bleeding air- What did I do wrong? | FerrariChat
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bleeding air- What did I do wrong?

Discussion in '308/328' started by JoeZaff, Aug 24, 2008.

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  1. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    Aug 5, 2007
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    #1 JoeZaff, Aug 24, 2008
    OK,so after cycling the heater a few times I noticed a few drops of coolant leaking out of the expansion hose after I shut her off--time to bleed the system.

    Anyway, with the engine cold, I opened the expansion tank. The fluid was at the top, which means the leaking was probably legitimate overflow from an overtopped tank. However, given that she had never leaked before, I decided to bleed her just in case. Anyway, with the engine stone cold and the expansion tank cap off, I bled the front radiator and sure enough--a lot of air came out. I then did the rear. When I took the screw off, fluid started gushing out of the hole. I immediately, resealed it. No further drops from the expansion tank despite a very long--hot and aggressive test drive. Temp held well too.

    Did I do something wrong? I was really stunned that the fluid came pouring out as fast as it did. If this is supposed to happen, why the F%K didn't Ferrari use a bleeder valve in the back too. Needless to say, I was not to happy about the 1/2 cup of antifreeze that got dumped on my belts.

    I am now in the market for EZ bleeds, but I am curious if I made a mistake..

    Advice.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Steve Magnusson, Aug 24, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2008
    No, not a big one. I don't know if the stock bleed screw at the engine for your model is center-drilled and cross-drilled to let the air out more easily (IIRC Verell B. sells such a screw, and you may not have the stock one anymore anyway), but, even if it isn't drilled, you would usually just loosen it a few turns (and wiggle it about) and watch for coolant to start weeping out the thread joint (or just barely remove it and be ready to quickly put it back in) -- no need to remove it completely (as you've found out ;)). IME, bleeding at the engine is more needed after the cooling system has been drained completely and refilled -- not so necessary for normal minor bleeding/checks between coolant changes which can just be done at the radiator.
     
  3. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    #3 JoeZaff, Aug 24, 2008
    Thanks. Unfortunately, the screw in the thermostat housing is just that...a screw...and you can't really tell if you've gotten all the air out until it is just about completely out...which is why I am buying the ezbleeds.

    Next time I won't even bother with the rear at all unless I am doing a fluid change.
     
  4. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 10, 2002
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    #4 fatbillybob, Aug 24, 2008
    In a pinch at home to save you time just take the old crap screw which is no better than grade 5 and drill it lenghtwise about 3/5ths the way then perpendicular to that channel drill another hole in it. Now you have an "L" shaped channel. This way when you unscrew there are plenty of thread yet an escape for fluid. That is the lazy way to make a bleed screw which is way faster than trying to order one or find one at the local store.
     
  5. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
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    #5 chrismorse, Aug 24, 2008
    My 77 # 22207, didn't have a bleed on the thermostat housing. When did Ferrari start the housing bleed???

    I had my machinist weld a bung & used Verell's bleed screw - works well.

    hth,
    chris
     
  6. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Steve Magnusson, Aug 24, 2008
    The next year -- 1978
     
  7. Beta Scorpion

    Beta Scorpion Formula 3

    Jun 22, 2006
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    #7 Beta Scorpion, Aug 25, 2008
    Were you able to catch the washer? (...ask me how I know...;))
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 BigTex, Aug 25, 2008
    ...77's and older have to park on an incline. radiator elevated.

    ..after fixing the Parking Brake....;)
     
  9. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    #9 JoeZaff, Aug 25, 2008
    No. Of course not! Had I tried to save the washer, half of Pennsylvania would have been under a sea of antifreeze. Luckily, I was intending on replacing the washer with a neoprene one anyway, so I made the swap. I bought the Ezbleed today...so next time should be a breeze.
     

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