Hi, Does anyone know if there was, in the US, a post delivery mechanical "inspection" of these cars required by Ferrari? The reason I ask is that I have spotted some "gasket in a tube" stuff associated with the cam covers and the chain cover that isn't mentioned in the paperwork that came with my car. About 20 years ago my wife and I flew Alitalia out of LAX to Italy. The pilot pointed out 3 Ferraris being loaded aboard the 747SP we were in. He said they were being flown to the factory for their first inspection due to the cost of these inspections in LA. Perhaps the factory didn't like the gasket in a tube deal. So, were there such inspections of the grey market cars also? Greg
Hello Greg, I didn't notice your disclosing whether your Fcar is new or an older model but no matter. I can only share my limited experience regarding the visible sealants you've seen. I have observed nearly all recently serviced Ferrari's showing traces of the sealing material you've noticed. Given the propensity, at least on my cars, of the cam covers and timing chain housing leaking a little bit of oil I can't complain if qualified service technicians employ fast setting liquid gasket products to eliminate what would otherwise be an annoying condition. There are a few Concours judging restorers in my area and all three known to me use the same type of products on cars which are then judged in well known events. I hope I haven't spoken out of turn here nor misdirected you but this is all I can offer on the subject. Best of Luck, 330Guy
Thanks for the input. Actually, I don't care about events at all. My car is a 1984 400i Automatic. I just thought it odd that the blue goo showed up after I washed the road grime and brake dust off of the engine. I thought it might be the result of an inspection done in LA by a Crescent wrench and vise grip equipped sub-contractor. As far as I know the blue gasket in a tube became pretty standard by the late '70s and it works well. I would have thought the OEM dealers would have used real OEM gaskets had it been a factory required inspection. Hence the question. Greg
Hello again Greg, Actually I had a similar experience with my 412. After correcting a thermostat gone bad and wanting to wash off the newly adhered dust and road dirt I sprayed a degreaser generously over the top engine. Hosing it all down minutes later I noticed ample evidence of a near clear or milky sealant beneath all four cam covers. I believe depending upon the rarity of the model the more care one might expect as to excess sealant being left to see. My cars don't rate much in the way of concours detailing. No surprise there. I've tried replacing OEM gaskets with new on my 330 gt and wound up having to add the sealant to put an end to spot leaks. I generally apply the sealant to the upper surface, not the block or head side but the pan or cover side of the gasket as most of the deformities seem to occur in that lighter metal. Probably nothing new to you here so just enjoy your 400i and like me put up with the 'carb' guys telling us we own the bastard offspring of Bosch. Still I love the easy starting and damn if I won't say it again.."even fuel distribution" hence less likely burnt valves. Hope this doesn't ignite a rash of Carb vs Injector cross border disputes. All the Best buddy, Dana
