Noise in the engine compartment ..96 355B

Hey Guys,

Been a member for about 3 years but a re-owner( had a 246GTS) for 3 months.
Have a 355B..had 36,500 with good records when I purchased. Have had no problems for my first 500 mile. Just today, when I got her out, noticed 2 drops of fluid on the garage floor...?
Car runs great...both oil and water are straight up, 70lbs and never overheats. Toward the end of the ride today started to hear an intermintent noise that sounded to me like some kind of "shroud rattle/vibration??? When I first start the car, there's a "fan/blower" that cuts on with ignition and then cuts off after the cars been running for about 3-4 minutes...what is that? and any ideas about where to start looking/shaking/tapping for the vibration noise that came and went from the engine compartment at the end of the ride who be greatly appreciated.
Running HI-FLOW cats and Tubi.
Thanks,
Al

 

The fan/blower you hear would be the air injection blower. This blower adds air to the exhaust manifolds. This makes it way to the cats, bringing them up to temp quicker. This is why the blower cuts off after about 3 - 4 min once the car/exhaust/cats are warmed up.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The rattle is probably coming from: (i) loose upper shield panels on either side of the engine compartment; (ii) a loose heat shield and/or (iii) the exhaust system components. Start the car and listen carefully to try to identify the specific area (you can also buy a stethoscope at an autoparts store). Take a very careful look at your headers to make sure you don't see any cracked, burned or "sooty" areas. I won't worry about a couple of drops of oil - but keep an eye on it.

 

Vibration/rattle could be a number of things. Things do get loose from the engine vibration. Check your exhaust and even body panels to make sure everything is tight. The sound you hear when you start the car that goes off after a few minutes is your air pump. It is located at the rear of the car by the wheelwell on the passenger side. (see your owners manual for exact location). The sound you describe for the air pump is normal. (high pitch whistle sound).

 

Thanks guys for the immediate response...the diagram is great and now I know what the blower does...Thank You. The car was out for about one half hour and the vibration noise started at the end of the ride. Didn't sound "heavy mechanical'...more like a shroud rattle that was louder with rpm's and silenced at idle. Cats and tubi's are relatively new, manifolds look original. All suggestions are greatly appreciated. Al

 

Found out what it was...radiator fan behind the driver's side.
Shroud is solid, but fan sounds like its going bad...threw a thin flexible metal washer that was chewed up pretty bad...still running though. Can the fan be rebuilt/ kit or something, or is it best to just replace? Sources? Can I R&R just by getting the Fcar in the air?
Thanks, Al

 

Al, you will find this post helpful
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138750539&postcount=11

 

Thanks Carm,,great help!
Do you know if the car has to be lifted to get at the fan??? Looks like it!

 

My pleasure Al You only have to lift the rear of the car enough to remove the tire. Once you remove the tire you will be able to easily remove the inner fender and then the fan assembly is just staring at you waiting to be serviced

 

Right and you should relax because this is a really really easy job!

 

Carm and Vince,

Hadn't logged on for a while....thank you both for your advice and encouragement.
Have a great Christmas Holiday.
Thanks Again, Al

 

Guys,

Just got my new fan. I remember that I'll have to cut and splice the old fan plug onto the new fan. Question? Have'nt pulled off the old one yet but see the new one is set up with one red /one black lead. Don't have a wiring diagram...is the old fan wiring colored the same way?
If not, what color will the hot lead assuming the black is ground?
Thanks
Al

 

The wiring should be red(positive), black (neg.) . When I replaced my Spal fan, I used metal connectors to splice the wires and not the plastic ones due to the excessive heat generated in the engine bay.

 

Guys,

You're right...easiest thing I've ever done on an exotic. Thanks for the FAN MAN tip...the noise is outta here. One last question...please take a look at the picture of the header I've posted and let me know whether they are stock, and if not, anyone recognize what they might be? Exhaust is TUBI...per former owner. Thanks again for all the tips. When is the best way to going about getting the valve covers redone...can it be done during a service or will the generally not wait for them. Any cost estimates and where?
Thanks. Al
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I can't speak to the header but I had my cam covers redone, it was very reasonable and I powdercoated rather then the VHT paint that others use. I like the fact that I may never have to redo the cam covers. It wasn't much more then something like $125 or so, not including the cam cover gaskets. Do it once and be done with it, check with a local powdercoater and you will be amazed at the results.

 

Almost looks like they were "krinkle" painted originally...is that stock? Powder coat in red?

 

Shouldn't they be insulated?

 

Those are the stock headers and the insulation is inside the sheet metal.

 

Thanks Mike!

 

Your powder coater will be able to match the texture and color.....only way to go in my opinion...

 

Thanks Mark!