Ferrari 308 problems

Common Ferrari 308 problems

The Ferrari 308, produced from 1975 to 1985, is known for its iconic design and starring role in the television series Magnum P.I. However, the car has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

One of the most prevalent issues is related to the carburetors, which can cause the car to bog down when turning right. This is due to the transverse mounting of the carburetors, which makes the floats more susceptible to the g-forces of the car. The fuel sloshes around more, affecting the float height, which is critical for the proper functioning of the carburetors. Adjusting the floats to vary the amount of fuel in the float bowls can help alleviate this problem. However, it is essential to ensure that the fuel pressure is not an issue, as this could indicate problems with the fuel tank, fuel pump, or fuel lines.

Another common problem with the Ferrari 308 is related to the metering units on the injection models. If the car is not used regularly, the fuel in the metering units can go stale, causing them to gum up. This can make it difficult to get the car started, and the metering units may need to be sent away for reconditioning. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to run the car regularly to keep everything in check and prevent the fuel from going stale.

The handbrakes on this era of Ferrari are also known to be problematic. With the 308, the handbrake lever can bend easily due to its position in the car and the tendency to pull it towards oneself. With the 328, the handbrake is generally poor. It is recommended to always leave the car in gear and not rely solely on the handbrake for safety.

Another issue that owners of the Ferrari 308 may encounter is not being able to get second gear when the gearbox is cold. This is because the gearboxes can handle going straight from first to third, but until the gearbox has warmed up, it can be challenging to get second gear. This issue is more of an inconvenience than a significant problem, but it is essential to be aware of it.

Finally, the Ferrari 308 can experience hot start problems, which are related to excessive fuel entering a hot injection air box, causing the engine to flood. A wait of 15-20 minutes is usually necessary to allow the engine to cool down and restart normally.

In summary, the Ferrari 308 is known for its iconic design and cultural significance, but it also has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These include issues with the carburetors, metering units, handbrakes, gearbox, and hot start problems. Regular maintenance and use can help prevent many of these issues, but it is essential to be aware of them and address them promptly if they arise.

Is the Ferrari 308 reliable?

And by Ferrari standards, a good 308 should be relatively easy to live with. The service intervals are shorter than most cars on the road, but the 2.9-liter V-8 is robust and coughs up few issues—you won't be paying the shop to yank the engine out every couple of years like you will with a 355.

What is the best Ferrari 308 to own?

In the eyes of collectors, the most desirable Ferrari 308 is the early 'vetroresina' glassfibre model, partly as it's the rarest but also because it's the lightest and fastest.

Are Ferrari 308 going up in value?

Over the past decade, the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS models have increased in value from average prices of $31,000 to more than $114,000. The collectible car was in production from 1975 to 1985. During that time, an estimated 12,000 were distributed for sale.

Is the Ferrari 308 rare?

It is one of just 712 units produced for the whole world.

Introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari 308 GTB acted as a successor to the Dino 246 and supplemented the Dino 308 GT4 in the Maranello company's lineup.