Oil Change

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.

 

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

 

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...

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Then why is the head Ferrari mech. at Ferrari Wynn and other dealers say while the car is running?....

 

My Ferrari mechanic also checks the oil with the car running. I have never had any problems!

 

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

 

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.

 

+1

 

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.

 

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????

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

 

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.

 

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."

 

+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.

 

Nothing is what I said indicates how to let the oil get to that temperature.

 

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.

 

Thanks for clarifying, I thought it was the same as well but was not 100% sure.