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Ferrari California T overheating

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by evnotforme, Jan 11, 2025.

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  1. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
    Full Name:
    Allen Garcia
    #1 evnotforme, Jan 11, 2025
    Hello fellow enthusiasts

    I have recently acquired 2017 Ferrari California T from an auction and I need help diagnosing the 2 issue it has. So here it is

    1. After running for about 25 to 30 minutes idle it starts dripping coolant right under the coolant expansion tank. I never let the temp go above 100 I have checked the cap is pretty tight. The hoses that go to the radiator and very stiff and hot, both of them. Nothing is leaking under the radiator

    I have the brand new expansion tank that I purchased from the dealer and I’m thinking to replace it however I have a feeling that it could be that the thermostat isn’t opening, could that be the reason? also I’ve noticed that the coolant level isn’t changing even after running it for 20-25 minutes
    Where I am the weather is pretty chilly so I don’t think it’s because of the weather, at least not this time of the year.

    there is no smoke and the car runs and sounds fine
    2. Another issue it has is that the AC isn’t cooling, which I will tackle probably later.
     
  2. dera

    dera Formula Junior

    Oct 7, 2023
    338
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Mikko
    #2 dera, Jan 11, 2025
    In mine it was the expansion tank. Cheap part (I think it was like $100). IIRC the cap didnt seal properly because there was damage to that part.
     
    mikey64 and flash32 like this.
  3. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    6,727
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    #3 flash32, Jan 11, 2025
    I would guess it is the cap
     
  4. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
    Full Name:
    Allen Garcia
    #4 evnotforme, Jan 15, 2025
    Thank you
     
  5. spaghetti_jet

    spaghetti_jet Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2005
    924
    Europa
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #5 spaghetti_jet, Jan 17, 2025
    1. Normally, to do this diagnosis properly a service technician would fill up the coolant tank and use a cooling system pressure tester to find the leak. A pressure tester will probably cost you less than throwing parts at the car & hoping to fix the problem. Also, if the T'stat wasn't opening, the hoses to/from the radiator, and the radiator itself would not be very hot.

    2. I always get very suspicious when there are cooling system and A/C issues at the same time on an "unknown" car like from an auction. Often (but not always) there has been some kind of event, physical impact, service or maintenance not done right, etc. and the two things end up being interconnected. I'm not saying that you definitely have connected issues, it could absolutely be a coincidence, but I have had too many episodes where A/C and cooling problems ended up being connected somehow. If I were you, I would try to understand the root cause of both issues at the same time.

    All the best with the car, once you get these wrinkles sorted you will love it!!
     
  6. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
    Full Name:
    Allen Garcia
    #6 evnotforme, Jan 17, 2025
    @spaghetti_jet
    Thank you for your input. From your experience, how were they interconnected ?
     
  7. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
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    Allen Garcia
    #7 evnotforme, Jan 17, 2025
    One more thing to note as well that the coolant is leaking right under the expansion tank, behind front right tire
     
  8. dera

    dera Formula Junior

    Oct 7, 2023
    338
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Mikko
    #8 dera, Jan 17, 2025
    Exactly same symptoms as on my Cali T. The coolant tank itself was like $100, but it was about 6 hours to diagnose/replace.
    Get it checked ASAP and replace if needed, mine ended up on a flatbed because of it (it completely cracked and leaked all coolant out)
     
  9. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
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    Allen Garcia
    #9 evnotforme, Jan 17, 2025
    So an update

    I replaced the cap on the expansion tank, waited about 40 minutes on idle and temperature went up till 105, started driving a little in the parking lot and it dropped till 100. Once I parked it went up till 110 and it started leaking again right under the expansion tank.

    could this also be another issue with a faulty fan ? I’ve had the same issue with my 911 turbo where both fans weren’t working and it would overheat eventually anytime being idle.
    Also something I’ve noticed on that brand new expansion tank that I have the hose that comes in a box that basically connects to the cap is very soft and flexible. On the car it looks very dry and sturdy.

    obviously I’m going to take it to the shop so they can replace the expansion tank but I was wondering what do you guys think
     
  10. SupercarGTM

    SupercarGTM Rookie

    Nov 18, 2024
    33
    Dallas TX
    #10 SupercarGTM, Jan 19, 2025
    Btw Autozone and O’Reillys have cooling system pressure loaner tools available.
     
  11. evnotforme

    evnotforme Rookie

    Jan 11, 2025
    6
    Full Name:
    Allen Garcia
    #11 evnotforme, Jan 19, 2025
    I purchased one and tested, pumped all the way to 20psi and it started loosing pressure after a minute, I will be taking to the dealer
     
  12. SupercarGTM

    SupercarGTM Rookie

    Nov 18, 2024
    33
    Dallas TX
    #12 SupercarGTM, Jan 19, 2025
    You should be seeing an obvious leak or drip somewhere at 20lbs. With system filled.
     

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