360 cam variators

It is not their inability to control cam timing that is at issue. The early models break the shaft at the radius at the end of the threads, the cam stops turning and the valves bend.


If it has the early variators they need to be replaced.


Ferrari arbitrarily gave them a life of 100,000 kilometers before the cars even saw production. Then they discovered a design flaw that cost quite a few motors. If the shaft does not break the timing function has not been an issue of wear. They have been known to malfunction but not as a result of wear.

 

I'm guessing you can't see the part number from these pics. Looks like part the belt teeth connect to would obstruct seeing the variator.
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Another pic.
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This was from a challenge car so generally high stress all the time (but should not have failed). I'd say replace them. Cheap insurance.

 

A few years ago several here reported failures. Any pattern to mileage has never been made. A 20k car is no less prone to failure. I really think that is a faulty assumption.

If there was a QA problem, you might be right but this is a basic design flaw therefor all are equally prone to failure and the deciding factor is their history of stress.

 

First - how have you determined you are before the cut off?

I would think most were replaced, thus there may not be many "high mileage" cars with the old variators to use as reference.

If u can't verify they were replaced just do it. Brian has the first hand knowledge on this one.

I believe there is a green dot on the upgraded part, perhaps Brian can comment on whether it can be seen with the unit in place when cam belts are being changed. I couldn't see it on mine.

 

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I know many dealers never used to bother stamping the heads after the modified variators were fitted! The modified variators have a blob of bright green paint on them, in the front centre. In any case, if there's a doubt just change them. I've come across a handful of failed later variators, but as Brian has said, I can't apply any forecast as to why, there are just too many variables. I personally suspect vibration harmonics caused by poorly setup belts aren't doing anyone any favours...

 

That service writer either has not been around long or he is following the company line. Failures of variators on the street cars has been a common enough problem I cannot imagine any shop, dealer or independent who has not seen it first hand and probably multiple times.



I agree with Eddie about the harmonics and a relationship to the belt installations.



There is an alpha numeric date code right on the front of them and the TSB has a key what dates are bad.

 

IIRC it is a Campaign shown in MODIS accessed by ANY service writer worth his salt at check-in that tells you if she's due or done. It will smack the writer in the face. No service Hx needed. Parts and the labor (to the tech) are covered by Ferrari even out of warranty. Very easy to build into an estimate or active repair.

And not to sound like an ssa, but when are people going to realize that mileage and "use" and 'got it done already' mean nothing for Ferrari-supplied parts...???

 

I have repaired two failed variator engines. I am in a very small market so this is a high percent fail among my clients. IMO

 

Through the dealer network yes to both, but If your car has lived out of the system (and maybe had parts updated) Ferrari will still show the campaign(s) as unsatisfied.

Call *any* dealer, give them your VIN. They will tell you if you still have anything open on your car and will perform them at no charge. YMMV here with dealer work as usual.

What's proven though is this is information only and you will have to find out for yourself just what is in your car.

Remembering something again was there a (ahem... cough...) Ferrari-supplied tool for testing the harmonics/tension of the belts...??? Man, I'm out of practice.

 

Call a different dealer. I can't imagine why anyone would be so cryptic with the information.

 

Did the campaign apply to imports.. i.e. "B" VIN cars? I don't remember it applying. Owners had to get the work done out of pocket IIRC..

 

True there too. Sorry to omit. So many variables...

The dealer won't do the work on a non-USA car, but the data still shows in their system for applicable campaigns.

 

I am currently shopping for a 360.
Would you please define how I determine if a car i consider has the upgraded variators?
Would like to know both;
1. How to tell if it was done at the factory (date mfg or VIN)
2. Later at a dealer.

Thank you

Craig

 

Or buy a 2004 and newer. Everything got fixed by then

 

Please tell me what you know about this change. What chassis number or engine number cutoff or year model did it effect?