Infamous 348 Engine Electrolysis Problem

I'm doing a '95' 348 Spyder 30K service and have found the water crossover fitting Electrolysis issue I've talked about on numerous occasions in the past, and will take photos to show the problem, what to look for, and how to repair.

JRV

Was this due to incorrect Coolant or not changing the coolant?


I was visiting a local shop here and they had a 355 Spider in for a 30k, the mech showed me how both radiators were leaking and needed replacement due to damage from Orange coolant, they were joking this guys service was a $10,000 one now.

Also doesn't Napa sell a device that sits in your radiator cap to help prevent this and does it work?

Hi Jeff,

Electroysis is unavoidable, however the sacrificial annodes Do Work. It's pertialy infrequent coolant changes (never) and partially design and physics. On these later motors the problem is accelerated but updates to slow the process down do exist as I will show with coming pics.

Also:

http://www.ferrari-talk.com/discus/m...tml?1054511757

Regards, JRV

Here is the first in a series of photos showing the destructive effects of Electrolysis on aluminum. Believe it or not even though the aluminum factory nipple is heavely corroded it wasn't quite leaking yet. Also note that the coolant sensor on the right was also infected as well as the connector.

Even with the engine out of the car you can see how hidden from view this problematic water fitting actually is. It is dead center on the heads and quite hidden from view, which is why it's so easily missed or overlooked by the average untrained shop or hobbyist.

Here is all the telltale evidence the eye can see from the outside that something evil is growing inside the cooling system....the Bulg in the end of the attaching hose indicates electrolysis in growing underneath and it's eating the rubber from the inside out also.

JRV

Is this more common with 348s or all models?

Do you know where you can get the anodes?

Thanks

Jeff,

although the older models also have this problem, the newer models seem to have an accelerated situation.

I'm still looking for some anodes..haven't found a good modern source yet.

Regards, JRV

Thanks, JRV

Let us know when you get some, I'd like to buy some from you

Should I worry about this on my 97 355? wher can I do a 'spot check' for the problem?