Oil Change | FerrariChat

Oil Change

Discussion in '348/355' started by DT-355, Oct 26, 2009.

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  1. DT-355

    DT-355 Karting

    Oct 14, 2007
    51
    New owner, so please go easy on me. (1995, 355) I've been told 3 diff. ways to check the oil, I don't have all the manuals yet, so can someone tell me the correct way before I even look. I was told it was changed, but I'd like to check it out for myself. Is it a project to change the oil? I need a little advice, Thanks.
     
  2. Vegas-Guy

    Vegas-Guy Formula 3

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,828
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Reg
    I was just at the dealer talking about this (Ferrari/Wynn) taking mine in next week for fluids. The head mech. told me to make sure the car is up to temp!!! Take a long drive, let idle for about 5 min (never turning the car off) and check it while the car is running!!!

    P.S. I also have a '95 355
     
  3. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
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    James
    Yep, I agree with Reg, make sure the oil is up to running temp and check with the engine at idle. Always use the same method to check the oil.

    This is due to the "dry sump" system used in our cars, this is very different to other "normal" cars...
     
  4. FerrariDeeJay

    FerrariDeeJay Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2009
    418
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Michael
    I also have a 1995 F355 and check the oil after the engine is up to temperature with the car running. Wear a glove, as the cap will be very hot. As far a doing it yourself, remember that the rear undercover panel will have to be removed in order to drain the oil. This can be difficult without having the car on a lift as the clearance is not enough to get under the car without lifting it to remove the panel. I would recommend taking it to a good "independent" Ferrari mechanic. This will cost in the neighborhood of $300 for a complete oil change verses the $400-500 dealer rate. While you're at it, you might as well replace your gearbox oil as well with a good synthetic oil. Good luck!
    Michael
     
  5. saw1998

    saw1998 F1 Veteran

    Jun 8, 2008
    8,237
    San Antonio, Texas
    Full Name:
    Scott
    NO! Absolutely correct with regard to allowing the oil to reach operating temperature, but DO NOT check the oil with the engine running. It will give you an artificially high reading due to the actions of both the pressure and savanger oil pumps. Shut the car off and then immediately check the oil level.
     
  6. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    I agree. In my manual it says to have the car running for at least 10 minutes and then turn the car off but you have to check the oil within 20 seconds of turning the car off to get an accurate reading. I own a 348, however, so I am not sure if a 355 uses the same procedure.
     
  7. Vegas-Guy

    Vegas-Guy Formula 3

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,828
    Austin, TX
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    Reg
    Then why is the head Ferrari mech. at Ferrari Wynn and other dealers say while the car is running?....:confused:
     
  8. FerrariDeeJay

    FerrariDeeJay Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2009
    418
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Michael
    My Ferrari mechanic also checks the oil with the car running. I have never had any problems!
     
  9. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    I am not sure. I am just stating what the manual says, and what other mechanics have told me. I am going to cite the page from the manual and exact wording...I iwll post it here tomorrow
     
  10. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

    Feb 28, 2005
    4,208
    Full Name:
    chris
    I checked my oil level (at operating temp) both with the motor running and immediately after the motor was turned off. There was NO difference.
     
  11. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
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    James
    +1
     
  12. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,727
    Proper procedure to check the oil level.

    A: start car.
    B: allow oil to reach at least 140dF (water will be in the 200dF range well before the oil gets to 140dF.)
    C: open rear bonnet
    D: stop engine, get out of car, unscrew oil dip stick, wipe clean, reinsert dip stick, screw down, unscrew dipstick, remove dipstick, and read oil level. Ideally, this should all happen in under 1 minute (althoug it is difficult to pull off inless then 30 seconds).

    The oil cap will be hot. Several surfaces around the oil cap will be hot. The headers will be frightenly hot. Use appropriate caution. You will be leaning over the flying butress--do not wear a belt or use a blanket to protect the paint.
     
  13. Vegas-Guy

    Vegas-Guy Formula 3

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,828
    Austin, TX
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    Reg
    Hmmm when I take my car into get the oil changed (2 weeks) I'll let the mech.'s at Ferrari Wynn know there doing it wrong...:) I told him I have checked it this way (above post) and he looked at me like I was an idiot!!! I've checked mine both way's as well and there was no differance... so confused???? :confused:

    How is it that the manual can say one thing and the mech.'s working for the same company can say/do another????
     
  14. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
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    James
    Reg, I think it is a personal preference thing as doing it both ways gives me the same reading. Just depends which way you prefer.
     
  15. dlynes

    dlynes Formula 3

    Oct 16, 2004
    2,450
    Augusta, Ga
    Full Name:
    Dave
    No expert but I would imagine it would suffice to just allow the car to get to idle/regular operating temperature with out having to "take a long drive."
     
  16. PKF355

    PKF355 Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2003
    701
    sOCal
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    +10000. Besides, it's almost impossible to get a good read on the dip stick with the engine running.


    Same for 355's.


    I do the same as you here except I check my oil "hot" after I took the car out and make sure it's hot enough for the fans to kick in and run.
     
  17. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,727
    Nothing is what I said indicates how to let the oil get to that temperature.
     
  18. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    Sorry, 1 day late, but here is what I found on page B10 of the 348 Tech Manual:

    To check teh oil level, run the engine at idle for several minutes: oil temperature greater than 158F (70C) and then check the level immediately after stopping the engine.
     
  19. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    Thanks for clarifying, I thought it was the same as well but was not 100% sure.
     

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