Operation of the circuit

OPERATION OF THE CIRCUIT

After the fluid has cooled the engine, it leaves the cylinder head and reaches the thermostatic unit (92). From here, if the temperature is below 83 °C, it is drawn into the pump (1) through a longitudinal coolant return manifold located on the left-hand side of the cylinder head. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds this value, the fluid is directed to the radiator (4) through the opening of the thermostat. After being cooled in the radiator, the fluid returns, still through the longitudinal manifold, to the pump which directs it to the engine. From the thermostatic cup the fluid is also sent to: - heat the throttle body (8) from which it flows to the expansion tank (7) also venting air from the system; - the climate control system heater (6) from which it returns to the longitudinal manifold; - the heat exchanger (12) for cooling the engine oil before being ducted directly into the longitudinal manifold through which it returns to the pump. The expansion tank supplies the engine cooling system via a special pipe connected with the longitudinal manifold.

DRAINING AND REPLENISHING

• Set the car on a lift.
• Slacken and remove the header tank plug.

WARNING: Absolutely never remove the header tank plug when the engine is hot!

• Raise the car.

1. Slacken the radiator outlet hose and drain the coolant into a suitable recipient.

WARNING: The anti-freeze mixture used as coolant can harm the paintwork: therefore avoid any contact with painted components.

• Reconnect the sleeve to the radiator and any disconnected pipes, checking that all the clamps are firmly tightened.
• Fill with fluid of the specified type and quantity until reaching the MAX mark on the header tank.
• Start the engine and bring it to normal operating temperature so that the thermostat opens to release the amount of residual air in the circuit.
• With the engine cold, top up until reaching the MAX mark on the header tank.
• Retighten the pressurised cap on the header tank.

WARNING: It is unwise to mix anti-freeze fluids of different types or brands! Never use antirust additives: they might not be compatible with the anti-freeze in use!

CHECKING THE LEVEL AND CHANGING THE ENGINE COOLANT FLUID

Checking

• Check that when the engine is cold the level of the coolant fluid in the header tank is between the MIN and MAX marks.

• Reconnect the sleeve to the radiator and any disconnected pipes, checking that all the clamps are firmly tightened.
• Fill with fluid of the specified type and quantity until reaching the MAX mark on the header tank.
• Start the engine and bring it to normal operating temperature so that the thermostat opens to release the amount of residual air in the circuit.
• With the engine cold, top up until reaching the MAX mark on the header tank.
• Retighten the pressurised cap on the header tank.

WARNING: It is unwise to mix anti-freeze fluids of different types or brands! Never use antirust additives: they might not be compatible with the anti-freeze in use!