456 Smoking on Startup, bad valves, possible Emission Warranty???

I really want to know how that plays out.

 

The big "if", from a contract standpoint, is what "failure of the valve train" language really means with respect to the language of that warranty.

I hope for your sake that the wording is specific to this point.

 

Can you please explain what "the bad valves" issue refers to? from the way you expressed it, it sounds like this is a common problemfor that year(s)?

 

I think you need to reread it. The list on page 11 is for the items covered under 2-24. The items listed under 8-80 is very different and is federally mandated.

 

You may be able to make a very strong argument that the valves are covered under the emission warranty as per the information you above provided since in its current operation the ability to obtain a smog cert is being dramatically bueing affected by the current condition of the valves.

So, it's possible you may be covered, but you may first have to confirm that with someone who has either previously provided this under the warranty or is more familiar with the warranty procedure as it applies to this area.

 

Poor design and workmanship maybe covered, but if normal wear and tear on valve seals (rubber items), most likely not.

 

I am curious how that will turn out. My personal opionion is that those 'words' are so flexible.. you may have issues having it proven to cover under the warranty. (considering the 456GT window issue being jerked around but nothing done by Ferrari) Please keep us updated on that..
Good luck

 

I believe you may have a case there, however you may be subjected to undergo the emission test and fail it, in order to obtain the evidence necessary to make it stick.
That would require the engine to be running for some time, thus risking to cause additional damage to it.
Have you tried to feel the dealer's temperature on this, before you hand the car over to them?
I would document the smoke with a video and if the dealer requires you to undergo the emission test, I would ask for that to be in writing, just to be covered, in case there is additional damage from operating the engine under that condition.
I would also keep the camera handy in case there is more stuff to be gathered while going for the test.
Good luck,
Saluti,

 

Reread the middle paragraph of page 11. There is nothing ambigious about it. The only parts covered by the 8-80 is a Federally composed list and that was left out of the post. That is the list of parts referred to in the middle of page 11.

 

Actually, there is a list of the covered components, at the very end of the text. It says "catalytic converter, electronic control unit, and onboard diagnostics."

 

I have a customer with a 2000 456 that smokes really bad on start up, after about 5 minutes the smoke stops. I will have to let them know about this.

 

Any updates Diablo? It has been a month... very curious since I'm looking to purchase practically the same car.

 

sorry got on this thread a little late..
I have a 1997 456GT, mine also has some white smoke at the initial startup but only for about 10 mins or so..
My cats are removed though. Lots of fumes and smell due to lack of cats. .but my Infiniti FX35 also does white smoke only at 20,000miles but dealer told me it is due to placement of cats .. some cars get more condensation and vapor is given out.
For the F456GT I will ask my dealer. What is the best way to be sure if the valves are working fine?

 

Hakan, you need to distinguish steam, from condensation at start-up in cold and wet climate (like you have in Istambul this time of the year), from oil burning.
Steam just disappears and is virtually odorless, although the cooler the outside temperature, the longer it will take to disappear, until the exhaust system is completely warmed up.
Smoke from oil has light blue shade in colour has a distinct "oily" smell and tends to linger longer in the air.
See what you have and then you can go back on this thread and there is a complete history on this problem initiated by Diablo 456.
Good luck,
Saluti