Does the 355 have the potential leak of antifreeze into the gearbox issue? | FerrariChat
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Does the 355 have the potential leak of antifreeze into the gearbox issue?

Discussion in '348/355' started by andrew911, Jan 31, 2015.

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  1. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    #1 andrew911, Jan 31, 2015
    It was discussed that a 360 could leak antifreeze into the gearbox if the heat exchanger let go...it's one of those things that probably shows up on a website like this that people discuss, but in actuality has a rare occurrence [vs 355 exhaust manifolds and valve guides which most 355s have probably had repaired by now 20 years on (if not more than once for the manifolds!)]

    Anyway, it seems changing the antifreeze every 2 years or so decreases the probability of the heat exchanger issue in the 360s as perhaps the material in the heat exchanger doesn't deteriorate as quickly...just wondering if this is a potential issue with the 355 (even if slight)? I didn't realize the 355 had a antifreeze heat exchanger in the tranny until recently as I was investigating for my 355 purchase...I don't recall anyone discussing the failure on the 355s, but maybe it's even more rare to happen on the 355 vs 360 (and it seems to be pretty rare on the 360)

    ..Or if keeping fresh antifreeze in there decreases the issues and 355's seem to always have fresh antifreeze given the seemingly high leak/failure rate of the radiators- a "side benefit" that you effectively always have antifreeze in there that isn't more than a couple of years old :) The 355 I just bought had a small drain plug leak which I had fixed before I bought it, and several other 355's I looked at had radiator hoses, or actual radiators replaced in recent years..
     
  2. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #2 drbob101, Jan 31, 2015
  3. sevminasyan

    sevminasyan Formula 3

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    #3 sevminasyan, Jan 31, 2015
    The answer is yes and particularly in very low mileage vehicles. These things need to be driven and not parked majority of the time.
     
  4. GerryD

    GerryD Formula 3

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    #4 GerryD, Feb 1, 2015
    These heat exchangers are no longer available. For some reason they fail more on the 360 than the 355. Daytona auto up here in Toronto has a new style available and will never leak. Its built like a tank compared to the oem one. If you need one call them and ask for Alex.
     
  5. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    #5 phrogs, Feb 1, 2015
    I say anything that can be manufactured for a Vehicle can leak at some point given corrosion or damage to it.

    I'm sure low mile cars with Old coolant would be most susceptible to having issues.

    I know all to well from working on Aircraft if you don't fly em they break sitting on the tarmac, cars it's If you don't drive it, it will break.
     
  6. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    #6 andrew911, Feb 1, 2015
    Interesting- that's what I felt- it seems to be discussed more on the 360 vs 355- frankly I was surprised when I learned the 355 had one as I don't recall hearing anything about it when I was initially researching the 355 years ago before I bought the 360.

    Maybe there is something to my theory- people are more likely to have fresh antifreeze in the 355 over the years due to the higher rates of cooling system repairs where the antifreeze is changed than the 360! My mechanic does the antifreeze either every 2 years or every year (it might be every year- I don't have my 360 receipts anymore to look through as the current owner has them) and noted that would greatly reduce the odds of a heat exchanger issue. He isn't overly cautious on things generally speaking, so if he changes antifreeze by the book or even more frequently I figure it must be very important and useful to keep the corrosion at bay.
     
  7. GTSNJ

    GTSNJ Formula Junior

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    #7 GTSNJ, Feb 3, 2015
    I have never heard of coolant going bad in 2 years in any car. I think the issue lies more in a design flaw than anything else. In aston martins, they also have transmission coolers by the company setrab that fail often. I have had two 355 and have not seen this failure, although as you state it is fairly common on the 360. Maybe its a different part supplier on the 360 than it was on the 355? Or the overall pressure in the coolant system/gearbox is higher on the 360...just guessing here.
     
  8. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    #8 andrew911, Feb 3, 2015
    I don't know if it is fairly common on the 360, maybe just less rare :). I think the coolant breaks down some metal as it ages? Meaning it is important not to keep coolant in there for many years. At the end of the day, you are right- it probably comes down to a cheap part and/or a design flaw (like the exhaust headers on 355s...)
     
  9. GTSNJ

    GTSNJ Formula Junior

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    #9 GTSNJ, Feb 3, 2015
    I hear about it more with the 360 as well and horror stories about it taking the gearbox out ..

    I would attempt bypassing it if it ever went bad and I lived in a warm climate. I believe the purpose of the exchanger is to heat up the gearbox oil so that you get better shift quality faster as the car warms, but it may also dissipate heat away from the box.

    Now, radiators going bad that does seem to be quite common lately as the cars are approaching 20 years old in some cases.
     
  10. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #10 2NA, Feb 4, 2015
    I recommend changing both coolant and gearbox oil annually on 355s and 360s. It's the only good way to check for cross-contamination. This is a problem you want to find early.

    430s use a different style of cooler but leaks are not unheard of there. It's also a good idea to change fluids annually.
     
  11. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #11 cf355, Feb 4, 2015
    +100
     
  12. lotusk

    lotusk Formula 3

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    #12 lotusk, Feb 5, 2015
    Is the purpose of the oil/water heat exchanger to...

    1. Heat up the trans oil quickly to get it working as fast as possible ...or...
    2. To cool the trans oil whilst driving?
     
  13. 2NA

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    #13 2NA, Feb 5, 2015
    Yes
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #14 Rifledriver, Feb 5, 2015
    Primarily to cool the trans. It is highly stressed enough that it get hot quickly all by itself. Small gears will do that.
     
  15. lotusk

    lotusk Formula 3

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    #15 lotusk, Feb 5, 2015
    yes...to 1 and 2?
     
  16. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #16 2NA, Feb 5, 2015
    Brian told you the real reason it's there.

    If it helps getting things moving during warmup and easy driving it's just an extra benefit.
     
  17. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #17 Rifledriver, Feb 5, 2015
    It helps for sure but I really don't think that was much of a priority. A TR needs help getting the gear box hot but 355 and 360 not so much.

    To those who think bypassing it is a good idea. You couldn't be more wrong. Both those transmissions run too hot even with a cooler and is the cause of most of their problems.

    Well that and people not changing the oil annually.
     
  18. GTSNJ

    GTSNJ Formula Junior

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    #18 GTSNJ, Feb 5, 2015
    Very good to hear this from an expert. Thank you.
     

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