Hello: I just got the bad news - My car is in for the major 30K engine out service and the the compression readings are low all around. I purchased the car in January of 2004 from a northern California dealer which I am still trying to get reimbursed for the catalytic converters which were replaced (car was sold with hollow cats). Long story short: the dealer sold the car without a current smog, used a past smog from a Ferrari dealer to get the car through DMV. Purchased the car at the right $ knowing that a 30K major would be needed soon and the valves may be an issue in the future. BTW the car was purchased without a PPI - Trades involved and deal needed to be closed while I was in town (Was not concerned - The car was serviced up to date at Ferrari dealers only including a 30K major and 45K services with all the other common F355 issuses addressed at the 45K service. The bottom line is how much will I recoup of the current 30K and valve guide service ($11K +/-) if I sell the car within the next 24 months/15K miles; and is this valve guide issue potentially a part of the on-going smog issue?
Something doesn't feel right about all of this. You cannot use a non-current smog test for anything other than toilet paper. I had a 94 day old smog test and they wouldn't accept that when gifting a car. Time for a lawyer re the cats, but as for the low comps, that is not necessarily valve guides. Take the car to a reputable mechanic (or dealer) and get a second oppinion. I think you are on your own with this however. Dave
