FYI: Parts books are wrong on brakes

Somewhere after serial #46009 there was a change on the brake fluid pot mounted on top of the master cylinder. The parts books show a 3 cap reservior which is part #108802 for all late 400i's. This is correct for the earlier (pre #46009 or so) cars but is not correct for the later cars. The later application is the same as a 412 reservoir which is a 2 cap unit with the part #119566.

Thought you all might want to make a note in your books.

 

Like I said, it's around #46009.
I don't have a lot of engine pictures here at the winery but I'm #49605 and I remember seeing some well before mine with 2 caps.
Regardless here is what the 2 cap version looks like:

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I knew you weren't busting my chops John. Hard to tell tone when you're reading typed words. Not too worry. We all know there is no such thing as a clear line when models, parts, etc. change over in the Ferrari world. I thought it would be a good item to post so in the future all you have to do is determine if you have a "2 cap" or a "3 cap" in order to get the correct part.

The picture I posted was one I had handy. It is #50023 taken in 2008. You probably have the story in your database. If not drop me a note and I'll send it to you.


(a side note;

I changed the oil in mine this morning. I'm always amazed at how much oil these babies hold. I kept opening bottles, pouring, and opening another. I think the difference from the "min" to "max" line on the dipstick was 4 quarts!

Secondly I added 1.3 pounds of R12. Considering I added some in 2008 I don't think losing a little over a pound in 2 years is too bad. So everyone knows why/how to add R12 freon on 400's...It is pretty easy even if you don't know the pressures or how much freon you have now. There is a sight glass on the drier that will show bubbles when your freon level starts to drop. Add it in small amounts, 1/2 pound or so, once the bubbles stop you're done. Mine blows so cold now you can hang meat from the handles over the backseat)

 

1.3 pounds ran me $62 from a local shop. Considering they let me use their rack to lift the 400 and change the oil I didn't mind paying that for it. I have 2 pounds in my garage but I'm saving it for when supplies get really tight.

BTW, because of the heat down here I use Castrol 20w/50 in all my "toys". It seems to help keep the pressure up on days like today (100 degrees)