[cribbj]

In reviewing the service history of my '99 550, I found a coolant fault that tended to repeat itself on a regular basis, plus an A/C problem that never seemed to get sorted. I'd appreciate knowing if these are known common problems, and if any definitive solutions exist?

The coolant fault is the big hose under the intake manifold splitting and leaking. That one was replaced 3 times in 10 years, which seems outrageous, but then I'm used to Japanese reliability, and am still coming to grips with the frequency of simple failures on supercars.

The other problem is the A/C system. Apparently since early 2009, the dealer has been trying to fix a problem with it blowing hot air, and they're obviously having difficulty pinning the core problem down. I noted one technician wrote in his notes that the front seal of the compressor was leaking, while another wrote that he thought it was an air blending issue behind the dash, because he couldn't find a leak, and the system was fully charged. Hmmm. Seems like it would be simple enough to put some dye in the system and look for leaks (which is what Josh @ ECS is going to do), and then if it isn't leaking, a good refrigeration/controls guy ought to be able to figure it out?

For the coolant hose, what have others done to sort this? Does anyone have the ID of this hose, or know if Dave Helm offers a super duper silicone replacement? In the Ricambi catalog it looks like it must be around 1.5" to 2" in diameter, is nothing but a simple, straight piece of hose, maybe 20-30" long, and Ferrari wants $165 for it? Hmmm.

And the A/C system - although Denso A/C compressors are dead reliable, I can understand it needing a new one after 10 years. I'm just praying that it's not an evaporator leak....... Again, is this a known issue with 550's?

[JazzyO]

Hi John,

I haven't any of those problems with my 550 which is just over 10 years old.

I agree with your assessment, doesn't seem like it's such a difficult job to fix either. Since my car has not shown anything like that in the 3 1/2 years and 22,000 miles that I've known her, I would say it should be possible to fix and not see those problems again. Unfortunately, I can't help you with specific solutions.


Onno

[cribbj]

Thanks Onno, I've found Dave Helm's address and have put in an email to him about this hose. We'll see what he comes back with. I'm also curious to hear from other 550 owners, as this is one of the items mentioned in the Buyer's Guide to look out for. Would also like to know the ID of this hose, in case Dave hasn't done a hose kit yet, as I may need to source some high temp silicone hose elsewhere.

There is also a recurring problem of fuel odor in the trunk area. The seals for the fuel pump access have already been replaced once, and the technicians noted that no leaks are evident with the fuel filters or fittings. Hope it's not the "hairline cracks in the fuel tanks release vapors into the cabin" problem noted in the Buyer's Guide.

It's had the following problems too. Some of these were mentioned in the Buyer's Guide and some were just normal recalls:

• Premature (IMO) clutch wear (will be replaced while @ ECS, barring major A/C work)
  
• Driver's window not sealing (FoW techs worked on this twice)
  
• Dash leather shrinkage (passenger airbag cover bubbling and will be replaced while @ ECS)
  
• Gummy buttons & controls (the dealer had all these redone by Stickynomore in 09/2010 as part of their prep to get the car ready for sale)
  
• ECU's replaced (Recall #29)
  
• Magnesium wheels replaced (Recall #32)
  
• Alarm siren & cable replaced (Recall #98)
  
• Adding Add'l Earth in OBDII Connector (Recall #148)