Voltage issue? 355 showing symptoms...any ideas? | FerrariChat
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Voltage issue? 355 showing symptoms...any ideas?

Discussion in '348/355' started by ready321now, Jun 27, 2014.

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  1. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #1 ready321now, Jun 27, 2014
    Well, I put new headers on...but the heat shields were not installed, so Ferrari just threw them back in the box because they came with no directions. I talked to Glenn at Nouvalari about maybe supplying directions with his future sets...

    So, in heavier traffic I saw my alternator light flicker a few times, then it stayed on for a minute, then went away. Same thing a few days later. I am guessing the heat is affecting the alternator?

    Also, now when I start the car, it takes about 3 full seconds before the oil pressure light goes off and it takes as long for the oil to start pumping through the lines now...and the red light goes off as soon as it does. This is totally new.

    Also, my AC seems to be acting funny, where it seems to almost shut off here and there now. Specifically, when I have the AC blowing, the fans pushing the air seem to just dim, or cut out, and then it comes back suddenly, then goes away again. Weird...it seems to do it less AFTER the car is warmed up....as if the car needs time to build up voltage? Is that the sign of a failing alternator?

    Questions:
    1 Is the alternator causing the AC/ vent fans to slow down? Flickering voltage?
    2. Would a failing alternator not allow the oil pump to start right away too? Does it have to build voltage first to power the pump?
    3. Can I swap the alternator out while on the lift without much trouble? Ricambi has one for $1009.
    4. What should I expect from a failing alternator?? Will my car just SHUT OFF one day soon while I am driving???

    Thanks for answering any questions you can. I am trying to learn more about this car, and sort things as I can.
     
  2. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,253
    socal
    #2 fatbillybob, Jun 27, 2014
    You can test the alternator. What is the op gauge doing
     
  3. bosshog8

    bosshog8 Formula Junior

    Mar 13, 2011
    448
    Pinelands NJ
    Full Name:
    Demetrius
    #3 bosshog8, Jun 27, 2014
    An FYI first...these cars eat alternators like they are going out of style.
    Now answers:
    1. Very possible
    2. No, but it does effect the electrical oil pressure gauge.
    3. Yes but you don't need to spend any where near a grand.
    4. The light flickers at a pretty low voltage so by that time it's shot. Yes your car will just die at some point when the battery finally dies.
     
  4. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,059
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    #4 taz355, Jun 27, 2014
    Just fixed mine by ordering parts they are listed in the 348 section on parts interchange. Parts were 25 dollarslus shipping. Alternator guy had it for 2 days to install parts and I got pissed off and did myself following the directions on here. Remember the alt tensioning screw is backwards to loosen. Took about 1 hr to remove and half hour to replace parts. Working fine now. Bought a tester that plugs into cigarette lighter to test both battery and alternator..
     
  5. RSO1091

    RSO1091 Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2012
    1,547
    Idyllwild, CA.
    Full Name:
    Henry S.
    #5 RSO1091, Jun 27, 2014
    After having alternator difficulties throughout my first year of ownership, I finally removed the stereo system (overkill) and installed a digital voltmeter in it's place. I have rebuilt the alternator (regulator, rectifier, brushes) four times, but haven't had an issue since the stereo removal. I have since put on Fabspeed heat shields and headers (ceramic coated for less heat). I know others have rebuilt their alternators by removing them, but I did it in-place every time and unfortunately, am an expert in that field. You definitely don't want your alternator going out on you unexpectedly. Depending on the condition of your battery, you may be able to make it home or at least to a service facility. I wasn't as fortunate, so the local AAA flat bed driver and I are close friends now. The voltmeter is the first thing I'd install. It will give you some indication of a failing alternator way before she dies. As Grant said, the parts for a rebuild are inexpensive.

    Good luck, Henry
     
  6. F355Bob

    F355Bob Formula 3

    Nov 4, 2003
    2,001
    Madison, Wisconsin
    #6 F355Bob, Jun 27, 2014
    I have gone through 4 alternators also. Heat is the problem so I put on the Capristo Blankets and a new factory alternator and have been ok since. The alternator bakes in that engine compartment with no air movement and especially after engine shut down. When mine went bad the radar detector went crazy and my water temp would jump from 100 degrees to 230 in a couple of seconds.
     
  7. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #7 ready321now, Jun 28, 2014
    thanks for all the feedback guys.going out for a drive today and definitely be getting on this soon
     
  8. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #8 ready321now, Jul 2, 2014
    Looks like I'm still having problems with the oil pump ...yesterday it took to three to four seconds to start turning the oil and when it did the engine chugged for a second. Are we sure that low voltage could not produce this symptom with the oil pump? if I turn the car off and I start it again it does not do this.

    also I was wondering if the alternator on the 348 is the same as to 355? I'm going to start looking for to rebuild parts on the 348 part exchange as suggested. Thanks...
     
  9. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,059
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    #9 taz355, Jul 5, 2014
    Where did you buy the blankets and how much were they
     
  10. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #10 ready321now, Jul 8, 2014
    Ordered the regulator /rectifier parts through an intermediary since Regitar does not sell to the general public.

    So...is this alternator job doable on jack stands? Or should I do this on a lift? Would rather do it on a lift but prefer not to start the car because the oil pump is not pumping oil right away when the car starts. I'm guessing this is because the alternator is not building enough voltage right away. It takes a few seconds. ..which is unusual. I have since developed and oil leak from the main or oil line which was replaced by ferrari recently. Its brand new...the short yet large one.
     
  11. RSO1091

    RSO1091 Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2012
    1,547
    Idyllwild, CA.
    Full Name:
    Henry S.
    #11 RSO1091, Jul 8, 2014
    I did all of my rebuilds on jack stands. Not an ideal situation, but very do-able. Have fun...

    Henry
     
  12. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #12 ready321now, Jul 8, 2014
     
  13. RSO1091

    RSO1091 Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2012
    1,547
    Idyllwild, CA.
    Full Name:
    Henry S.
    #13 RSO1091, Jul 10, 2014
     
  14. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2013
    499
    New Jersey
    #14 ready321now, Jul 10, 2014
    Thanks...
    if I put it up on a four arm lift, would I put the lift points right on those metal jack-points near the wheels? there is a lot of stuff I want to look at under the car so I think for me I kind of have to do this one on a lift.
     
  15. RSO1091

    RSO1091 Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2012
    1,547
    Idyllwild, CA.
    Full Name:
    Henry S.
    #15 RSO1091, Jul 10, 2014
    I've never used a lift for my car, but there are several experienced members here who can give you solid advice. I do believe however, that the standard, re-enforced jacking points would provide the most stability and balance, but again, I'll leave that to the guys who have done it using the four arm lift.

    Henry
     

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