Afternoon, There is a 456 going to auction - keenly priced after failing emissions, high CO2. Car is 1998 with high mileage. The owner is suggesting that there are Valve Guide issues - failed emissions and running "lumpy" hence the price. As it is at an auction I wont be able to run any tests on it but is there anything instantly noticeable either by coloured smoke of sound that would give it away? If it has valve issues it just requires an increase in budget to repair - I am prepared for that. I appreciate it is difficult to diagnose, and the cause could be down to anything of hundreds of issues, but if failing guides always gives excessive red smoke and the engine rattles at least I know what to look for. It has lots of other issues aswell, but this appeared to be the big one. I am sure there would be easier cars to buy, but where is the fun in that..... Thanks del
see discussion: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/507970-456-valve-questions-other-known-issues.html
After cat emission gas information is pretty useless to diagnose anything other than it failed smog. High Co2 suggests the cats are working too hard and it is impossible to know the reason. That and the poor idle quality could be as simple as injectors needing service or the intake manifold gaskets are bad. The fact that it failed smog and is now on the block suggests a high probability the owner either has just had enough and called it quits or he got a diagnosis and an estimate he did not like. Do you want to buy what is behind door #3?
You are probably 99% correct... Common sense dictates the vendor has a quote and has put the car straight into the auction, to try and cut his losses. My only slight hope is ... Local well respected independent Ferrari Dealer who had looked after the for many years - although not the last couple felt it was unlikely to be valves and more likely to be something less serious, hence my question if there was something obvious that I could see/hear as it drove around the auction house ? Who opens door 3- the brave man or the fool ? Feel free to call me the fool when I get it wrong....
What do you consider high mileage? It may have value at the right price, do they have a reserve on it?
