had a ppi- help with a couple questions | FerrariChat
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had a ppi- help with a couple questions

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by davespc, Dec 1, 2011.

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  1. davespc

    davespc Rookie

    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    longmeadow, ma
    Full Name:
    dave ratner
    #1 davespc, Dec 1, 2011
    Hi,
    got my sites on a 550. blackhorse did the ppi and said it was a very nice car. I am a little nervous about not having done a compression test. the car has 13,000 miles and all computer functions were fine. should I have them do the compression test?
    thanks for sharing your knowledge,
    dave
    ps don't have the serial # in front of me, it is a 2000 Azure blue with light blue interior.
    i have read all the posts and gained lots of insight. All services on the car are current. Only mechanical thing it needs is engine mounts. is there anything I should have done to it even though it is up to date on service?
     
  2. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
    Full Name:
    Carbon McCoy
    #2 134282, Dec 1, 2011
    This is important; please get the serial number. I saw an Azzurro 2000 550 two years ago out here in California and it was totaled. With that said, I saw another Azzurro 2000 550 back in July and it looked great.
     
  3. davespc

    davespc Rookie

    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    longmeadow, ma
    Full Name:
    dave ratner
    #3 davespc, Dec 1, 2011
    hi,
    VIN # zffzs49a1y012016
    thanks again,
    dave
     
  4. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
    Full Name:
    Carbon McCoy
    #4 134282, Dec 1, 2011
    That VIN is incomplete, but process of elimination suggests it's 120164: Azzurro California with blue interior. This car was registered in Florida nearly two years ago. Is it with the original owner?
     
  5. davespc

    davespc Rookie

    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    longmeadow, ma
    Full Name:
    dave ratner
    #5 davespc, Dec 2, 2011
    not the original owner but the car is in Florida, part of a collection. he has owned it for several years.
    i really appreciate your help.
    dave
     
  6. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
    61,049
    In front of you
    Full Name:
    BCHC
    #6 darth550, Dec 2, 2011
    The answer is YES, have him do compression and leak down tests....

    Make sure Carl (himself) is doing them too...
     
  7. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    28,802
    socal
    #7 fatbillybob, Dec 2, 2011
    It is rare to see leakdown issues on 550's or any ferrari for that matter. The whole leakdown issue is more of a security blanket that is required for buying 355's where every car has a known issue with OEM valve guides. Even a leakdown on 355's can be spurious because you can get false positive results. Leakdown needs to be looked at in context with other tests.
     
  8. 166&456

    166&456 Formula 3

    Jul 13, 2010
    1,723
    Amsterdam
    #8 166&456, Dec 2, 2011
    Asking the question is answering it... you would like the assurance and would not like to run a risk of a 10-20k fix ... so get it done.

    On a 550 I believe the headers are not an issue such as on the 355.
    About such a test, it really is a test for 24 of the 36 piston rings, 12 liners and 48 valves and seats... it won't protect you from spun bearings or many other things that may fail, it does tell you a story about the car and an important one at that.
    Service history means nothing in this regard; garages will happily service a car even if it has 50% leakdown on half it's cylinders.

    Personally i would not care much for it as long as it is a nice car, runs very well and the emissions checked out fine in the PPI, but that's because I like a little risk in life and know it wouldn't be the end of the world for me. Like another poster here said, make sure it's done by a proper mechanic who knows how.

    Depending on the owner and usage history of the car, with such a mileage a serious issue is unlikely... it's more probable the car needs a few good drives to come 'loose' again. That shouldn't be a problem, right :D? Good luck on your choice.
     
  9. 166&456

    166&456 Formula 3

    Jul 13, 2010
    1,723
    Amsterdam
    #9 166&456, Dec 2, 2011
    PS - if a car has rarely been driven recently, false positives (signaling a problem) are possible... one speck of oxidation on a valve or slightly stuck piston ring can tatter the result, while the issue would have disappeared after a serious drive.
     
  10. davespc

    davespc Rookie

    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    longmeadow, ma
    Full Name:
    dave ratner
    #10 davespc, Dec 2, 2011
    thanks guys,
    will do!
    dave
     

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