Worrying intro to Ferrari ownership

Dean, go straight outside now and take the fuel filler cap off to release the pressure in the tank. The pressure will keep forcing the fuel out for ages. Don't screw the cap back down so that it's airtight. Just rest it on the filler neck.

Sounds like the clamp for the fuel pipe union is on loose or upside down.

Don't drive until it's sorted.

Good luck. I'm sure the car'll be great once this is sorted.

 

Do NOT try and start the car again. Call the dealer and get them to pick it up AM tomorrow.

There should be no trace of petrol smell with these cars.

Shocking, glad you are OK and no harm was done.

 

Dean

I wouldn't drive it, you need to get it sorted! the blue connectors onto the fuel distribution unit have a habit of cracking.

Did you buy it from a Dealer, if so I'd take it back to them, if not wherabouts are you so we could recommend a specialist?

 

I know just how you feel, I picked my 360 from them 5 weeks ago, on the way home the clutch went, then at night I realised that the dash didn't illuminate. They just don't check the cars out thoroughly before delivery. Admittedly they have endevoured to fix these faults and other minor niggles, but lets face it they shouldn't be having to put them right, they should be done before hand.

 

Some one has just posted this pic on 355 forums. He says a cracked fuel line caused it. Scares the sh*t out of me.
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If you can recall a few weeks ago, i posted on a thread about how Grey Paul in Notts damaged a friends 355 then denied they had done it, until my boss steped in and then they said they would put the car right. Nice place though, but that does not help anyone who is not happy with there new perchase.

 

Dean

Get them to replace the fuel lines. Its a very common fault on 355s. Just last week I was at a garage that had a 355 in being repaired for the same problem. Car went up in flames. Its far too common on the 355, so make sure they replace and not just a patch up.

Good luck. You obviously have luck on your side, or it could have been a lot worse!

 

Dean, I hope your dealer sorts it with little hassle, that is a big failing on their part.

My 355 has always smelled relatively 'petrol-y' with the top down since I got it de-catted/Tubid and especially since Eric's major incident I decided to fully checked out the condition and positioning of the fuel lines. Its worth doing just for peace of mind, but Id say thats applicable to all aspects of a car.

 

Dean,

Sorry to butt in the UK section. But being a Long Time 355 Guy - I thought I would add my 2 pounds worth.

My question or comment would be - if it is a bad fuel hose. Has this car had the engine out service? If not - and the fuel hose is going bad (maybe just a bad connector - so I don't want to make too much of it). But If the 30K has not be done and the braded fuel line is going - all will need it.

 

Dean,

You are very lucky. Most with this type of problem have far worse endings. I make checking these lines a "pre-flight" check before evey run now.

 

Dean,
i'm very gald you caught this fault in time . Graypaul should be hammered over the appalling error . If you need any help just shout.
Rgds
Tony

 

Dean, major bummer about the car, but no ones hurt and the car is intact.

I had an issue with my car which was purchased from Nick Cartwright (up north, I'm also based in Kent) got it down to KHPC and they sorted it out, with agreement from Nick Cartwright.

These dealers all know each other, so KHPC may have some form of relationship with graypaul. I would speak to Graypaul, suggest that you'd like to take the car to KHPC, which is local. I'm sure that Graypaul will see sense when it will save them the best part of a few quid on transporting the car up and down.

See what goes

Rob

 

Dean

Call Paul Ennis at Graypaul (tell him I sent you!) and explain the situation, I suspect they'll do a deal with Roger at KHPC to resolve this without having to get the car baxck to Nottingham

 

When my car was down at KHPC, I did ask Roger about this issue. His opinion was that some lesser dealers, when doing a cam belt change, would remove the fuel tank, instead of the engine to get at the belts. The down side to this is that the connectors are quite brittle, so when the tank is re-connected, problems can occur.

I also asked him to check mine over for piece of mind

R

 

Sorry to speak out here, but I have to point out that whether you drop the engine, or drop the fuel tank, the fuel connections get dismantled.

In actual fact on the 355, if the tank is dropped the critical connector (the clamp on the PAS reservoir bracket) doesn't need to be touched.

The deciding factor is the diligence and competence of the person doing the job, one method or another doesn't make any difference if you've got a muppet working on your car.

I know this is a hot topic so I will point out that I've no axe to grind regarding dealers, or the engine out/engine in debate. The point I really wanted to make is that when (if) you find a mechanic who pays ABSOLUTE attention to detail, and who knows what he's doing then don't let him go!!!

 

At last some clarification on this . Thank you very much for the post.

 

Sounds like you have been quite lucky. Unfortunately some have not been so lucky of late. Hope you get it sorted soon, so you can carry on enjoying a great car.

 

ah! GREYPAUL NOTTINGHAM!!

Again

 

you dont want the ferrari fuel lines replacing with ferrari ones as somebody else has said its the ones with the blue alloy nuts they will always be a problem
There will be a firm called PIRTEK near you take the old pipes to them and they will make you new ones will steel ends then thats the problem solved i have just changed mine

 

"Unfortunately I bought it from Graypaul, Nottingham"

Hmmm.

Try this: "Hello?, Graypaul? Pick my effing car up and fix it now".

I'll not buy another car from them.

R

 

Dean sorry to here of the problem's your having m8,im hoping to get a 355 next year and the first thing to be binned will be the fuel line's new or not,then over to james lister and new ones made up with heat shield fitted to the pipes,if i have to rip it to bits and modify it all then so be it,

Dale.