Well, the PPI is complete and here are the results; Some of the minor issues- center console sticky, very minor leather shrinkage, some small rock chips, engine struts do not work when cold(when warm OK) Other issues- small oil leak from 2 lines at fittings(one at sump and one at pan), rear exhaust missaligned(minor adjustment). Compression: 200-200-200-205-205-205-205-205 Leakage: 4% all across Also, no accident history, carfax is good and matches up with service records/dealer records. Everything is working well, in and on the car. Now, can I have feedback????
When I purchased my car, Algar told me that they didn't think that I needed a compression check. As such I didn't and in retrospect I kind of regret it. My car did pass WA smog with flying colors, they said it ran very clean. Can one infer that if a car passes emissions testing with flying colors that the compression is good? or is that a stretch? Thanks!
Those numbers all look excellent, and your other issues are all very minor. Just one thing to think about... I have been told by a very experienced mechanic that 4% leakdown is not realistic, and that if you see numbers in that range, they have not been measured properly. In my own case, my numbers all measured 4%-5% during the PPI, but when measured again at my local shop after I brought the car home, were higher. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person to have had this happen to them. I want to caveat this comment by saying that I am no expert in this regard, and I'm sure others much more knowledgeable than me will weigh in. You can also find tons of info on this topic by doing a search. In any case, even if the leakdown numbers are higher -- even much higher -- it isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. It's just something to take care of at the next major. My $0.02. - Eric
This sounds just like my situation when I had my 355 PPI'd. I bought the car almost a year ago and have been happy. As to the leakdown test results, I think some may be sceptical, but I was present for and witnessed (and assisted) my leakdown tests, which were also around 5% across all cylinders. Given this, I would definitely say these numbers aren't "impossible". You don't say what year the car you are considering is, therefore the valve guide issues may still arise, but it doesn't sound like it's an issue at this time. The issues you do mention are minor, and easily remedied at your convenience (the interior stuff is even kind of fun to fix yourself). Lastly, don't forget that even the later 355's will need header replacement at some point, but there are many affordable options when this does occur. Buy the car and enjoy it if the price is right! John
Not necessarily, but you can infer that you have no valve guide problem. If the guide clearance is too much, the excess oil will cause the HC to go out of range. The fact that it passed smog (actual exhaust gas composition test) means you're in good shape. In 25 years of doing PPI, I only did compression tests if people asked or if I needed to dig a little deeper and discover why a rough idle, running or lack of power condition existed. Most folks like Dave Helms, Bill Pollard, Tim Stanford and others can tell within 300 yards of driving the car if there is something out of whack...
There is a substantial difference in testing equipment, leak down tester orifice size and proper procedure... That's why I look for relative equality in readings and listen when each cylinder is pressurized in the intake manifold, exhaust and oil tank breather... If you here a noise like the sound of the ocean coupled with a higher percentage leakdown, that's bad!
Umm, not exactly "minor guys". I am not sure which line you have leaking but check the price from Ferrari and you will be sure to sh.. a twinkie. I was quoted $800 for the big line that goes from the bottom of the oil tank. I talked to a guy and he said due to the heat he sees them go bad in 3 years. I got an aftermarkt line for $400 and that seemed cheap. Maybe one of the sponsors can chime in on alternatives for those leaking lines. Welcome to the Ferrari world where you get quoted $1,200 for a set of ignition wires. I know I did not pay that much, I paid under $200 from Kingsboro, but you get the point. Compression number and CLT look awesome BTW.
It depends. If he just needs to reseal where the lines meet the sump, the seals are only $45 or so, and can be swapped during an oil change. The only trick is you need some mighty big wrenches to remove that line. My lines are original, and while I have replaced the seals once at the sump, the lines themselves look fine, though a bit dirty.
Good point in the seals. Mine was leaking at the compression fitting on the line. Still $800 for a 2 fot line is like getting reamed by the line without lube Again, welcome to the world of Ferrari, most people sh.. a twinkie when the hear of the price of "genuine' Ferrari parts. If it were me I would ask the Mechanic where the line is leaking from. I have had some great years finacially but if it goes me 2 grand to fix 2 lines that one hurts. some people dodge bullets owning these cars some people get reamed without the Shell Helix
True potentially an $800 line as a welcoming kick in the crotch to the F World, is well.....You can never be to thin, too good looking or too rich There will always be people with more money. Just trying to give the guy some personal experience so he does not go into sticker shock when he prices out some of these parts. The word minor is always subjective. I don't know this guy but maybe to a new owner maintance cost above the assumed level of let say owing a P-Car is major. Just my .002
+1.......... you posted good advice........... $800 is better spent on fuel and niceties instead of necessities...... !!!
Jim, one last thought: Why don't you have the seller fix the "minor" oil leak. If it is just $45 cool.. If it is 2 large, then you just saved yourself the near price of some Hyperflow cats. Either way you are protected.
Goth, I like niceties....Tubi, hyperflows, sheilds, skid plates. Yeah niceties are nice Didn't mean to sound negative but my first year of F-Car ownership were horrible. The next 3.5 were flawless..Go figure
Thanks for all the great feedback! And I will be going to the dealer tomorrow to discuss the oil leaks. My idea is to have them cost out the fix for the oil leaks and go from there. We both need to know about this!
Sounds good, best of luck and keep us statused. I bought mine from FOD and I got them to "give" me a "free" clutch. Your oil leak request seems reasonable. Sounds like from there you will be ready to enjoy!!
