355 Challenge - losing water... | Page 2 | FerrariChat

355 Challenge - losing water...

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by rob lay, Oct 13, 2008.

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  1. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,073
    Pocono Sportscar
    Full Name:
    Jim McGee

    On the 355, there is not a bleeder screw. it relies on the return hoses to bleed the system out. make sure when you refill the system and run for the first time that you turn on the heat to allow the coolant to circulate to the heater core I usually delete the heater circuit on the challenge cars when I come across them for service as it is not really needed and is just another weak point that can fail.

    best regards, Jim
     
  2. ferrari.ace

    ferrari.ace Karting

    May 25, 2006
    232
    So.Cal.
    Full Name:
    Adam Cox
    Jim,

    The 355 has a bleed screw on top of the thermostat cover, as many other Ferrari's do.

    1) When filling the system you should leave the bleed screw open until coolant begins to run out. 2) close the bleed screw and continue filling the system. 3) run the car with the heater (on). 4) Allow the termostat to open and shut the engine off. Allow engine to cool. 5) check and adjust coolant level.... Or (alternative) with a empty system, vacume fill the system with the heat valve open

    The cooling system was designed with the return hoses in place to bleed off air pockets that develop while the engine is running.

    In '97 we were permitted to gut the HVAC unit located in the trunk. Most of the cars that were racing in the series had eliminated the heater circuit by this time, if not before...


    Hope this helps,
    Adam
     
  3. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,073
    Pocono Sportscar
    Full Name:
    Jim McGee

    You are correct, there is a bleed screw, but it is not necessary due to the bleed tubes attached to the housing. I have never had to use that bleeder to fill the system. but maybe a good way to verify if you have a clogged return hose.

    regards, Jim
     
  4. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
    7,330
    State of confusion
    Full Name:
    a.n.other
    Rob
    Has this been resolved or can you tell us any developments?
    I'm simply curious.
     
  5. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
    64,253
    Southlake, TX
    Full Name:
    Rob Lay
    I'm on the Norwoods wait list, looks like mid-November. I could have done pressure check, but I needed its winter check-up anyway. I will get full leak down and compression test too. First race isn't until February, so plenty of time.
     

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