Hi FerrariChat brain trust I have a 2006, gated F430 with 32k km on the clock. There have been no issues with the engine in the past. At the last routine Ferrari Service, it seems there is an oil leak from a cover gasket which needs to be replaced. Evidently a small patch of oil is starting to touch the exhaust manifolds and could create a fire risk! In the estimate they have included 4x Variator control solenoids which the vehicle doesn’t currently need. However they say these are prone to leaking oil through the wiring connector and in turn can send oil into the main wiring harness. To replace the solenoids in the future, the rocker covers need to be removed, they suggest to do these now as preventive maintenance. So my questions are…. How important is this oil leak and is the fire risk from the oil real or overstated. They have not told me to stop driving the car! Do the Variator wire connectors leak as suggested and would you get the Variator control solenoids replaced now? I’ll attempt to upload some photos asap Thanks in advance Andrew NZ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They are prone to leak the gaskets Just had mine done at dealer $2000aud They never mentioned the variators so i assume maybe its not so common?? Thanks
Cam cover gaskets are a maintenance item though do first check the torque of the fastenings. It's taking a liberty adding the variator solenoids as a 'while you're in there'; I wouldn't be happy about that.
Do the gaskets and call it done. They all leak a bit over time, but so does just about every other car. I doubt anybody has caught fire from a leaky valve cover gasket unless it was pouring out. Scare tactics like that would cause to me find another mechanic just on principle.
So if it makes it to court I guess the burden of proof is on the mechanic to prove that he's a complete idiot...
Not sure where in NZ you are? Not sure if you are dealing with Conti's? (our sole dealership) Maybe contact Neil Penfold who runs Carrera Sport in Te Awamutu. He was Ferrari service manager for many years at Conti's.
Hi Red Taxi Quote is from CCS. I’m in South Island so have a few options - AutoRestorations in Christchurch being top of the list. Asking Neil is always a good option. Cheers Andrew Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
The Valve Variators are prone to leakage through the electrical pigtail wire that comes out of the valve cover. Over time they will fail. If they fail it will not damage the engine but it will run like crap (as told to me by an independent Ferrari Mechanic). They are pricey and about $850 each, but BUTTT there is good news here. You can source the Maserati counter part for the 4200 series engine and use those at Half the price. The part number is mentioned in the chat somewhere, do a search. What's the diff you ask...... The Maserati part has a longer wire pigtail, but still a Ferrari part and Eurospare and SuperformanceUK will have them much cheaper than at the dealership or in the US. My recommendation is change them and there is a "fix for the Issue by Ferrari" They made a newer version and the service bulletin states to pack the electrical plug in with a Di-electrical grease to in theory hold back the oil leakage in the future. Hope that helps you make an informed decision. Got mine for about $1300 shipped from the UK vs $4K in the us.
