Hello fellow fchatters. First I would like to introduce myself and my first ferrari. I live in Denmark, and recently bought this lovely '98 355 GTB I have been reading quite a lot the last couple of months regarding several smaller issues, and I am very impressed with the knowledge that is gathered here. The problem is regarding the engine oil temperature. Where I live, the temperature usually is around 50F-70F. When driving, it seems that the engine oil temp hardly ever goes above 175F. Usually it indicates around 155F, when cruising on the highway around 140F. From what I can find in here, this is not normal! Oil and filter has recently been changed from a 15W-50 to a 5W-40but with no real change in temperature. Thinking about changing or cleaning the thermostat valve if possible. (Item 18, Ferrari 355 (5.2 Motronic) - Lubrication System: Page 017 | Order Online Eurospares) Hope that you can help me Regin Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Regin, It could be: A) True temp B) A bed sending unit C) A bad gauge Since your car is OBDII (Euro car - I still think so - right?) you could get a OBDII dash app and use your cell phone to get values such as oil temp. At least that would eliminate the gauge (you would compare values) https://www.plxdevices.com/Kiwi-OBD2-OBDII-CAN-Wireless-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-p/897346002344.htm Beautiful car!!
Sounds normal to me. My oil has never gotten past 210F and then, only if driven pretty hard (for me). Cursing around it's generally in the range you noted. I don't think you have a problem. By the way, nice car.
Thanks for the fast reply Read this thread yesterday, and mine doesn't even get close to any of these temperatures, therefore my concern. Thinking that the optimal oil temp would be around 212F. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/337082-355-oil-temp.html Water temp is okay, around 185F. I'll get a hold of an OBDII reader and check it out.
Mine runs around 200 to 210 hard charging even in the desert in AZ. It did seem to run cooler when I brought it down from Colorado and thru the mountains or highway cruising in 6th gear... Welcome to the brotherhood. Nice example. Robb
From the referenced thread it sounds like a lot of cars are running around with bad coolant temp sensors and the fan on the oil cooler/passengers side radiator isn't coming on. I'd be more worried about oil being too hot that too cold.
There is an oil thermostat on the side of the dry sump that is supposed to regulate the flow of oil through the oil radiator to prevent it from becoming overly cool. In my car, the oil temperature tracks the water temperature until I start really using the available power. Long highway at constant speed, I average 190ºF (both), hot (103ºF) city traffic, water cycles between 215º and 220ºF oil at 230ºF, race trace water 230ºF oil 280ºF.
Ive just figured this out, on my 1997 F355 (UK car) you do have OBD2 you just don't have the OBD2 connector like the USA cars! Heres what i did: 1: buy this, https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00WRLBV6W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 2: and this, https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00LDW76I8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3: Download "DASHCOMMAND" for iPhone 4: Plug in the 3 pin AWG connector to your 3 pin connector behind the seat panel next to the ECU (you don't need the 4 adapters!) 5: plug in the "iCarsoft" 6: switch on ignition too position 2 7: VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT, press alarm key fob!!! 8: wait for LED ALARM LIGHT between your centre air vents to go out! 9: connect your phone with WIFI/Bluetooth to the icarsoft 10: Open Dashcommand app I found ignition power from one of the white connector blocks next to the ECU, and I was using the seat frame for ground (thats the two crocodile clips) I'm not sure about the 12+volt supply yet but its working fine, and I need to test more, but the ground cable seems redundant, makes no deference if its connected or not!
I have the opposite issue. My water was always in the 180-190 range, the oil temp in the 190 and 210 range. Now they have increased to around 220 whilst in traffic. Will be replacing both the temp switch in the left radiator as well as the temp switch in manifold by the oil cooler. Both fans have been checked and perform ok. Will report on the outcome.
I suggest that you first check the grounding of the oil tank. The oil temp sensor is grounded through the tank and, if the tank ground or the connection between the sensor threads and the tank are not good (have some resistance) the gauge will read low. If you have a multimeter, you can measure the resistance between the sensor body and the battery negative terminal.
Miroljub, thank you for your ongoing, positive contributions to the forum. I always pay close attention to your posts as I know I will learn something
