355: engine oil level

Hot, and while idling.

 

We need a "355 oil-level check" sticky...

 

Take car for a long drive, at least 20 minutes.

Open bonnet with engine running.
Stop engine
Get out of seat
unscrew Oil cap
Read level
Last 4 steps done in 30 seconds.

Oil should be smack dab in the center of the range, neither too high, nor too low.

 

Mitch is correct but trust me when I say check at idle. Dave Helms told me that and it's way better than running to the back of the car to beat the clock.

 

Do this ^^^^^. That is what the manual says.

I did mine at idle once and over filled it as a result.

In either method, wear a set of mechanics gloves. This stuff is hot. And don't freak out when you drop some oil on the headers. The smoke kills the mosquitoes

 

Checking the level with the engine idling will give exactly the same result as doing it by the manual (stop and run).

 

Time to read the manual.... There really is an incredible amount on useful information (and detailed technical information) on your car. Ferrari produced a very good manual, worth reading. It will really help with the enjoyment of driving and caring for your car.

 

I check mine with the engine off as well, but while it's idling, I unscrew the dip stick so as not to waste time on that step. The glove suggestion is an EXCELLENT idea.

Henry

 

This issue has been up for debate before. I don't know how on earth you can check the oil with the engine running. I tried that once and it was bubbling like crazy, so I don't know you can get an accurate level that way. Plus, it could be dangerous. Someone responded that maybe the bubbling was due to the type of oil I was using, but I think we are all using some synthetic or other (Mobil 1 in my case). I assume checking it within one minute of shutdown before it drains back into the sump provides enough accuracy if that's what the manual recommends.

 

Certain oil foams, not all. The 430 manual states to check at idle. You guys can believe what you wish but I've had zero issues checking at idle.

 

If checked as the manual suggests my 1995 B's oil shows empty. If checked idling, it shows up as full. I think the manual suggests the shutdown-and-scurry method because if the car is low on oil and idling there is still some splash/foam that hits the dipstick and gives a false reading to the inexperienced. It's important for 355 newcomers to realize the dipstick should be FULLY coated with oil, on both sides, for the truly accurate level while running.

Those (the factory) that suggest the shut-down and hurry to the hatch method are sort of, kinda, how do you say not too scientific? One owner is 120 lbs soaking wet and another is 240 lbs. Is the amount of time it takes for these guys to get to the back of the car the same? Probably not. I should add that I'm 6'1", and 135 lbs with looong legs. While my career as a successful street-fighter didn't pan out, I can sure boogie to the back of the 355 after shutting it off, just sayin'...

Always a fun topic, and as long as we're here how long will the sticky timing belts on my alternator-bearing valve-guide-manifolds last?

 

The Shell oil foams, along with some others.

 

It's a dry sump engine.

Check the oil level with the engine at operating temperature and idling.

 

I’ve seen various answers to the following question; so I’m trying to clear it up.

After pulling the dipstick to clean it; you screw it back in completely prior to checking the oil level, correct?




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After removing it and wiping it off, I usually screw it back in completely before reading it. However, I’ve read that it should be placed on top of the threads and not screwed back down before taking a reading. I’ve tried both methods and get about the same results. Thinking about it, screwing it down and back up again could vary the reading. Photo added for the heck of it.

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Thanks for the reply. I read almost every post about the subject & the results are split. The manual is not clear. The reading is higher screwed in~as you could imagine. I have a contact that was trained on the F355 in Maranello who I will try to call tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that they intended for people to check the oil sitting on the tank unscrewed. The dipstick isn’t even straight, but I’ve seen more people check it unscrewed than vice versa.


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I start my car, let the oil temp reach about 150 degrees and check it while idling. I keep it half way between min and max.

 

The question is if the proper way to check the level is by screwing the cap back on, unscrewing it & checking it~ or ~ put the dipstick on the tank without screwing it in & pulling it out.

Is the proper way to pull it out, clean, reinsert the dipstick & screw it in prior to checking the level or not?


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I screw it back in after cleaning it, but not sure if that is the proper way.

 

I've always screwed it in on the F355...have a 430 Scuderia, and still screw it in when checking.

 

Screwing or not - hmmmmm….are we talking 1/8 of an inch or a 1/4 inch difference? I think at this point you’re splitting hairs and it isn’t worth the energy.

 

Relax this is no science......check the oil when the oil is warm at idle, clean the stick before putting it back and screw it down, you need something to protect your hand so you don't burn yourself while unscrewing it but it should be screwed down otherwise you won't get the correct reading.

And don't get scared dropping some droplets on the manifold, solution for that is to angle the stick while you take it out and have a small towel underneath.

 

From the 348 WSM , and yes I'd theorize screw it in to check, the engine operates with it screwed in.

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Is it between the lines on the stick?

Yes: Keep driving.
No: Add until it's between the lines on the stick...there's like...2" of tolerance there, plus it's 11 liters...then keep driving.

sjd