Expansion tank level sensor removal | FerrariChat
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Expansion tank level sensor removal

Discussion in '308/328' started by HPINFO, Apr 12, 2010.

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  1. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #1 HPINFO, Apr 12, 2010
    1986 Mondial 3.2 cab expansion tank is getting pinholes so it's time to repair. Got the tank disconnected and out with no problems, but can figure out how the level sensor attaches to the tank. It's definitely not threaded, but it doesn't seem to want to pull out. Since it seals in the pressure, it would seem to need a positive mechanical attachment to the tank, but what is it? I don't want to break something by forcing it...

    BTW - basically every hose I touched down there was cracked and/or rotten - scary stuff... Does anyone have a good link to the cooling system drawing (with hose part numbers) for this car?
     
  2. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #2 Paul_308, Apr 12, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Amazing what can be found in the Owner's Manual - Course the Mondial8 QV Workshop has even more.

    I've heard that Ricambi's (FChat sponsor) website has part numbers.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  3. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #3 HPINFO, Apr 12, 2010
    Thanks for the pic. I'll check Ricambi for more detail at the rear of the engine (where the expansion tank is) and hopefully some p/n info. Any idea on how the level sensor comes out?
     
  4. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #4 Paul_308, Apr 12, 2010
    I'll go 10-1 that it's threaded into the tank even tho you say not. There just is no other way to handle an electrical switch fastened into a pressurized tank. To be sweat soldered into the tank would risk the component and a press fit would not be pressure tight or leak proof. Give it more torque - lefty loosie.
     
  5. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #5 HPINFO, Apr 13, 2010
    Actually it's the fact that it spins freely that tells me it's not threaded in. The top of the item is a type of hard rubber (was probably softer 24 years ago) and I can pry it up a bit so I know it's not mechanically fastened.

    With all the people that have rebuilt their leaking expansion tanks, I know someone has had to remove this item...
     
  6. eurogt4

    eurogt4 Karting

    Apr 15, 2006
    243
    Sacramento, CA
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #6 eurogt4, Apr 13, 2010
    Are you sure that the hardened rubber part is not held in with a thin snap-ring that may be encrusted with crud. Scratch around in there with a tiny screwdriver tip.
     
  7. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #7 HPINFO, Apr 13, 2010
    Actually there isn't any corrosion around that part of the tank, so I don't think there is anywhere for a clip to hide. As easy as that thing turns, I can't believe it could hold pressure in the tank.
     
  8. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #8 Paul_308, Apr 13, 2010
    Ok where do I send my money?
     
  9. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #9 HPINFO, Apr 15, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    You can just Paypal me... Here is a pic from the Ricambi site, so I guess I just need to keep prying and it should come out (or snap off.) BTW - its listed at $ 105.00
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  10. HPINFO

    HPINFO Rookie

    Mar 31, 2007
    25
    Seattle, WA
    #10 HPINFO, Apr 20, 2010
    The sensor just pulled straight out with help from a couple of thick-bladed putty knives. Seems to work fine, I just hope it will seal when I get the tank back from the radiator shop.
     
  11. marcro

    marcro Karting

    Oct 25, 2007
    68
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Mark Cross
    #11 marcro, Apr 20, 2010
    I did the repair thing three times on my 1985 QV. Pulled it off, drained the coolant, took it to the shop, repainted it etc and guess what? Two weeks later it developed a pinhole in another spot. I finally bought a new one from Rutlands for $400 and my problems were over. It is aftermarket but fit like a glove. Better than the 1200 the dealer quoted me.
     

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