| Author | Message | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 46 Registered: 9-2001 |
Thanks for all the help. I'll get it looked at this week and post the results. | ||
| acw (Acw)
New member Username: Acw Post Number: 41 Registered: 2-2002 |
I'm no mechanic, however, I believe the oil temperature tells more about your engine actual temperature. Since your oil temperature was OK I would not expect any damage to the engine. ACW | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 370 Registered: 12-2001 |
Can you tell where it is leaking from? if its a finky hose, you could still be back on the road in time for the fireworks. Also, take a look @ ferrarilist: there is a current thread on defects in 550 hoses. | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 45 Registered: 9-2001 |
I'm sure it isn't the sensor as after I parked it, I lost some more coolant out the expansion tank and this morning, when I started it up, I could see some rapid dripping. So I guess it's something real. I'm thinking that I'll just bite the bullet and have it flatbedded up to Columbus to the dealer rather than having my usual P-car mechanic take a quick (and more convenient) look at it-I'm sure that passing thought will prompt some commentary on THIS board  I guess I'm more optimistic after reading the comments below that I haven't done serious and lasting damage to the engine-now that would of been some serious bucks. Bummer though-I was looking forward to giving people rides for my July 4th party-somehow they don't get quite so excited when I offer to give them a drive in the 996tt. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member Username: Doody Post Number: 267 Registered: 11-2001 |
isn't it unlikely that the temp gauge would spike but the oil temp wouldn't? especially if you think it spiked not at the end of your ride? doody. | ||
| Ernesto (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 443 Registered: 2-2001 |
It could be the temp sensor that is broken. This happened to my 360 as well, and the dealer replaced the sensor. Ernesto | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2001 |
Thanks Greg: It appears that the oil is clean, so at least at first glance the head gaskets are OK. Of, course, I'd have to run the engine for a while to really test that-something I don't plan on doing! | ||
| Robert Jude Klein (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member Username: Rjklein4470 Post Number: 117 Registered: 3-2002 |
I think that as long as your oil was cool, that you should be ok. I would have the local mechanic look at it. The radiator is in the front with two teflon conectors I think, and some times the leek is right there and easy to find. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 369 Registered: 12-2001 |
Dunno, but if it is reassuring, my 97 Maranello went somewhat haywire during the Forza Mille a couple of years ago, after doing a hill climb, etc. Turned out to be a leaky coolant hose under the plenum, but the hazard light came on and , although i topped it off with coolant later in the day once the car cooled down, i did have to limp it back to the hotel. Problem with a mechanic, no matter how good (and i had a very good one thru RPM which provided support for the rally), was, until the shop basically pulled the plenums off, there was no way to find the leak; we temporary removed the thermostat, which didn't fix the problem, and, without the books,etc, familiarity with that system, it was a stupid simple fix that wasn't so easy to ascertain. | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 365 Registered: 3-2001 |
The first thought would be head gasket. When the car is over heated the head can warp. You will need to see if the car is mixing fluids. Pull the oil dipstick and look. If you see coolant in the oil then that is a sign of a head gasket leak. It can also go oil into the coolant or coolant can fill the cylinder (lots of white smoke from the exhaust on start up). If it is a head gasket than I am sure it will be very high $$$. Let us know what you find out. | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
New member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 43 Registered: 9-2001 |
Well, I may have really screwed up. While driving the 550 yesterday, I noticed when I got home and took off my sunglasses as I pulled into the garage, that the temp. gauge was pinned in the red. Although it wasn't a long drive (~20 minutes), the warning light could have been on for as long as 10-15 min (can't see it with polarized sunglasses and driving into the sun). The oil temp was also up at the end of the drive although nowhere near the danger zone. It appears I have a slow coolant leak somewhere and the expansion tank was empty. Upon starting it up this morning, the engine sounded fine and all no red lights appeared but obviously I'll get the whole thing thoroughly checked out and find the leak. What I'm worried about is: did I do any permanent damage to the engine? Or would that be apparent from the get-go in terms of how the engine sounded/ran when I started it up? No flames please! I already feel dumb enough  ! But any help or advice would be much appreciated. If it's just a simple leak I'm wondering whether I really need to have it flatbedded up to the F-dealer (130 miles) or if a trusted mechanic in town should take a look at it first. |