Ferrari Service / Cam Variator Recall / Timing Belts

Are you sure the cam variators haven't already been changed? If you look at the cylinder heads in your car, there will usually be a "VD" stamped into them if the variators have already been updated. If you search my old posts, you will find pictures on one of the threads that I posted showing where it is and what it looks like.

You should also be able to call Ferrari and have them run your VIN# to see if the update has been done on your car.

As far as the dealer using non-OEM parts, that's hard to say. Also, I'm not sure they are still doing the variator updates at this time for the 360's or not. Maybe they still are, but I seem to remember someone posting last year that they ran into trouble getting Ferrari to cover the labor on that or something (although I might be mistaken).

Ray

 

Here you go (see msg #62) on this thread:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161753

The tensioners are always going to be Ferrari. It's the bearings that Hill provides that are better. Are they better than OEM? Hard to say. If it were me, I would use Hill myself.

Ray

 

I installed a dry cell battery in my 360. The 925. Search Ferrarichat, there are some threads on it with pictures, etc. It's a great battery and saves about 20 or 25 lbs off the car also.

Ray

 

Straps work pretty well. I bought the little welded battery tray for the 925 also, but never installed it. Great battery and no venting required.

Odyssey makes the Platinum line of batteries for Sears now also. I just installed one in my truck and it works great!

Ray

 

Where does one find the list of VINs which fall into the cam variator recall?


TIA

Ray

 

On Ferrarichat.com, of course

Engines below #60769 and/or VIN # range: 114015 – 123399 were subject to the variator recall.

Ray

 

It is against Ferrari policy for an authorized dealer to use non Ferrari parts and most dealers obey that rule. It is against company policy in most dealers to use customer supplied parts. Profit on parts is one income stream that allows them to keep the doors open.

During the variator replacement, if needed, you will be given, free of charge several very expensive parts and some very valuable labor. The dealer will be compensated for those parts and that labor at a rate that will very possibly be under his cost. To ask him to do the balance of the job for near nothing is not a good way to have a good relationship with them.

 

Thank you!

 

I have pointed this out before and many act like I am an idiot but the variator issue is a campaign not a recall. In fact most of the issues were campaigns not recalls. And before you all get up in arms, no the are not the same. There is a BIG difference.

A recall is mandated by either the EPA or NHTSA. Note it is MANDATED by the government and the manufacturer MUST do the repair.

A campaign is voluntary and is generally done by the manufacturer as a customer service. Since it is voluntary they can choose to honor the campaign or not and they can change their mind at any time.

 

Correct and recalls are only for safety related issues and emission control. Blowing up a motor is not considered safety by anyone.

 

The campaign can be performed at any time, however, I would not drive my car knowing it needed the service. As others have stated and as I experienced, you will pay for the belt service, anything related to the cams will be covered. Without looking at my bill, I beleive I paid $2200 at a Ferrari dealer for all the work to include, belts, tensioners, right and left, bearings and variators.

Hope it helps.

 

Yes they would. They've done it before, and will continue doing it.
Have you seen the headers?

 

True. However, it is not the belt tensioners that are made by Hill, it is the tensioner bearings. The tensioners go bad over time (one needed to be replaced last year in mine at the time of belt service).

 

Here is the FNA letter reference the campaign.


Hope this helps.
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