Infamous 348 Engine Electrolysis Problem

3889 Views 11 Replies 0 Participants Last post by John Haller, Oct 14, 2003

Discussion Starter · Aug 30, 2003

I'm doing a '95'

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.

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Aug 31, 2003

JRV

Was this due to incorre

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?

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 31, 2003

Hi Jeff,

Electroysis is una

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/messages/30/120.html?1054511757

Regards, JRV

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 5, 2003

Here is the first in a series

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.

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 5, 2003

Even with the engine out of th

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.

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 5, 2003

Here is all the telltale evide

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.

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 5, 2003

JRV

Is this more common wi

JRV

Is this more common with 348s or all models?

Do you know where you can get the anodes?

Thanks

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 7, 2003

Jeff,

although the older mo

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

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 7, 2003

Thanks, JRV

Let us know whe

Thanks, JRV

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

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Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 28, 2003

Should I worry about this on m

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

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Discussion Starter · #11 · Sep 28, 2003

Kevin,

Although I cannot sp

Kevin,

Although I cannot speak specifically for your F355, the problem of electrolysis has been around for years...with other marques, as well. On any electronic fuel injected car, the problem of electrolysis is componded. First, is the not so obvious component degradation that JRV refers to. The other problem is that the nature of electrolysis creates a small voltage in the cooling system that can "mislead" the FI sensors.

A quick test would be to check for voltage in the cooling system. Huh? You ask...

With a highly sensitive milivolt meter, apply one probe to the engine ground, and stick the other probe in the coolant (in the overflow) tank. If your voltage reading is about 1-2 millivolts, you should flush the cooling system...and inspect for sensor and/or cooling nipple damage.

Regards,
David

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Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 14, 2003

JRV,

The marine industry us

JRV,

The marine industry uses pencile type zinc's, they screw into the colant system like a sensor,at around 1/2" in diameter. Don't know where they would fit in a F car but you may. You can purchase them at most marine supply stores.

JH

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