Intermittent Oil Temp Over Heating at High Rev's & Track Use

Hey Guys,

Could really use some help with a mystifying problem with my stock ’03 360 F1.

I track the car pretty hard and sometimes after the oil temp gets to the ½ way point on the gage the oil temp gage needle steadily increases to the ¾ mark and then rapidly up to the maximum mark (and the red warning light displays). When this happens, the oil temp gage needle will move a bit lower and then higher to the maximum point a couple times in a rapid enough manner where I can see the needle moving, then it settles down to, or just above, the ½ way mark and remains there.

Note: This issue is intermittent and will happen near the end of a run session and not happen the remainder of the day during other run sessions. For instance, running at California Speedway this past weekend (nice cool 60 degree weather) this issue occurred as I exited the track after the 1st session. I immediately parked on a level surface to check the oil level. The temperature gage was reading at about the ½ way mark. At idle, the low oil pressure light display, which make me think the oil was, in fact, very hot (opposed to a bad gage or sensor). I ran four (4) more sessions throughout the remainder of the day and the issue did not reoccur. On Sunday, the problem occurred during the 2nd run and not during the other four (4) run sessions.

It’s also important to note that my water temperature is well within the warm range and very stable at all times.

The motor oil doesn’t seem to make any difference. I previously used Mobil 1 0-50 wt. (Yeah, I know) and now use Liqui Moly 10-60 wt. The motor oil was changed last Friday so it was brand new for this past weekend’s event.

The car runs great and there’s no smoke, fumes, leaks, etc. to report. The oil cooler vents appear to be clean and clear.

I’ve had two (2) different Ferrari mechanics evaluate my car with no solution. The sensor was replaced and gage evaluated. Wondering if anyone else has experienced (or heard of) this issue.

Appreciate any helpful input suggestions!