Shoddy shop work causes the problem.
Ferrari North America is recalling 2400 F355 and F1 models because independent shops may have improperly fitted screw clamps to the thermostat housing so that they are too close to fuel lines. Abrasion can cause leaks and ultimately fires.
The total population of potentially affected model year 1995 – 1999 Ferrari 355 and 355 F1 vehicles not in FNA’s control is approximately 2,356 vehicles.
FNA says it is aware of only one instance in the United States in which an independent automobile repair facility improperly installed such a screw clamp and “believes that the error committed by that shop was so open and obvious that the error is unlikely to be repeated in the absence of gross negligence.”
Nevertheless, it is possible that such grossly faulty installation of the screw clamps could cause damage to the fuel supply pipes, possibly resulting in the leakage of fuel into the engine compartment, which in turn could cause smoke and, in rare circumstances, a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash.
Dealers will install a new fuel divider block that will provide a greater distance between these screw clamps and the fuel lines. Ferrari says that this will eliminate the possibility of any damage to the fuel supply pipes, which could cause fluid leakage. This service will be performed free of charge.
In early 1998, FNA was first made aware of a potential problem concerning the positioning of a water sleeve screw clamp on certain Ferrari F355 vehicles. Subsequently, FNA issued two recalls to remedy the problem. These recalls bore the Ferrari numbers 158 (98V-057) and 159 (98V-058).
The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. Owners may contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600 about recall number 48. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA number: 09V447000.