We have a 1990 Testarossa with a sticky oil pressure relief valve. I'm hoping that access can be gained to it through one of the multitude of sump plugs present. Can someone tell me if this is the case? What is behind each of the 3 plugs on the left hand side of the sump? There are two requiring a 17mm allen key and a larger 42mm plug. I'm hoping that the 17mm plug nearest the front of the engine gives access to the oil relief valve. Can anyone confirm this? If not, is there a way to access it without either removing the engine or the whole left hand exhaust system and the side access plate? Thanks in advance.
ok, so the answer to the first question is no. The three plugs are gearbox related and not engine. Great for draining gearbox oil though! So, through the sump plate perhaps? Anyone been in through that way and spied the oil pumps and relief valve?
Removing the sump plate gives access to the two oil pickup strainers and the oil pressure relief valve. The valve is held in place by a 32mm plug made of aluminiumand is exceedingly tight. Be very careful if you have to remove it! As a matter of interest, the specification of the spring was changed after 1990. The later spring is thinner and more flexible. The sticky valve may well have been a known problem. Symptoms are very high oil pressure when cold until the valve eventually pops open and normal pressure is resumed. So if you have noticed this, or you have noticed a distorted oil filter when it was removed, this is the problem. Hopefully a good clean up of the valve and the new spec spring will cure the problem.
Interesting handle, how about a little more profile information? It helps everybody. Thanks. Sounds like you've found a good one to learn the inuendos of Ferrari cars on!
Talkwrench (what's your name F friend ...?) is right ! Can these pics help ? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The pictures tell it all. I've also added a little about me. Apologies for not having any profile details. Always seem to be too busy! Thanks again
I'm sure Michael won't mind me adding that it is my TR (pictured) that he looks after for all things mechanical, as he has with my previous 348 and several other cars. I have known him for over twenty years and can safely say he knows more about the workings of the motor car than anyone I know. He also gets his restorative hands on all manner of interesting cars too, some with quite interesting histories. He really should stop collecting Jensen Interceptors though Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yep, all done thanks Mel. It was very sticky and gooey, but new spring ordered, which was upgraded by Ferrari at some point, so obviously a sticking point, pardon the pun But, my good fortune at not having to take the engine out before it is due has been offset by Michael finding a broken front spring. Only available from Ferrari - 640 GBP a pair. Ho hum.
Eurospares can source them, though not a stock item for them here. The price was within £2 of Ferrari!
Like I said above Mel - £640 GBP per pair. Hell they are stiff though. Michael had to use the lift with a car on to settle down on to the springs to compress them enough to get the spring compressors on!
