Unexpected SURPRISES on this FERRARI F355 Engine Tear Down

This is the last thing I want to find when starting a timing belt replacement....

👉 Want to see more from the world of Ferrari? Check out more videos here:    • The World of Ferrari  


I found myself in a situation I try hard to avoid—a significant increase in the scope of work after my pre-service inspection. In my first video on this F355, I detailed my preferred method for pre-service inspections, including checking for signs of failing valve guides.

The Ferrari F355 is very susceptible to valve guide wear, especially in earlier models with bronze guides. Even later cars with sintered guides can suffer this issue, making a compression test essential before any major service begins.

During this car’s compression test, I found a noticeable discrepancy between Bank 1 and Bank 2. I initially suspected incorrect camshaft timing, but that was NOT the case.

In today’s video, I tear down the F355 engine in preparation for the timing belt replacement, removing ancillary belts, timing covers, and cam covers. Here’s a critical step: I don’t jump into the timing belt service immediately. Instead, I leave the belts tensioned to check camshaft timing on all four cams. This step revealed the timing was spot on—a rare find.

So, what caused the compression issue? A leak-down test showed a 10% difference between Bank 1 and Bank 2, pointing to a worn valve job caused by worn valve guides.

This unexpected finding meant pivoting to remove the cylinder heads and send them to my machinist.

So instead of walking you through the cam timing procedure as planned, I will walk you through the steps required to remove the cylinder head from this 355 engine. It’s time to get to work!

Whether you’re a Ferrari enthusiast, considering a pre-purchase inspection, or just curious about the level of detail required to maintain a classic like the F355, this video is a must-watch. Sit back, relax, and geek out with me as we dive into everything Ferrari.

If you enjoyed the video, hit that thumbs up and drop a comment below. It helps the algorithm and supports the channel! And if you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love for you to join us here. (Yes, I’m telling you to subscribe!) 😉

Thanks for watching!

~ Nick


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Take a peek at some of my additional projects & content that you may enjoy:

   • Abandoned Barn Find Chevelle Resurrection ...  

   • 1988 BMW M5 (E28) Restoration  

   • 1979 Centurion Jet Boat  

   • 2001 BMW M5  

   • Tech Tips & Technical Deep Dives  

   • Hot Rods & Domestic's  

   • Dinan E28 M5 (1988 BMW M5)  

   • 2006 Subaru WRX STi  


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About AutoTechNick:

Growing up in rural Oregon, I was always around Hot Rods & Race Cars. I imagine my early exposure to this culture ignited a spark of interest in cars, which remains my passion.

🎓 I am a proud Alumni of Wyoming Technical Institute ‪@WyoTechAutoMechanicSchool‬ where I studied Automotive Technology, Performance Engine Building & Street Rod Fabrication. In addition to "WyoTech," I graduated from the BMW Service Technician Education Program, more commonly known as BMW S.T.E.P.

🏎️ I spent nearly ten years working in various BMW dealerships as a Master Technician. After a move back home to the PNW, I found myself no longer servicing German-made machines but now working with Italians. I spent nearly another ten years as a Ferrari Master Technician & Shop Foreman at a local Ferrari dealership.

🏆 Ferrari selected me as one of 12 technicians worldwide to compete in the "Ferrari Testa Rossa Awards" for four years consecutively. Finishing in 3rd place in 2016, & in 2019 I was able to place in 1st, winning the competition & earning the title of the "Top Ferrari Technician in the World!"

🚀 As my time with Ferrari came to an end, a new career path awaited me…. Aerospace. I am currently working at Blue Origin, helping to build & develop the BE-3PM and BE-3U rocket engines.

With my new career path, I needed an outlet for my automotive passion, thus the reason for this channel…

#ferrari #ferrarif355 #f355 #exotic #ferrariservice #ferrarirepair #seattle