Need Help - flushed radiator, now my idle is dead. | FerrariChat
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Need Help - flushed radiator, now my idle is dead.

Discussion in '308/328' started by Schaffee, Apr 25, 2025.

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  1. Schaffee

    Schaffee Rookie

    Aug 30, 2014
    1
    #1 Schaffee, Apr 25, 2025
    I'm admittedly new to this, so could really use some help. I bought an '85 308 about 9 months ago; 38K miles. Has its issue, but it ran okay. Then it started overheating. Actually, first it dumped the coolant through the clamped hose under the radiator - I thought because it had built up pressure for some reason and that was the weak point in the system. I thought maybe there was air in the radiator causing a blockage of flow, so I opened both bleed valves and filled it until it was overflowing, then sealed it back up again. Now, for some reason, it stalls on me when it goes below about 1,500 RPM's. Fine above 2,000 RPM's. So it's not really drive-able because I've got 2 feet and three peddles that need to be worked at every stop sign/light. Any idea why this would be happening immediately after I filled the radiator? Many thanks for any help.
     
  2. 308 milano

    308 milano F1 Veteran

    Jan 15, 2007
    5,306
    Montana
    Full Name:
    Kim
    #2 308 milano, Apr 25, 2025
    It’s been a while since I sold my 308’s. Right underneath your expansion tank (where you add fluid) there is a valve that has a rubber hose attached to it. It’s very easy for this to get disconnected. I can’t remember if it caused the idle to decrease or increase. It’s been a while. I would check that first. With regard to overheating, Are both your fans kicking on when it reaches temp?

    Someone with more knowledge will be along shortly and I’m certain they can get this figured out for you.
     
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,396
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #3 yelcab, Apr 25, 2025
    The AAV (auxiliary air valve) is under the expansion tank.

    You probably have two separate problems: overheating and stalling.

    Dump the coolant and refill with an AirLift system. Check water pump operation and its belt.

    Go back to basic on the CIS system,. Check system pressure, check vacuum leaks, check WUR operation, check idle speed and mixture.
     

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