Hi, I am new to the Ferrari's world and have a deal on a 2001 360 Spider that is closing in the next couple of days. I did a visual inspection of the car and noticed that the oil pressure was varying with a constant idle (both dashboard indicators). I thought this was a bit strange. I had a PPI and compression test done at OC Ferrari. As part of the PPI I asked that they hook up a mechanics pressure gauge and give a reading. The results from OC Ferrari as follows: · 80-85 psi cold @ idle · 30-35 psi warm @idle · 85 psi warm @ 3,000 rpm The pressure is indeed varying, is this normal? Any advise is much appreciated! Thanks, Chris
In my experience the variation you describe is entirely normal. I don't know why this occurs but I've see it on many a car, including my own 2000 360.
That wouldn't happen if the gauge was 'buffered', like the coolant one is in basically all cars. A little fluctuation is perfectly normal due to oil turbulence, location of oil pressure sensor, etc. And if other cars do the same, as you just heard, nothing to worry about. Just learn where are the normal ranges of your gauges, and keep an eye on them. And remember not to get heavy on the throttle/revs until oil temperature is at least 160ºF.
