Weird Horn problem | FerrariChat

Weird Horn problem

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by kdross, May 16, 2004.

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  1. kdross

    kdross Formula Junior
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    #1 kdross, May 16, 2004
    The horn in my 308QV is giving me some problems. It use to work fine, however, now it will only work after holding the horn button down for a good 30 seconds. During the 30 seconds of no noise, I hear the compressor running, but there is no sound. What is wrong? Do I need a new compressor? Also, I may have filled the oil level too high. To fill the oil, I removed the top lid and poored 3-1 oil in the top of the compressor. Is there a specific location the oil goes, or do I just put it everywhere inside? Also, how much oil do I need? When I filled the oil I filled the compressor to the top.

    Thanks
     
  2. zan

    zan Formula Junior

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    #2 zan, May 16, 2004
    The vanes are probably sticking, my 308 did the same thing, open the compressor, clean & oil the vanes & slots.
     
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 Steve Magnusson, May 16, 2004
    "...filled the compressor to the top." -- just a "few drops of oil" should be added occasionally (see the bottom of page 22 in your OM). You really don't want the oil exiting the discharge port, pooling in the lines, or fouling the noise-maker. Pull the line off the discharge port for a look (but based on your description you'll need to disassemble and drain stuff)...
     
  4. F1Ace

    F1Ace F1 Rookie

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    #4 F1Ace, May 16, 2004
    I had the same problem on my replicar which also had the FIAM air horns. I've had the car 8 years but after about 5 or 6 they were slower to sound and did just what you described. They responded well to oil the first year this was tried, then the second time when it was tried again it didn't help anymore so I just bought new horns.

    When I installed them I began with the trumpets and that helped a lot, but when I changed the compressor I was absolutely blown away with how loud they were. I started to wonder if maybe I should have tried just swapping out the compressor first. You might consider that and see how it goes.

    They do sound great though, don't they!

    Best!
    Wes
     
  5. kdross

    kdross Formula Junior
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    #5 kdross, May 16, 2004
    Thanks for the info guys. What and where are the vanes? Also, do the trumpets go bad or just the compressor. I have an entire horn unit from Algar, but the trumpets are plastic. My car has the original metal trumpets which I am told sound better than the new plastic ones. If possible, I would like to keep the original metal trumpets.

    Ken
     
  6. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #6 enjoythemusic, May 16, 2004
    Ken,

    It is easy. Just unbolt the old compressor, install a new FIAMM (about $40), and hook the air from the compressor to the stock horns. i GUESS you could use the new horn diaphragms as well and keep the stock horns too, but not sure as have not done that. It is all VERY straight forward and easy.

    And yes, keep the metal horns!!!!!!!!
     
  7. ShanB

    ShanB Formula Junior

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    #7 ShanB, May 16, 2004
    A few years ago I had a similar horn problem on my 328. It turned out to be the air supply tubing had hardened and kinked at one point = no air to the horns. I replaced the plastic air supply tubing and all was well. I'm not sure if your 308QV horns are set up the same as the 328 - but worth a look for something that simple and cheap to fix.
     
  8. F40

    F40 F1 Rookie

    Apr 16, 2003
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    #8 F40, May 16, 2004
    I must say... This is the first time I've ever heard of a horn needing maintanence... But then again... It is a Ferrari :)
     
  9. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #9 enjoythemusic, May 16, 2004
    Yes, 308 also have an air hose from compressor to the horns.
     
  10. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #10 enjoythemusic, May 16, 2004
    Well, we ARE referring to a nearly TWO DECADE old car. Nearly any car of that age will find things needing attention.
     
  11. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #11 f355spider, May 17, 2004
    Ken,
    If you really put as much oil in the compressor as I suspect, you may need to remove the entire system, and give it a thorough cleaning (draining?) with some electrical contact cleaner to clean out all that oil....that much oil could really gum up the works...esp. the trumpets.

    Dave
     

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