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Coolant Level?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Speedracer33, Jul 18, 2014.

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  1. Speedracer33

    Speedracer33 Karting

    Jul 17, 2012
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    Matt B
    #1 Speedracer33, Jul 18, 2014
    Sorry for the elementary question, but should the coolant level (in the rear tank) be all the way up to the top? I don't want to overfill and have it throw up when it gets hot....

    This is for an '85 QV in case that matters. Thanks.
     
  2. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
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    Mike 996
    #2 mike996, Jul 18, 2014
    It's an expansion tank so NO. If you fill it where there is no room for expansion, it will just spill overboard when the coolant heats up. If I recall, Ferrari says 5 or 6 cm below the top.

    Actually, there is no need to worry about it at all. If you fill it too much, it will just spit out over a few trips until it reaches the correct level and will be fine after that. As long as there is some coolant in the tank when cold, there is enough in the system.
     
  3. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
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    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #3 Brian A, Jul 18, 2014
    Check the owners manual. I believe the spec is 6 cm below the top of the neck. Make a dipstick with a line at the 6 cm point. I was overfilling until I realized just how low in the expansion tank 6 cm really is: it looks less than half full.
     
  4. Speedracer33

    Speedracer33 Karting

    Jul 17, 2012
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    Matt B
    #4 Speedracer33, Jul 18, 2014
    Based on that, it sounds like I'm about right. Thanks guys, much appreciated!
     
  5. spirot

    spirot F1 World Champ

    Dec 12, 2005
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    Tom Spiro
    #5 spirot, Jul 18, 2014
    rule of thumb is : coolant when cold just over the seam on the expansion tank.
     
  6. Ehamilton

    Ehamilton F1 Rookie
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    Eric Hamilton
    #6 Ehamilton, Jul 18, 2014
    A really easy check that I learned from an experienced tech: Stick your index finger down into the tank. If you can touch coolant, you're good.

    And at the risk of stating the obvious.... You do this on a cold engine.
     
  7. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    Mike
    #7 miketuason, Jul 20, 2014
    Just fill it up half a tank and you're good to go.
     

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