 14, 2008
    Why are you checking the oil with the engine running? Std procedure is to check it within 5 minutes of shutdown on a warm engine - or is this a dry sumped car?

    Coolant out the overflow normally means you need to replace the cap - 1.1 bar is the spec now.

    Fluid near front suspension needs investigating - could it be brake fluid? Might be a leak at a heater matrix - is it coolant?

    Full expansion tank suggests you now have an airlock downstream - bleed the radiator & T'stat housing for a start.

    Brown scum might or might not be an issue - depends on how much there is - expansion tanks are notorious for rusting from the inside out. ANy sign of anything nasty in the oil?

    Radiator overhaul only needed if cooling is marginal (i.e. car won't run at much under 200 & temp climbs to 220+ under load). Although 308 cooling is a bit more marginal, when operating correctly with a good thermostat the temp really should not move around too much.

    I.
     
  3. barcheta

    barcheta F1 Rookie

    Nov 15, 2003
    3,738
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #3 barcheta, Jan 14, 2008
    Improperly bled cooling system is the most likely culprit if the car was recently serviced.... It is a bit alarming the first time you see it happen but it shouldn't be that big a deal. Not sure about a 1980 but later versions have two bleed screws to dissipate the air that can get into the system.
     
  4. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
    Full Name:
    The Meister
    #4 Meister, Jan 14, 2008
    Most guys (on 2V's) run/suggest 3/4"-1" below full on the expansion tank.

    I get "pissing" out of my 80 overfolw on a fairly regular basis. My cap is probably shot and I get some pressurised coolant that is getting/sloshing past the cap.

    "Brown crud" is usually a mixture of rust partices and some fluid.

    LF would indicate the rad inlet (with some other options).

    IMO, one of the best things you could do over the winter is accuratey measure your radiator, bring the measurements to a capable radiator/fab shop and have them build you a nice alum radiator. (some of the metalurgistic nerds here will debate the usefullness of an alum rad based on the the given weight of a water molecule...but I've been pleased over the past 8 years w/ my alum rad =)

    OEM replacement rads go for $600-$800+....5 years ago I had a custom alum rad built for about $300...not a single problem temp wise since then.

    I installed the unit myself which saved some $, but overall re-rodding, re-coring, re-anything of the OEM unit is a waste of time IMO.

    If you think it's the rad unit itself, either go custom or I've heard good things about Nicks/Forza unit.

    Nicksforzaferrair.com or something like that... google Nicks Ferrari.

    Best of luck
     

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