I only seem to half an engine working??? | FerrariChat

I only seem to half an engine working???

Discussion in '348/355' started by boeingfan, Sep 28, 2015.

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  1. boeingfan

    boeingfan Rookie

    Feb 15, 2007
    19
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Full Name:
    Paul McDermott
    Hi Fellow 348 owners,
    I have a problem with my 1993 348TB Cat installed, Rosso Corsa with Crema interior with 33,000km on the clock. 30K service done at 31k.
    Used my car for the last two years without any problems. Last ran the car 2 months ago on a Ferrari club run then parked it up in my garage.
    Went to start it up yesterday (battery is hooked up to a trickle charger). Engine started up strong but idle was at around 1000rpm and sounded very dull. It normally idles when cold at 1800rpm.
    I backed out the garage but need 2500rpm to stop stalling the engine. Went around the block and the engine is very down on power , idles well but very low even when hot.
    Got back to the garage and noted the following:
    1. Left exhaust gas is hot, right exhaust is significantly cooler.
    2. Removed LH MAF connector and engine note drops and engine stalls.
    3. Removed LH Throttle valve connector and engine runs erratically but no stall.
    4. Removed LH cold idle valve connector and no real change to engine note.

    Moved to RH side.

    1. Removed RH MAF connector , no change to engine note and no engine stall.
    2. Removed RH Throttle valve connector and no change to engine note/idle
    3. Removed RH cold idle valve connector and no change to engine note/idle

    Backed off fuel rails deliver blue anodised pipe fitting and fuel flows

    There appears to be no disconnected electrical wiring.

    What do you guys think???? I am assuming only one bank of cylinders are working, FYI no warning lights on the dash either???

    Regards
    Paul
     
  2. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    Wow, awesome post with lots of information to help begin the diagnostic process. Nice. :)

    Certainly sounds as though you are correct that the right bank is not functioning. Since you've confirmed that the fuel pump is working that tends to point toward an engine control problem on the right side. Interesting that you're not seeing a check engine light. Do both check engine and slow down lamps illuminate when you turn the key to the run position without starting the car?

    There are a ton of potential causes for this problem. Somewhere in this section of the forum is a post with a Motronics diagnostic guide attached. That same info might well be in the manual as well-- my memory is junk. But in any case you'd be well served to have copies of both on hand as you work to sort out the problem. Both can be downloaded at no charge from links found here.

    There are a number of ways to begin chasing the problem and I'm sure some of the owners who have faced similar issues will offer their input. In the meantime, one thing you could do would be to pull at least one spark plug from the right bank not too terribly long after you've run the engine (but after it has cooled enough to be comfortable to work on and reduce the risk of removing the threads in the head). If the plug is wet that tells you that the injectors are opening, and that the problem is likely a faulty ignition component, so you can shortcut some of the more general diagnostic steps. If the plug is dry that opens the door to a number of other potential causes. :(

    I'm on my phone without easy access to a manual so that's all I've got for you off the top of my head. It's very likely something simple, but knowing what lights you see with the key in the on position and whether the right plugs are wet or dry would be helpful in creating a diagnostic plan.

    Best of luck! You're on the right track so far and the help you'll find here is first rate, so hopefully you'll have it figured out in short order.
     
  3. Robbe

    Robbe Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 22, 2013
    622
    The Netherlands
    What you can check is starting the car in the dark, and look for sparks near the wires.
    Most cars do lose some sparks , and if you see them on both the left and right side you know that at least you have a spark tru the wires on the not-running side of the engine.
     
  4. vjlax18

    vjlax18 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 12, 2014
    687
    Nottingham, MD
    Full Name:
    John
    Do both CELs light up when the key is turned to on prior to starting? I just had the same issue and it looks to be a bad ECU.
     
  5. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    Swap ecu's and see what happens.
     
  6. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,630
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    Bad fuel pump on one side? Check fuses
     
  7. boeingfan

    boeingfan Rookie

    Feb 15, 2007
    19
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Full Name:
    Paul McDermott
    Hi Guys,
    Thank you so much for your replies. I really appreciate you help and support.

    So, went out to the 348 today and gave it a good telling off for being so naughty and not starting. I also threatened to replace its badges with Alfa ones if it did not behave!!!!!

    Thought I would start with the simple stuff first.
    1. The only lights that come on with ignition is the ABS, battery, park brake and oil. No other lights are illuminated.
    2. Opened up the hood and removed and cleaned each fuse pin (none blown) and did the same for the relays.
    3. Opened up the passenger footwell fuse panel and did the same.
    4. Disconnected and reconnected every electrical connector I could see in the engine bay.

    Well, turned the key on and started the car and it went back to normal, 17-18000rpm idle, both exhaust pipes hot and throttle response back.

    Will take for a drive tomorrow.

    Not sure what fixed it though, which is annoying.

    I will keep you updated.

    Regards
    Paul
     
  8. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,630
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    These cars suffer from bad connections in the footwell fuse box
    I took mine out cleaned it extremely well and got rid of a lot of gremlins
     
  9. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    As time permits, you might want to try to get the check engine and slow down lights working properly. The check engine lights could be a big help in diagnosing future problems and the slow down lights could prevent a fire.

    Glad it's running on all eight again. :)
     

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