F40 white smoke, running on 4 cylinders , WTH ?? | FerrariChat
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F40 white smoke, running on 4 cylinders , WTH ??

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by WILLIAM H, Feb 13, 2009.

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  1. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #1 WILLIAM H, Feb 13, 2009
    So I just got my F40 back from the shop

    They fixed some vaccuum lines, ceramic coated the exhaust and some other stuff

    It ran better than ever, accelerating much faster than my 07 Z06 which I dropped off to pick up the F40

    My car does this wierd thing occasionally where I am guessing its only firing on 4 cyl or something, usually at a stoplight or low speed. The power just goes away and it runs like crap, usually lasts for maybe 20 seconds tops then goes right back to 100%.

    Just before I arrived home I was at a stoplight and it did this and I noticed a considerable amount of white smoke, I got ouyt to ensure there was no fire, but there was just white smoke

    The electrical gremlin seems to go away if I turn the car off then on again

    Anybody have a clue whats up ?

    Thanks
     
  2. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 wax, Feb 13, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2009
    New Pope.
     
  3. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 WILLIAM H, Feb 13, 2009
    Pope Enzo the Rapid :)
     
  4. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
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    #4 Dr_ferrari, Feb 13, 2009
    Sounds like one of the cam sensors may be at fault. smoke may be from unburnt fuel in the exhaust.

    see what bank the smoke comes from and check that banks sensor.

    Best regards, Jim
     
  5. silvergts1998

    silvergts1998 Formula 3

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    #5 silvergts1998, Feb 13, 2009
    You may want to have your computers checked. I know with a turbo set up, typically you will retard the timing under a boost situation. Your timing map might be off possibly. Another thing when you say white smoke, that is a sign of water (maybe blown head gasket issue). Do you smell any strong smell of fuel, antifreeze? Have you checked what your oil looks like? One thing you could do is pull your plugs. That can also tell you allot. Hope all is well with that F40. LOVE THAT CAR!!!
     
  6. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Napolis, Feb 13, 2009
    I agree as if it was water it wouldn't clear. Loss of power intermittently is likely one bank not working due to bad sensor.
     
  7. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #7 SSNISTR, Feb 13, 2009
    Cam sensor.

    Do you have the "new" ECU's?
     
  8. AWESOME

    AWESOME Karting

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    #8 AWESOME, Feb 13, 2009
    I dont think the white smoke would be from unburnt fuel, that would come out black. Ask me how I know...
     
  9. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

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    #9 johnvwatts, Feb 14, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2009
    Just happened to me getting it out of the garage. 1/2 engine just died which and produces smoke from that side (unburnt fuel although mine was black).Had you just started the car and it was cold ? ie white smoke was usual condensation in exhaust? Turned it off, fired it up again all ok. As said above its probably a cam sensor gone done. Going to get both of mine changed . Happened to Redhead on this forum also.
     
  10. RED HEAD

    RED HEAD Karting
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    #10 RED HEAD, Feb 14, 2009
    Yep - suggest you change both sensors as my other one failed shortly after! Also check ECU set up maybe running too rich? I was also advised to change the spark plugs from original spec as they oiled up. We also changed the spark leads as these were original No further problems to date - touch wood!
     
  11. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

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    #11 johnvwatts, Feb 14, 2009
    Had spark plugs changed at last service as mine were original spec also. Cam sensors not a disaster money wise £192 each.
     
  12. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #12 WILLIAM H, Feb 14, 2009
    Thanks everybody,

    I dont think I have the new ECUs where do you get them ?

    Btw engine was already at operating temp when white smoke happened

    I thought it could be due to the new ceramic coating but cam sensors sound like a good way to go
     
  13. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
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    #13 Dr_ferrari, Feb 14, 2009


    Test the sensors before you replace. most of the time the pickup on the back of the cam comes loose and causes sensor fault. remove the rear cover and inspect.

    The sensor can be checked with an ohm meter. don`t have the spec in front of me but I can let you know on monday if you need.

    Also, you can obtain the ecu chip upgrade from Carobu. If you have the newer turbos, you should upgrade.

    www.Carobu.com


    Best regards, Jim
     
  14. Zarathustra

    Zarathustra Formula Junior

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    #14 Zarathustra, Feb 14, 2009
    I had a similar thing happen to my F-40. It ended up being a corroded stroke sensor wire.
    Didn't even have to replace it. Just re-soldered it and bingo, fixed.
    They are located at the back of the cams under the little cover plate.
     
  15. RufMD

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    #15 RufMD, Feb 18, 2009
    Another possibility is that one of the fuel pump connectors is corroded on one side....the next time it is limping along like that, see if you can reach down onto the top of each fuel tank and wiggle the connector...if the idle smooths out, you know what it is. Turned out to be the problem on mine and it is exactly as you described.
     
  16. Scuderia P1

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    #16 Scuderia P1, Feb 21, 2009

    FYI, that chip is designed and sold by Rod Drew, owner of FAI in Costa Mesa Calif. Carobu buys them from him, you should too.

    FAI : 949-631-6373
     
  17. djui5

    djui5 F1 Veteran

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    #17 djui5, Feb 21, 2009
    White smoke comes from coolant or water burning :)
     
  18. F430.13

    F430.13 Rookie

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    #18 F430.13, Feb 21, 2009
    WHAT!?!? You have a F40? I like you. It's a great car. My favourite is F430 but F40 is nice too.

    How lucky you are!!

    Enjoy it.
     
  19. S Brake

    S Brake F1 World Champ

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    #19 S Brake, Feb 21, 2009
    That was hilarious!
     
  20. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

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    #20 johnvwatts, Feb 22, 2009
    Did you get a problem with the rev counter going down temporarily when the tank connection went? ie is the rev counter driven by one side of the engine?
     
  21. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #21 WILLIAM H, Feb 26, 2009
    dropped her off today, asked him to check the cam sensors, ecu, fuel pump connectors, turbo bearings

    I forgot to tell him my tach is acting funny but he'll figure that out quick
     
  22. RufMD

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    #22 RufMD, Feb 26, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    John,

    The car dropped its idle to 600-800 when the fuel pump was acting up on the one side (Right side, passenger)...once the connector was replaced, it is a strong 1000 rpm all the time.

    A pic of the corroded connector pins on the affected side....the connection sits in a flat bowl on top of the fuel tank and is a collection point for water and corrosion.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  23. RufMD

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    #23 RufMD, Feb 26, 2009
    Good luck with it, hope its nothing serious.
     
  24. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

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    #24 johnvwatts, Feb 27, 2009
    Thanks for the pics. Will check this out before ordering cam sensors !
     
  25. Downeaster1

    Downeaster1 Rookie

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    #25 Downeaster1, Feb 28, 2009
    I agree with the cam sensor theory. I had the same exact issue with mine, and with the sensor replaced, she usually stays constant around 1100 rpm. Still a tad bit high, but better than the 600 it was shooting before.
     
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