Oil consumption

What is the norm for oil consumption in a 1998 355? Is it normal? I needed to add a quart of oil recently and I want to be sure this is normal or is there a problem. Oil changed about 1500 miles ago.

 

1 to 2 liters per 1000 km is the spec.

Looks like you're just fine.

 

Don't wait until you have to add a quart to add oil. Check it and keep it btwn the lines frequently.

I check mine every 200-300 miles and consumption has not changed at all in 6 years.
I'm at 1/2 qt every 650 miles.

Mine is a '97 F355 w/ 48K miles.

-Billy

 

I believe the manual says to check every 500 miles

 

Mine, with 61K miles and 5K race track miles, never consumed a single drop (in the typical 3K mile OCI).

 

My 1999 F355 Spider burns Zero oil. Not sure what is normal. But I have had this machine for 5 years. Put 11k on her. Never has it burnt an ounce. Just my experience. I am a firm believer of lubrication. Oil changes at no later than 5k or 1 year. I use Royal Purple 5W-40 Synthetic.
I know there is a spec for oil burning. Just thought I would share my experience.

 

What type and weight of oil do you run?

 

I run and have run:: M1 5W-40 T&SUV, M1 5W-40 TDT, RedLine 5W-40, RedLine 10W-40, AMSoil 5W-40, Redline 5W-30, and a couple of others.

I am currently running 10W-40 Motorcycle oil (for the ZDDP levels).

 

My 1995 seems to burn none or very little. haven't had to add any between annual changes.

 

It's toast. The junk yard will give ya 500 bucks for it. Count your blessings.

 

Junkyard will give ya 600 bucks. Count your blessings.

 

The wrecking yard will give you 700 bucks. It's not too late to start over.

 

Take it to your closest Junk Yard. Get at least 800 bucks for it. You are all set.

 

1995 F355 from what I understand has valve guides that prematurely wear.

 

Fr your information "clueless" all 355's have valve guides that wear prematurely.
Mine were replaced years ago, previous owner.

Get a life half wit.

 

Mine consumed oil before... and now still does after full motor rebuild!

I am quite curious in regards to this... I wonder if how you drive the 355 dictates how much oil you burn or if oil pressure has anything to do with it? I drive frequently and do hit upper range of RPM's every drive.

I'm no Ferrari mechanic but to be honest, I may be concerned if mine burnt zero oil - I thought that it is supposed to.

If any pro would like to chime in here - would like to hear your opinions!

 

How much oil is your car burning now, after the rebuild?

Have you or your mechanic done a post-rebuild compression and leakdown check on the engine?

I am not a pro and have never rebuilt a Ferrari engine, but most pistons have 1 ring that functions as an oil scraper/wiper. When installed upside down, they don't function very well.

 

I'm burning (+/- 100ml) 1L (qt) per 1000 miles. I was burning more prior to rebuild but guides were shot and one valve was burnt. Compression has been checked since but I have not had leakdown performed.

 

You are a dumb ass. Why do you advertise it so much? Did you not know Ferrari changed their valve guides? Because they noticed the "little malfunction". My 1999 #19 Fiorano burns ZERO oil. I take care of my machine to the point of being......insane. Take your meds. I just took mine.

 

I am curious as to what year your 355 is?

 

I will steer clear of the mud throwing here but I am curious.....How often do you drive your car? And when you do drive it do you cruize or DRIVE it? I am just having trouble rationalizing burning zero oil. I have updated valves and guides superior to OEM and I still burn some oil. These engines are rated to consume oil by factory specs.

Also, I can't validate this info - but I was told that Ferrari did change the valve guides on the later model 355's.... but these valves can still wear out and are inferior to replacement valves available today.

I would really appreciate if someone would chime in here that can properly explain the mechanics of oil consumption in the 355.

 

Its a 1995

 

Here are the specs for oil consumption as stated in the factory manual. Max consumption of .44 imp gallons per 600 miles = 2.1 quarts. Yes, that would seem like a lot for any other car, but hey -- it's a Ferrari! Over-consumption is synonymous with the brand.
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One thing I noticed in my F355 is that it will consume oil if the oil level is above the mid-point on the oil dip-stick. Then as the oil gets to the mid-point, oil consumption stops. I noticed this on a 3000 mile trip a few years ago. Starting out wiht a full load (max) it consumed a quart in the first 1000 miles, then not a drop on the second 2,000 miles.

I suspect that the level and the odd way the oil-vapor system works allows the engine to pull oil mist (as opposed to vapor) until the oil level is sufficiently down in the dry sump. From this point onwards, the mist stays in the sump, and the oil level constant.

 

Interesting! Checked it tonight after ride and it's at the midpoint.... I will leave it there and see if there is any difference rather than keeping it at the top line.
Thanks!