coolant leak question... | FerrariChat
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coolant leak question...

Discussion in '348/355' started by cladd2000, Aug 17, 2011.

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  1. cladd2000

    cladd2000 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 18, 2005
    519
    #1 cladd2000, Aug 17, 2011
    So after a longish drive I pull into the garrage and shut it down. Coolant (yes it is coolant) starts dripping slow, then fast, from the front of the engine near or at the midline (below sepentine belt). For some reason I thought I would look as I have been smelling coolant lately. As the car cools it stops, but there is a big puddle. Took the boot cover off and engine cover off and don't see anything wet up top.

    Topped it up this am, idled it to water temp near 190, and no leak.

    Ideas??
     
  2. cladd2000

    cladd2000 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 18, 2005
    519
    #2 cladd2000, Aug 17, 2011
    Update: took a shower and went back out and there is a small puddle. Same spot.

    Timing suggests to me a leaking clamp or hose. When the coolant sits and the hose expands, it leaks.
     
  3. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,741
    #3 Mitch Alsup, Aug 17, 2011
    The leak requires pressure in the system to push the coolant out the <still small> hole.

    Locations for the hole(s): water pump, hoses, pipes <unlikely>, overflow tank, and radiators. But dont forget to look at the water/oil <transmission> intercooler in the bay of the motor.

    To find the leak, get the motor hot, stinking hot. The leak will manifest itself.
     
  4. FLYBUY

    FLYBUY Rookie

    Feb 1, 2006
    12
    East Bay
    #4 FLYBUY, Aug 17, 2011
    Had a coolant leak on mine in about the same location.

    One of the hoses had split near the hose clamp. It needed to be nice and hot AND pressurized in ordered to leak but once it started leaking it poured out pretty aggressively.

    It was tricky getting in there but was able to have the hose replaced without moving major components.
     
  5. JSBMD

    JSBMD Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    453
    The OC
    Full Name:
    John
    #5 JSBMD, Aug 17, 2011
    Is this a 355?

    I just a couple weeks ago replaced a coolant hose on my '98 355, similar location. Hose went from coolant reservoir to engine, leaking right next to the upper clamp. Real pain in the a$$ to get to the lower clamp, but otherwise not terribly expensive.

    Once you take the shroud around the coolant tank off, it's pretty self-explanatory. Agree that a warmed up engine should demonstrate for you the leak.

    John
     

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