550 Maranello - High Oil Pressure Query

[550man]

Hi all

Been lurking here for a while and have been meaning to post for ages. Shame my first post is requesting advice but I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem to mine in a 550 or similar.

My oil pressure gauge is reading max pressure. Dipped a little when I managed to get it into sixth but anything fourth and below and it rises to max again. Checked the oil level and it is midway between min and max levels so that seems fine and no pool of oil or other obvious problems. All other gauges read well.

I suspect that it is a sensor problem or electrical glitch (and a reliable specialist garage said that it was almost certainly that - possibly caused by an electrics problem - it is Italian after all, rather than a problem with the oil pump or similar mechanical problem). Just thought I'd cast round for views. I really don't want it to go kaboom

Promise to post on more exciting and interesting lines next time!

Cheers

[FranzKlampon]

Yes, I can report this phenomenon also! It became apparent after the previous service. Max oil pressure on the gauge until really warm, then only dropping a little, even on idle. I had it checked out extensively, but nothing obvious was found. This was at around 46/47000 miles. After he most recent service, having replaced the oil, filter and belts, it was all back to normal again. I've only ever used Shell Helix with factory filters, so no variation in lubes. Quite inexplicable really. But I must admit to being concerned over the matter for a while, especially as I couldn't obtain any supportive or corroborating examples to compare with at the time. Ferrari could shed no light on the matter either. It didn't appear to cause any issues though, and ran as smoothly as usual down to La Sarthe last June without any problem. Now I seem to be fretting that the oil pressure isn't as good as it was when idling....

[Cactussed]

I don't know on the 550, but on the 355 the senders are sometimes faulty. I'd do a quick oil and filter change for a start, then if it persists, look at the sender unit.

[550man]

Cactussed and Franz

Thanks both for your illuminating and helpful posts. It was indeed the sender problem that my garage indicated was the problem. I am taking it back to them next weekend for a once over so fingers crossed.

Just on a positive note though, generally it has been much more reliable than I ever expected it to be and it simply fantastic to drive. May have to part with it soon, as may be moving to Hong Kong but part of me suspects I'll end up finding it good, temporary, home while I'm away...

Cheers again

[Cactussed]

I'd be happy to keep it warm and periodically run around the block for you

[burriana]

Jason - I have this very problem on my 12 cylinder and I'm wondering if the Testarossa and 550 engines use the same oil pressure release valve.

Mine is sticking and when the oil is cold the pressure goes higher than it should if I go over say 2500-3000 revs. It takes a good fifteen minutes before the oil has warmed and thinned enough to have some fun. I have 0/40 in it.

It does need sorting because, providing all the other elements of you oil system are fine, if it over pressures too much it will blow your filter seal and leave a bit of a mess!

On mine it is a right pain, because the release valve is right in the middle of the engine and you've guessed it, the engine needs to come out to get at it, a year earlier than its scheduled engine out service

Best to get it checked as if it does go, you won't get any warning. Luckily I was just at the end of my street when my oil filter blew.

[FranzKlampon]

550man said:

......generally it has been much more reliable than I ever expected it to be and it simply fantastic to drive.

You'll not get many contradict either of those points! I doubt you've lost anything on depreciation either. One of he few cars it would definately be worth considering laying up if you could find somewhere suitable.