Ferrari Mailing List: 308 Oil Leak

[Scott Carpenter (scscottc]

Ok since everyone is starting to talk on topic and all.. I figured I would
throw this in.

My '85 308 QV has developed an anoying oil leak.  Anoying because it drips
down on something hot and when I get home from a run the garage fills with
the smell of burning oil and a very light haze of smoke.  Well I have it up
at FOW for some other odds and ends and to track down the cause of the oil
leak which they did identify.  Their assessment is that the cam seal on the
5-8 bank is leaking.  Their suggestion is that by the time you tear it apart
to fix the leaking seal you may as well go ahead and do a major service.
Their quote for a major was a little more pricey than I have heard others
report their average was other places so at the moment I am not keen on
doing it.  Besides I think I am not due for a major for at least two more
years. Going by the five year rule...

So two questions.. First, is their assessment correct? Does the work
involved in replacing the cam seal justify going ahead and doing a major?

Second, should I just live with the mild annoyance until it is actually due
for a major or should I shop around and go ahead and have the major done now
and get the oil leak fixed as well?

Sorry for posting on topic :-)

Scott
'85 308 QV
'71 DeTomaso Pantera
'03 M5