Where is the F1 fluid resevour on a 430?

I've had several hydraulic fluid leaks recently, I want to check the fluid level.

Where is that rascal?

 

IIRC behind the right panel in the engine compartment (same as the 360)

 

Check the owners manual. You know that old saying "if all else fails read the instructions" hahaha

 

It's not in the owners manual. In fact, the 2008 manual says not to check it.

Otherwise, I agree with the concept of reading the manual.

 

Check underneath the panel on the passenger side inside the engine compartment. Good place to check for possible leaks as well.

 

Really! That surprises me, you would think they would want owners to monitor that. Is there some sort of warning light then?

 

Same thing for the 2007 F430. I had to have the dealer check it. Not readily accessible. Al

 

At right rear of the car.

 

It's probably not actually a leak. There is a breather hose in the reservoir cap that run down a hose attached to the inside of the right rear section of the car and stops just above the rear diffuser on the right rear of the car. Why they did it this way is a mystery, but it just stops there. So, when you are using the F1 aggressively or continuously for long periods of time (mountain roads....grin) or in very hot weather or all of the above, the fluid heats up and expands......and if the tank is even slightly over-filled, the fluid runs out the breather hose and drips down onto the diffuser and then onto your driveway/garage floor, etc. Not really unlike the breather hose at the top of the coolant expansion tank....the fluid expands and drains out. Now, why they don't just use an expansion tank for the F1 hydraulic fluid I don't know.

First time I saw a puddle of hydraulic fluid on my driveway, I almost sh*t. But once I traced the overflow line, it all made sense...in an Italian car sort of way....and I verified it with Ferrari mechanics.

Hey, what else would you expect from your $200+K Italian automobile? What, you thought it was a German car? HA!

 

That is exactly when it does it! After hot hard runs, on high temp days, after hammering it.

So, does it eventually stop?

I understand mountain runs, living in Colorado.

 

Yes, it does EVENTUALLY stop. But I think mine did it 4 or 5 times before it stopped. Or at least I THINK it has stopped.

The fluid level is easy to check. Just remove the right rear upper composite panel...three or four hex screws. Easy to remove and replace and the tank is very accessible. It's only a car, so don't be afraid to dive in. Nothing particularly magical about any of the systems...all easy to get to and easy to check all fluid levels, etc.

 

On your inspiration I'm trying to check the F1 Fluid level on my 430 and you were right - it was only 4 screws. I assume the fluid has to be in the round, 5" tall canister, but how do I check the level? Can you direct me on that?

Thanks much for the help and the inspiration.

 

I am trying to check the F1 fluid level as well and after checking the owner's manual, the tank under the black aluminum cover only contains the brake fluid. How are people checking their fluid level for the F1 gearbox system? What fluids are people using besides Shell Donax TX? Thanks.

 

To check the F1 fluid level, engine should be cold, removal of the cover on the upper right rear engine compartment (just before the taillights), remove the cap from reservoir and clean the dipstick. Turn the key on, let the pump cycle, screw down the cap and check for level between min and max. Very simple, very easy.

Mad

 

Thank you so much! My head just wasn't working this morning... somehow, I was reading the thread but checking the front trunk instead of the engine compartment. haha...

 

so how do we change the fluid ? just suck out with a fluid pump?

 

I did this tonight on a f430 but there is just a cap, no dipstick like the 360. Not sure how to check the fluid?

It looks like it is pretty full and above the line on the side of the reservior but is that the only way to check it?