355 Engine noise when cold?

355 Engine noise when cold?

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DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
I tested a potential 355 spider purchase and the engine was fine on start up, the seller (dealer) then took us out and from cold gave it the full beans several times (why?? I have no idea.....), then offered me the drive.

Before taking the wheel I popped the lid and the engine at idle was giving off a slight knock/slap. In steady rhythm - and not a tap.

I then drove gently until she was properly warmed up before giving her a blast. Pulling into the garage afterward and letting it tickover the noise had gone, and the seller gave it full revs stationary, blipping through various engine speeds so I could check the exhaust.

At no point was there any smoke or struggling to idle or crazy oil pressure

The engine pulled smooth and true and performance was right.

Any opinions on whether the cold thrashing could create a temporary oil starvation or something that might have caused the knock I heard? If it were a private seller I wouldn't even consider it but I think this dealer is genuinely unaware of the error of his ways.......and I don't think hes been out in the car many times!


andrew

10,090 posts

199 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
dry tappets ?

johnnyreggae

3,001 posts

167 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
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Testing my memory here but it could have been something to do with the cold air circuit - as I recall there's a pump that can be noisy - your description isn't the easiest so it could alternatively just have been something like the a/c drive belt which I think sometimes can whir a bit on start-up

TISPKJ

3,652 posts

214 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
The vacuum operated exhaust valve can be noisy and can get a bit better when warm.
It's more of a metallic buzz though.

Cerberaherts

1,651 posts

148 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
There could be any one of a number of issues that could cause such a noise. If you are serious about buying it, get an inspection as some of the issues are costly to fix. Common issues;
1. Exhaust bypass valve rattling. Common when cold, as they heat up and expand the noise goes away-relatively cheap fix, wobbling the actuator lever on the valve while it is cold will prove either way.

2. Oil pump chain tensioner. Again, only while cold, expensive to put right and ruinous if it fails.

3. Exhaust manifolds cracked. Can also cause fuelling issues leading to excessive engine wear if not rectified.

4. Alternator belt tensioner bearing-cheap fix.

5. Hydraulic lifter. If it's just from lack of use then driving it may get rid of the noise, but they are also prone to failure and replacements are hard to come by and expensive to fit

Edited by Cerberaherts on Tuesday 20th January 23:06

DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
Thanks guys for the responses

Is certainly wasn't a whir or buzz - I would say it was electrical in any way.

Dry Tappets - I would have thought would be more of a 'chatter'? more akin to making the car sound like a diesel for a few seconds? This was a slower mild knock.

Exhaust bypass valve - definitely not. I know this sound.

Oil pump chain tensioner - if this were failing, would the noise disappear when warm? I would have thought it would get noisier if anything? Would it be in rhythm or random/intermittent?

Manifold Crack - would this sound like a knock? Possibly I suppose. Again - would it abate when hot?

Alternator belt tensioner - again would this be in rhythm?

Hydraulic lifter - I have no idea what these are!

I would have an indie look at it, but this could prove problematic unless someone can point me at someone genuinely trusted near Milan.......




TISPKJ

3,652 posts

214 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
Unless the car is really cheap I would give it a miss.
They all make noises of some description but I think you will spoil the ownership because you will now be forever listening for anything and everything everytime you use the car in fear of potential damage

DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
The car is pretty special. Its a lovely colour combination, is in superb order - virtually spotless, you could eat your dinner off the engine bay, and it drove really well.

This is the only fly in the ointment.

Currently trying to locate a bonafide local inspector.

johnnyreggae

3,001 posts

167 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
DarkHorseTerence said:
Currently trying to locate a bonafide local inspector.
If the car is not with the local franchise (Rossocorsa ?) you could ask them

mike01606

531 posts

156 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
DarkHorseTerence said:
Currently trying to locate a bonafide local inspector.
Fly one out from the UK.....you would be far from the first.

TISPKJ

3,652 posts

214 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
Cerberaherts - pack your suntan lotion mate ! smile

DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
seriously if anyone is up for that let me know via PM. I am currently chasing local options - Rosso Corsa weren't too helpful but I have another I have spoken to and am waiting prices from.

The seller is a bonafide outfit - its doable in a day which is what I did.

TISPKJ

3,652 posts

214 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
I would love to and have done for myself but I wouldnt want to put my knowledge to the test with someones elses money.

Cerberaherts seems a nice knowledgable guy with extensive engine knowledge which is what you need.

Tim at walkersport also very helpfull - not sure if a one man band.

Roger at TFC maybe able to spare someone.

voicey

2,457 posts

194 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
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If you are thinking about asking Cerberaherts to inspect the car then I would like to add my endorsement - he's easily the most knowledgeable Ferrari tech I've ever come across.

Cerberaherts

1,651 posts

148 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
Cheers guys! Yep, could do it for you if you'd like..

DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Wednesday 21st January 2015
quotequote all
will pm

DarkHorseTerence

Original Poster:

583 posts

246 months

Thursday 22nd January 2015
quotequote all
Cerberaherts - could really use a quick chat asap if at all possible.....

TISPKJ

3,652 posts

214 months

Thursday 22nd January 2015
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If you have emailed it may well have gone to junk mail so dont despare.

I think there may have been some issues with pistonheads email system as I got a response re a Gallardo I enquired about begining of Dec only a few days ago, the dealer told me they suddenly got 50 odd emails all in one batch.

Cerberaherts

1,651 posts

148 months

Thursday 22nd January 2015
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Pm'd you! smile

rubystone

11,254 posts

266 months

Saturday 24th January 2015
quotequote all
voicey said:
If you are thinking about asking Cerberaherts to inspect the car then I would like to add my endorsement - he's easily the most knowledgeable Ferrari tech I've ever come across.
Where's he based?