Ferrari 355 with coolant leak - help?
Discussion
Hi -- I'm brand new to ferrari ownership with a lovely 1999 355 GTS F1. Sadly, she was bought unknown to me with a faulty heater (a Heater Valve issue I'm sure - I've ordered a replacement unit) and a nice blue coolant leak into the front luggage area which needs mopping up every couple of days / topping up to save the engine.
Can the coolant leak be associated with the faulty heater valve? Is this the likely explanation, or could it be a simple loose / broken pipe / connection?
I'm an absolute novice, but willing to spend time getting to know the issue and trying to resolve myself, if it involves simply removing carpet and dealing with a few screws / pipes....
Thank you for any guidance!!
Can the coolant leak be associated with the faulty heater valve? Is this the likely explanation, or could it be a simple loose / broken pipe / connection?
I'm an absolute novice, but willing to spend time getting to know the issue and trying to resolve myself, if it involves simply removing carpet and dealing with a few screws / pipes....
Thank you for any guidance!!
The heater matrix/aircon unit sits behind the luggage well and is connected to the coolant circuit by two pipes which run to the water pump at the back of the car.
To get at it, it's worth removing the entire boot carpeting which gives you easy access. You should then be able to see where the leak is coming from. If it's a loose connector or faulty valve, that will be good news because if it's a leak in the heat exchanger itself, you'll need to enlist the help of a specialist because the entire unit is very expensive.
A common other problem is the flap which closes the external vent through the bonnet when you press the recirc button. There's a motor with a plastic shaft which can shear and the solution then is to order a brass replacement from Hill Engineering.
Worth doing the initial leg-work yourself but it's unfortunate the unit doesn't break down into more separate spare parts because the whole unit costs around £3600 so you are looking at patching it up in the first instance.
To get at it, it's worth removing the entire boot carpeting which gives you easy access. You should then be able to see where the leak is coming from. If it's a loose connector or faulty valve, that will be good news because if it's a leak in the heat exchanger itself, you'll need to enlist the help of a specialist because the entire unit is very expensive.
A common other problem is the flap which closes the external vent through the bonnet when you press the recirc button. There's a motor with a plastic shaft which can shear and the solution then is to order a brass replacement from Hill Engineering.
Worth doing the initial leg-work yourself but it's unfortunate the unit doesn't break down into more separate spare parts because the whole unit costs around £3600 so you are looking at patching it up in the first instance.
Thanks blueSL, that's super helpful. I'll take a good look around the HVAC unit, hoping for a loose pipe or the like. I think the re-circulator unit works as it does open/close on command.
Only had it a week or so, but when the car is up to temperature and taken over 7,000 rpm it takes some beating...! Sounds phenomenal!
Only had it a week or so, but when the car is up to temperature and taken over 7,000 rpm it takes some beating...! Sounds phenomenal!
As mentioned remove the front carpet and inspect the auxillary heater pump, heater valve and surrounding pipework. Ive just replaced the pumpon my 348 which has the same system as a 355.
Pic of the pump (center) and the valve to the right (with a bosch label on). BTW lot cheaper to buy off eBay or direct from Bosch etc rather than for same item off Ferrari Dealer! LOL
Link to replacement:
http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php...
Pic of the pump (center) and the valve to the right (with a bosch label on). BTW lot cheaper to buy off eBay or direct from Bosch etc rather than for same item off Ferrari Dealer! LOL
Link to replacement:
http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php...
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