Fuel Line rupture. Aftermarket alternatives?

I believe there is a recall on that--Ferrari should fix it free of charge---They will reroute the clamp and make sure it is safe....

 

Robbie is correct. They did it on my car for free.

 

Go buy a lottery ticket. You are one very, very lucky individual. I thought every F355 owner received a recall notice from FNA. I did.

 

I still cannot believe that this company let a thing like that go unnoticed... we were discussing this the other day and if someone were to home-build a car with fuel lines like that, there is a good chance it would not pass tech inspection if it was spotted - the fuel lines are not even secured - not only that, even if I were to build it, that line would probably be a hard-line with a much shorter flexible line to the motor.

Great car - it's the little things that all add up that suck.

And to the OP, you are a very lucky man - my car also developed a leak and (for once) I was actually scared...

 

You can look up the recall and see if it applies to your serial# - you could also patch it if you know what you are doing using a few different fittings from earls or russell (either a hose end union or a couple hose ends and an A/N union) - as already mentioned, I would build it differently but I did not want to alter the factory "look" of the car.

NOTICE I SAID "IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING"

I already figured out that I could easily re-tap or even weld fittings to the fuel block, then use A/N fittings and hose ends and a combination of hard line and braided SS hose to make a bulletproof fuel system - and it would cost a fraction of what OEM stuff costs.

Problem is it would no longer look "factory" so maybe in 15 years I will do it, who knows...

I would say call the dealer (call a few since you might get the "wrong" answer) and ask if your car is covered, if it is you will get the hose and the fuel block kit/clamps)

There are two recalls and the second one states that if the first recall was not done and the car is elegible, then the first one will be done too.

BTW, it sounds like maybe the hose that you had go wrong is not the one in the recall? IIRC the hose in the recall is the short one from left side of block (at front of block) to fuel rail.

You can also see if ron tompkins is sitting on one, they gave me a wicked deal on a few in-stock parts.

AGAIN - you are VERRRY lucky man!

 

Has your car had the recall done?

The recall changes the fuel block on the engine so that the fuel lines angle a bit differently and also consists of a bunch of plastic hose seperators that prevent the hoses rubbing and secure them (again - I cannot believe that they did not do this from the start)

You can also look up the vin on ricambi's site (download the PDF and check your VIN)

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=343568

I actually decided to bite the bullet and buy the kit and do it myself since I am sick of the Canadian dealer's BS - since my car is originally a U.S. car, they call it grey market - I guess they figure if the car blows up and I die - then at least I won't be around to sue them...

 

I have always had this fear of my 355 going up in a ball of flame. I'm installing a Fire extinguishing unit ASAP! And it will serve as a wheel chalk if needed!

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The serial numbers are listed in the recall notice PDF on ricambi's site, if your car is within those #s then you are covered, just ask them simply if the job will be free if the car is in the range of #s.

They do get paid quite well to do the job, they should be more than willing to do it free.

 

+1

I thought I was about to see a thread about a half burned up 355.

 

I have a fire extinguisher in every car I own. I am thinking I need 2 in the 355.

 

Car should be covered under the recall. Don't let them charge you for anything. If the dealer gives you problems, like the dealership I took mine to, then call FNA and file a complaint. FNA contacted the dealership and gave them the authorization to replace my damaged fuel line. The dealership wanted to charge me $200 to replace it. I told them to go to hell and so FNA intervened. Why should anyone have to pay for a fuel line when that was what the recall was all about in the first place!!!

 

I would call FNA BEFORE you tow it in, and tell them exactly what was said during your conversation with RTGT.

Ask FNA if this should be covered free of charge, and ask if RTGT not disclosing whether or not they will charge you is acceptable. Then call RTGT back and tell them that you called FNA and tell RTGT what FNA said.

 

This is the recall kit and document from Ferrari.

Yours is the only car I've heard of that actually developed a leak. The recall would have been unnecessary if the hose clamps were put on carefully.

You are quite lucky that there wasn't a fire. In a case where burning fuel is spraying from a high pressure line such as the ones on the 355, it is doubtful whether a hand-held extinguisher would get the job done.
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Just a thought here...

Calling FNA before giving the dealership an honest attempt to work through the issue and ensure YOU are a happy customer, is kind of like burning a bridge before you cross it. Yes, you might get FNA to mandate a fix on your car, and yes, the dealer will probably do it. But the next time you need help, service, or a favor, they might be all used up.

I have no personal information on how your dealer or FNA works in these situations. But it just seems to reason that immediately going over the dealership might not be a solid long-term play. I used to hate it when my customers in software bypassed me (their account manager) and went directly to the owner of the company. It was a slap in the face, and made me far less willing to help them in the future -- and when I did, it was begrudgingly.

Having said all that.... I do have the fuel line recall kits in stock.

 

Daniel...see post #10.

I understand tashiers concern about springing for an expensive tow only to be told its not covered as opposed to just buying the kit directly and doing it myself. Seems the dealership should be stepping up here understanding that a "worst case scenario" has been narrowly averted.

 

Maybe this is the route I should have gone, I wonder now what FNA would have to say about the "grey market" issue.

In the end since I am the type who likes to do my own work on my own car so the $150 and my time is not the end of the world.

 

You can chalk mine up as one with a leak too.