Anyone out there with a 348 that DOESN'T leak from the cam shaft seals I had mine done a year ago and it looks like they have started again !!! I get a regular few drops a day running down the side of the a/c compressor. AArghhhh !!!
It is a common problem, but have you checked to make sure the car has had its recall done. They (348's) need to have drainage holes in the head drilled out otherwise there is a build up of oil that accelerates the leakage......
Mine is a late model 348GTS (1994) so should have all mods incorporated. Nonetheless, at 32000km the camshaft seals were due for their second replacement and maintenance has always been done by Ferrari Main Dealer. The previous owner left them leaking and I've bought the car now with 40000km. I'm getting them done as a cambelt change is due, but the Dealer didn't seem bothered that they had been leaking for the last 10000km. He reckoned it's a normal state of affairs.
It could be that the cam cover gasket is leaking next to the seal, and thus making it appear that the seals are bad. However I had the rear cam seal go bad on me. I changed it out, only to find that somehow it got folded over. When I put the new one on, I was extra careful to be sure that it didn't get folded. No more oil leaks for this kid. Thats right my 348 DOES NOT LEAK! When I put the gaskets on, I use a pen line of sylicone along both side of the gasket. Just enough to see it barely bead when the cover was tightend down. That and a dot on both sides of each of the the o-rings. So yes, the engine can be made leak free, mine is.
Well it's old news, but I'm sure somebody will have the TSB... Malcolm at F-UK??, or someone. I don't have a copy of it.
