Ferrari Mailing List: some F355 questions

[Azam, Naweed S (Naweed.Azam]

Hello Everyone.

 

I have a few questions regarding my F355.

 

I drove my car pretty hard Sunday morning.  After parking for a few
hours, I noticed a puddle of light green fluid in front of the passenger
side rear wheel.  My first thought was radiator coolant fluid.  I
checked the engine compartment and did not see any sign of leaks.  I
looked under the car and directly above the puddle is a small protrusion
- I don't know how else to describe it other than possibly a "valve"
where the fluid was coming from.  Does my F355 have a radiator expansion
tank for overflow (it was very hot Sunday - in the 90 degree Fahrenheit
range).  My water temperature was within normal limits the entire time I
was driving.  Monday morning there was a smaller puddle of the same
fluid at the same location and by lunch time, no leak at all.  By
Tuesday night, there was again a small puddle, but this time not from
the "valve" but from inside the wheel well in front of the passenger
side rear wheel.  I could feel a small hole that appeared to be there on
purpose for overflow or drainage.  Does anyone know what this is or seen
this problem before?

 

The speedometer never goes back down to zero when the car is stopped -
it stays at around 15 mph.  This makes me wonder if the reading is
accurate when the car is moving.  Anyone else seen this or know of a fix
(other than replacing the speedometer) - is the cable going bad?

 

The electronic suspension adjustment does not seem to be working (at
least I can't tell if it is).  When I switch between comfort and sport
mode I don't notice any difference in ride or handling.  Is this
something only noticeable when driving on a race track or going really
fast on a twisty road?

 

What do you use for topping off engine oil when needed?  Any other
advice on general maintenance or engine care?  What is the "valve
problem" I have heard about - was it only on the first year models?

 

My local Ferrari dealer did a leak down and compression test prior to my
purchase.  Results came in within 2% of factory specs which I think is
pretty good - correct me if I am mistaken.

 

Does anyone know what the factory spec for paint thickness in
millimeters on this car is?

 

Thanks for your time and kind advice.

 

Regards,

Naweed.

'99 F355 GTB