308 GT4 DIY coolant recovery system...

Waauw Peter,
That looks great!!
I had the same problem. Getting bored of all those people pointing and shouting "hey sir, your Ferrari is leaking!!". Even at trafficlights I had people stepping out of their car and knocking on my window.

The solution you made is great and looks like it originally belongs there.

 

This is a brilliant piece of practical engineering and fabrication.
Very well done!

 

Awesome!!!!

 

Err yes, it's very nice...

but there shouldn't be any need for it.

The expansion tank already does this job. If the cap is still blowing coolant out, it's either because your level is too high, or system not bled properly, or your rad cap is faulty (or it's overheating for some reason, but thats doubtful unless your fans are not working correctly).

If you bleed the system with the heaters on and set the level to about 30 mm below the bottom of the neck. it'll be fine... The expansion tank can run at almost empty while stone cold, and fill to the 30mm level when hot/warm.

 

An enthusiastic 2 thumbs up on the best looking "puke" tank have ever seen and that included a few tracks. I wish I could get the finish to turn out like that, never had the luck.
And Phil you are of course technically right on as usual. But then does it hurt to have a reserve? While it may be comfortable to some, most north americans get uncomfortable seeing low levels. No doubt due to the designs our manufacturers use. Personaly I prefer to run one,and have built several but Peter gets the prize for well thought out design.
Side note:
when explaining the trickle of coolant to a "ricer" simply tell them it is a male marking it's territory, and didn't theirs do that? Usual shuts them up LOL
Kermit

 

The only time my car pukes coolant is when I have overfilled it or it over heats (used to happen when I had flaky fuseblocks and one of the fans would mysteriously not come on). In both cases, the overflow onto the ground is a very good sign that something is wrong and you need to check it. Hiding the symptom with an overflow tank is not a good idea IMHO. You shouldn't need an expansion tank for your expansion tank!

That being saidm, your fabrication kicks @ss!

Birdman

 

I'm going to have to remember that one!!! ROFL

 

Yeah, good one Kermit!!

So the expansion for the expansion tank is a bit like a colostomy bag then.......

 

Looks very nice but.....

my 328 has been spitting a bit of coolant in the last month or so - turned out to need nothing more than a new expansion tank cap. Problem solved.

I.

 

Very nice Peter!

I always get people telling me something is hanging down in front, but it is only the ac drain hose. BTW Peter when you run out of stuff to do you can paint my 14" wheels!

Rob



Tell your Mom and Dad I said Hello, I will call you soon

 

Sorry Peter, I really don't want to knock your great effort, but your system does not (or should not) syphon back into itself.

The std expansion tank will syphon as you say, but your cap on the std expansion tank leaks/blows by on the wrong side of the seal to syphon.

In the "old" days, cars had a cap on the radiator and no expansion tank... your tank would work well for them.

A rad cap tester is usually very easy to find, and I suggest you get your tested... just for curiosity if you like, as your tank certainly does no harm... it's just not really needed.

 

i agree with Phil, but damn thats a nice piece of work !! wow!

 

Very nice job. What sort of paint did you use to get that finish?

 

Peter,
What kind of an expansion tank cap are you using?
While the std cap on my car has the necessary upper & lower seals, doesn't look like it is set up to valve coolant back in thru the lower seal plate.

Phil,
While I concurr that an expansion tank isn't needed with a correctly filled & bled system, many US tracks are anal about insisting on coolant catch/recovery tanks before they'll let the car on the track.

Kermit,
The trick with wrinkle paint is several thick wet coats, each flashed per instr. on the can, then slow curing to let the wrinkle develop. The thicker the coats, the deeper & more pronounced the wrinkling.

I've been pretty happy with VHTs black wrinkle paint, avail. from Summit Racing & lots of other places. If you put it on over primer it'll peel in about a year(been there).

Found out from VHT's tech support that it's a self-etching/priming paint. Best sprayed over a 320-400 grit sanded surface.

Painted my cam covers a few years ago & they're still holding up, no sign of any chipping. Only thing about wrinkle is that it's a PITA to get completely clean. End up using a fine, extra soft toothbrush.

Nowdays, I usually use wrinkle powder coat because it's quick & cleanup is easy.