Ferrari Mailing List: Re: some F355 questions

[Dave Handa (dave]

I can answer a couple of your questions:

1)  The speedo never will return to zero...that is normal.  

2)  The suspension switch seems to have more effect with rebound damping
rather than compression damping, so it is not terribly noticeable when
switching between modes.  As you become more familiar with the car, you WILL
notice a difference.

3)  Engine oil in ONLY checked immediately after shutting down on a fully
warmed up engine, at operating temperature.  In fact I will have the engine
lid open, and rags ready (the oil cap will be HOT(!)) before I shut off the
engine.  If you check the oil when cold or after several minutes from shut
down, you will read much lower level than is actual...and if you add oil,
will be way overfilled!  A common problem with new owners...

As far as the coolant, it could be you are simple overfilled.  When cold,
unscrew the cap, and the coolant level should be about 6cm below the filler
neck.  If it is already at that height or lower, you may need a new cap.

*NOTE:  Due read the owner's manual from cover to cover, there is an amazing
amount of detail information provided on the care and maintenance of the
car, much more so than any other owner's manual I have seen.

Dave




-----Original Message-----
From: Azam, Naweed S [mailto:Naweed.Azam [at] sonyericsson.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 5:36 AM
To: dave [at] davehanda.com
Cc: The FerrariList
Subject: [Ferrari] some F355 questions

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

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