Radiator temp problem...thoughts/advice? | FerrariChat
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Radiator temp problem...thoughts/advice?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Spyder631, Apr 13, 2013.

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  1. Spyder631

    Spyder631 Karting

    Dec 28, 2011
    188
    NYC & Sagaponack NY
    #1 Spyder631, Apr 13, 2013
    So my 07 F430 spider just came back from annual service at FoLI. Was running beatifully before my service. And everything is good now except that the car is running very hot (like after a 5 min drive I am in the Red zone on the coolant temp gauge). Oil temp and pressure appear totally normal. Both radiators are blowing...the drivers side is blowing out cool air and the passenger side radiator fan is blowing out warm air (normal?). BTW, FoLI replaced under warranty my water/oil pump. Guys, what do you think the problem might be? I am putting it right back on the truck and sending it to the dealer but am rather curious as to what could cause this and what I check myself in the interim.
     
  2. Arnie

    Arnie Formula Junior

    Oct 5, 2011
    465
    New Jersey
    #2 Arnie, Apr 13, 2013
    Probably did not bleed the system properly and there could be air in the system which will cause overheating
     
  3. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    #3 up4speed, Apr 13, 2013
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2013
    If I had to guess, I would have to say an air pocket in the coolant. Check the coolant, it may be low. Once the air gets displaced, the coolant will drop. If its low, that's most likely the cause of your over heating problem.
     
  4. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    #4 up4speed, Apr 13, 2013
    Woops, I didn't see that Arnie answered you by the time I finished my post. I'm glad we agree on what it is!
    If that is the problem, make sure that you keep it topped off. You will have to check it every hot and cold cycle for the next few hundred miles.
    If it is the problem, it kind of worries me why they didn't bleed the air out properly when they did the service.
     
  5. Spyder631

    Spyder631 Karting

    Dec 28, 2011
    188
    NYC & Sagaponack NY
    #5 Spyder631, Apr 14, 2013
    Yes I agree with you and am displeased that they didn't do what appears to be pretty obvious. Questions:
    1.) Which coolant must I use to top it off? Must it be Glycoshell?
    2.) What's the protocol? Do I top it off cold and top it off warm until it just sort of regulates itself?
    3.) What's the risk of driving the car at the moment.....because actually I was going to use it tomorrow and just send it back to the dealer for them to deal with it. (which means my questions 1 & 2 are just for future reference really)
     
  6. LINDW4LL

    LINDW4LL Karting

    Apr 15, 2012
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    Hayden
    #6 LINDW4LL, Apr 14, 2013
    If its overheating within 5 minutes, I definitely wouldn't drive it.
     
  7. Spyder631

    Spyder631 Karting

    Dec 28, 2011
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    #7 Spyder631, Apr 14, 2013
    Final question.....what's the appropriate fill level in the coolant tank? I just went to the garage and opened it and it's not as if it's filled to the brim by any means (should it be?). In fact while I can see the green down there with my flashlight, I can barely reach it with my finger. Is that low?
     
  8. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    #8 up4speed, Apr 14, 2013
    1) glycoshell is very hard to find around here on Long Island! I had to buy it from miller motor cars in CT. You mentioned that its green now, glycoshell is blue. I would find out what the dealer uses and use the same stuff to top it off.
    2) always top it off cold!!! If you open the cap when hot, you will get antifreeze in your face and burn your self.
    3) don't drive the car at all if it over heats!! You can do a lot of damage. Be very careful because you can destroy your engine.
     
  9. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    #9 up4speed, Apr 14, 2013
    I'm going out of memory, but I want to say that the proper level is approx 40mm below the neck of the opening when cold. Also out of memory, I think that it will be about 1/2 full when cold.
    Usually if it was low enough to over heat the car, the tank would be dry. Unless there is an air pocket that is trapped and can't get out. I would have felt more confident about the diagnosis if you told me that the tank was dry. Make sure you don't over heat the car, it's very possible to do a lot of damage.
     
  10. Spyder631

    Spyder631 Karting

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    #10 Spyder631, Apr 14, 2013
    Thanks for all the advice. It's clear the coolant is pretty far below the filler neck but frankly there is still some in there so I have to think its air in the system or the new water pump is bad. Maybe both?

    Thanks again guys for all the advice. You guys are great.
     

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