Metal "dust" in engine bay and rear bumper after driving - can't be good | FerrariChat
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Metal "dust" in engine bay and rear bumper after driving - can't be good

Discussion in '308/328' started by fchip, Nov 10, 2011.

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  1. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
    428
    Raleigh, NC
    Full Name:
    Chip G
    #1 fchip, Nov 10, 2011
    The last month or so I have noticed a light coating of silver dust on the bumper and in the bay after a good ruin. I don't hear anything unusual while driving but obviously something ain't right! Some info: fluids have been changed over the past year and are normal levels. Engine is warmed up gradually and I rarely approach redline. Belts pulleys etc seem to be working properly. any thoughts or suggestions?
     
  2. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    Sep 30, 2003
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    Savannah
    #2 thecarreaper, Nov 10, 2011
    pull the t belt covers off and make sure they are not rubbing on anything. Next i would look at the brakes.
     
  3. CaptOharry

    CaptOharry Formula Junior

    Jan 4, 2009
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    Harry Welch
    #3 CaptOharry, Nov 10, 2011
    Does your car have Cats?,Could be rust being blown from the Exhaust.I get it once in a while, if i let my car set of a few weeks and then drive her.
     
  4. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Nov 10, 2011
    An ultra fine black soot on the rear bumper is just an indication of a rich setting. You absolutely sure that isn't what you are seeing? It's very very common.
     
  5. DWPC

    DWPC Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2011
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    Sedona AZ
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    Dennis
    #5 DWPC, Nov 10, 2011
    Is the dust aluminum or ferrous (magnetic)? Start there. Something has slipped and turned into a grinder. All external rotating components are suspect.
     
  6. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #6 WaltP, Nov 10, 2011
    on the bumper I would think the cats are coming apart but in the bay throws a twist into that idea........
     
  7. vaccarella

    vaccarella Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2011
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    #7 vaccarella, Nov 10, 2011
    +1

    Get a magnet on it. If it's not magnetic, worry less.
     
  8. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

    Jul 16, 2011
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    #8 Crowndog, Nov 10, 2011
    Damn volcanic ash, it gets everywhere.
     
  9. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 PAP 348, Nov 10, 2011
    My initial thoughts also. ;)
     
  10. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

    Jul 16, 2009
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    #10 flyngti, Nov 10, 2011
    Maybe less, but not much less. How much of the engine and accoutrements are aluminum?
     
  11. HH11

    HH11 F1 Rookie
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    Sep 4, 2010
    3,338
    #11 HH11, Nov 10, 2011
    On my 430 there is a coating of this silver dust that you mention. However, it's only in the engine bay. It's been there/happening since I bought it. It's in such small amounts I don't pay any attention except for when I clean it. I have no idea of the source.
     
  12. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 Wade, Nov 10, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had some fine metal dust on my first Mondial. Turns out that the cambelt drive pulley bearings were bad and, as a result, there was contact with the front cover. If it weren't for the dust and a small oil leak I never would have known, the car ran great.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  13. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
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    #13 smg2, Nov 10, 2011
    clutch disk material
    ceramic wool exhaust manifold insulation
     
  14. vaccarella

    vaccarella Formula 3

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    #14 vaccarella, Nov 10, 2011
    True, and a good question. I assumed it's just the bulky bits whilst many moving parts are steel.
     
  15. pippo

    pippo Formula 3

    Sep 25, 2005
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    #15 pippo, Nov 10, 2011
    Well, also, if the dust remains "metallic" or silvery/grey after say, a wek, it has to be aluminum alloy, not steel, as steel with turn brownish (rust) in a few days in the humid air.

    Yes, the magnet is good too to determine. Borrow from a little kid somewhere- they always are playing with the things........
     
  16. jsa330

    jsa330 F1 World Champ
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    #16 jsa330, Nov 10, 2011
    That happened regularly with my car until after the last trip to the shop, about a year ago.

    They replaced a blown crank sensor that was causing it to backfire, and after that no more metallic particles and much less exhaust sooting, still a bit from the left side.

    Why and how, I have no idea.
     
  17. fast eddy

    fast eddy Formula Junior

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    #17 fast eddy, Nov 10, 2011
    I always thought this was tire wear dusting the rear bumper, but it makes sense that it is a combination of tire, clutch, and soot from exhaust, with a dash of brake dust included! Seems to be very typical. I got it every time I drove.
     
  18. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

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    #18 fchip, Nov 13, 2011
    Checking that tomorrow, thanks.
     
  19. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

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    #19 fchip, Nov 16, 2011
    Black "greasy" dust is magnetic, but the shiny dust is not. At this point my theory is that the cats and exhaust are coming to the end of their life (I think they are original) AND that there is something amiss elsewhere, maybe in and around the belts. First step is getting the body repaired then we will start the treasure hunt for the source of the dust. Thanks for all the help.
     
  20. TwinOne

    TwinOne Formula Junior
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    #20 TwinOne, Nov 16, 2011
    If you have an aftermarket exhaust such as Tubi or X-Ost the fiberglass packing will forever leach out and cover the bumper etc.
     
  21. viphoto

    viphoto Formula Junior

    Sep 11, 2010
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    #21 viphoto, Nov 16, 2011
    Just a thought and probably off base but did you check your CV joint bolts.. There is so little clearance on the one side that takes the washers that if one is coming undone it could be scraping the case (shiny dust) and the nut/bolt scraping could be the (Black "greasy" magnetic dust).

    Cheers
    Mark
     
  22. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
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    Chip G
    #22 fchip, Nov 16, 2011
    Actually still have the original exhaust on the car. This may become a good excuse to remove all the smog gear and put in a Nouvalari or Larini. Time will tell.
     
  23. Wolfgang5150

    Wolfgang5150 F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    4,706
    #23 Wolfgang5150, Nov 23, 2011
    Did you ever figure this out
     
  24. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
    428
    Raleigh, NC
    Full Name:
    Chip G
    #24 fchip, Dec 2, 2011
    Just got the car back from body repair/paint after a run-in with a deer. Quick look today shows most of the "dust" is on the rear bumper and rear panel. The dust is more greasy and dark than shiny and silver. Appears to be non-magnetic. The exhaust is original I believe (car has 39k miles) so I wonder if it is the cats and exhaust coming apart on the inside. Engine seems fine and runs great. I will dig around the engine bay this weekend and if I can't find anything obvious I will probably drop it off with Tom at Apex Vintage. If anybody has any ideas on how to confirm it is my cats I am all ears. Thanks.
     

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