308 Coolant leaking from overflow hose on hot day

If you have air in the lines, the air expands much more than the coolant does when it gets hot, placing more pressure on the overflow cap, and before you know it, you have a long line of coolant leading up the driveway...

Bleeding the system is definitely something you can do yourself. Your owners manual will show the location of the bleed valves - should be on the top passenger side of your radiator.

Make sure the heaters are fully open when you do it...

 

I tried to bleed mine today for the first time but no air or foam or coolant for that matter came out even with the bleed screw all the way off.?????????

Fans came on after 10 min but no foam or coolant.

 

I would say you are a little low on coolant...

 

That or something is blocked. You should immediately hear it hissing, and should quickly start to see spitting coolant coming out. The first time I bled my system (cold), it took about 10 seconds for the coolant to start to come out and about 60 seconds for it to come out cleanly. Now when I occassionally bleed it, it takes about 2-3 seconds before coolant comes out and 10 or so for it to come out cleanly.

 

Where were you bleeding? If you are bleeding at the thermostat housing, depending on the thermostat installed (if it has a bleeder hole or not) you will not be able to bleed until the engine temp is high enough to open the thermostat, because the bleeder screw is on the "radiator side" of the thermostat.

Birdman

 

I think I'm going to have to add a procedure on my website for bleeding the cooling system of a 308.

Birdman

 

Wasn't sure where Tstat bleed was so i was gonna keep it simple and try radiator.

I took the expansion tank cap off then turned slides to red and turned on the car. Twisted the screw at top of radiator till the litttle hole drilled in it could be seen. Car on incline in driveway with front higher than rear. After about ten min. i got fed up and unscrewed all the way but nothing.

Maybe low on coolant is what i thought too. The expansion tank is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Car rarely hits 195 and only when sitting in traffic for a very long light.

 

You have to bleed mid engined cars by the book. Keeping it simple by not doing it right will not purge the air. Every car is different, so find the procedure and do it exactly as reccommended.

Ken

 

mine has leaked coolant out the overflow on very hot days. It doesn't happen all of the time. I didn't think it was any big deal. Coolant level checks fine and car runs at correct temp.

 

I had the same problem with my 1985 308. I changed the radiator cap and bleed the system and that fixed the problem. Just make sure the new cap is on tight and top off with coolent. Thumb screw on the top right of the radiator. Good luck.

 

This old post from Verell is pretty good:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135067366&postcount=25

 

The expansion cap spring pressure does not last forever......

Periodic replacement means you really have the 1.1 bar at the cap...

Obviously you need the engine warm enough to be circulating coolant to the front before beginning the process...

If you do not burn your fingers you are doing it wrong....LOL!

 

If you have the radiator bleeder opened, with car inclined nose up, your going to suck air into the radiator. Turn the car round the other way, or just level is fine. Car not running, level, open radiator bleed, top off reservoir to proper level, when coolant comes clear from the bleeder, without bubbles, close it. After the car has ran until hot, shut it down and when cooled enough, carefully remove the reservoir cap to check level and open the bleed at the radiator again. If nothing comes out, the fitting may be plugged. A short piece of wire, even a hair clip, just poke inside the hole an inch or so and if its plugged it should clear it.

Early 308's dont have thermostat bleeds, just at the radiator only. But I bleed it everytime before I start it, just to make sure its clear, and anytime I stop for fuel after its cooled enough to remove the reservoir cap. I stopped seeing any more bubbles, but I dont want to become complacent and put it off until I see a problem. I consider it as important as checking the oil at every fuel stop or two.

There isnt a lot of extra volume in the reservoir for expansion. When its 100F outside, and your running near 200 on your guage, its almost normal to puke some coolant. Especially if it was filled to the upper level when cold. As long as its running cool, your bleeder blows clear, and your reservoir level is correct, you shouldnt have any trouble. But if you fill the reservoir up cold, you better expect its going to push some out when it gets good and hot. Just keep bleeding it.

 

Please! I need to do that to mine.

 

Got the coolant to come out..needed coolant.

Thanks!!!!!