ECU 4131 - Get out the Flatbed

Before you go flatbeading your car anywhere, I'd suggest buying a $2 spray can of starter fluid. Spray liberally into your air intake and then see if she starts right up.

if she starts up and then dies, you have a fuel flow problem. If she doesn't start, then you have a spark problem.

For $2, narrowing down your problem is a worthwhile investment...and anyone can spray a can of starter fluid.

 

Thats what I would do.

That will put you on the right path to solve this issue. Even if you do not attempt to fix this problem yourself, you can pass on the info onto the mechanic. That will save him time and you money as he will not have to look into the spark side of things, if it is indeed a fuel problem. And vice versa if its spark related.

 

The coverplate that says "Ferrari" must be removed to see the plugs.. There are about 10 nuts that hold each plate, and a paper gasket underneath.

 

No need to take out a spark...if she doesn't start with starter fluid, then you have no spark.

I'd suggest swapping the MAFs back to see if she'll start with half your engine as before.

 

I'd take it to a good mechanic/shop.......Sometimes owners screw up more things than they claim to *save* in labor, (not all, but many).....Trust me......

O2 sensor 150, MAF sensor 450 dollars, can of starter fluid down the throat 2 dollars, having an expert fix it in about an hour PRICELESS.

Not saying you can't fix it, but lets face it, there are times when you should seek other avenues to come to a resolution, in this case a mechanic/shop.....Doctors even do it, they call it referring you to a specialist.

I'd say you gave it an honest effort Good job!

 

I'm not an expert in this field... (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night)

You swapped the two Motronic ECU's in a 1995 355, right? I was under the impression that in 1995 cars, the immobilizer was progammed/keyed to just one of the ECU's, and not the other. I thought -- and I'll be the first to admit I'm wrong -- that 1995 cars when fitted with new alarms needed the ECU's swapped because the previously programmed one couldn't be reprogrammed. By taking the swapping the two units, you could pair the 'naked' ECU with the new alarm and be ready to roll. Did you return them to their original positions and try starting the car again?

 

I am assuming this is a 1995 355. If it is, the 95 does not have an alarm system to worry about. most likely the spark plugs are just fouled out. I would suggest removal of the plugs, if they are fouled replace them and set the gap to .55mm. the 1995 355 was prone to this problem.

The 95 also has two independant fuel pumps and ignition/injection systems. so if one did fail, the other side should still run.

if that is not the issue, let me know and maybe I can help.

best regards, Jim

 

John,

I suggest that you change the plugs. once a plug is fouled, you cannot really totally clean it. do Both banks at the same time. set the gap at .55mm and you should be just fine.

If you remove the plugs on the 1/4 bank and they are fouled then I would believe you do not have a fuel supply problem in that bank.

If the plugs are dry, check the fuse and relay for the right bank fuel pump.

best regards, Jim

 

Well, you'd think that the pump on that side...or that the signal to that pump...would be bad.

So you jump the relay to that pump. That tells you if the fuel pump on that side is working...or if the problem is the signal to the relay.

Here's a picture of Miltonian jumping a Bosch relay (applies to most of them). Insert your jumper wire into the same terminals, but for the 1-4 right side fuel pump relay to see if the fuel pump works at all.
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Careful, that pic above is a 348 fuse panel, not a 95 355, in case you didn't notice. Good luck, you are getting closer! If the pump is working it might be the fuel filter is plugged.

 

Or you have a bad fuel pressure regulator.

But before anything, do as the good Doctor suggested and put in some new plugs.

 

Daniel,

Now the Holiday thing made me S**t myself laughing!!!!!

Pretty good!!!

'your buddy Ian