| Author |
Message |
Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member
Username: Kaz
Post Number: 153
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 7:50 am: | |
Jonathan -
Belts are to be changed every 30K or 5 years according to factory. Some people here say it's BS and you can go longer...you make the call. A belt failure can ruin your day. Requires engine out service and they will also check/replace the tensioners and water pump.
In Florida a full 30K service with belt replacement at the dealer is about $7500 and about $4500 at a qualified independent. You can replace belts only for less, but might as well do the full service since you are there and engine is out.
Also might add if you front end (spoiler & bump) is freshly painted or in excellent shape, hurry and protect it with a 3M type clear bra. They get nicked like crazy even from normal driving.
Careful on driveways...they bottom out easily and I'm used to driving a lowered P Car and still went ahead and installed some skid plates on the 355.
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Jonathan Garrett Donner (Jgd)
New member
Username: Jgd
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 4:21 am: | |
Frank, Thank you very much for the info this is exactly what I have been looking for. I have read the cam belts should be replaced every 3 years, do you know anything about this?
Thanks again! |
Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member
Username: Kaz
Post Number: 152
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 7:01 am: | |
Jonathan -
I also have a 97 355 and here a few things to be aware of that are normal:
On cold start up you will hear a high pitch sound from the right rear of the engine � stops when cats warm up. Air injector pump � normal.
Metal �rattle� around exhaust � by pass valves � also OK
Elec windows slow � normal
When water temp hits about 190 the LH rad fan kicks on � if at idle engine momentarily �lugs�, then recovers and almost overcompensates � also normal.
I assume the belts have been changed..due every 30K or 5 years. Early models have had valve guide problems, 97 is OK. Watch for exhaust leaks. Manifolds have been known to crack at welds from heat and cats can be expensive. You should be covered under federal warranty of 7 years on the cats, so go to a dealer before 2004 and have them checked.
The owners manual has several errors�your battery is not in the trunk, but in the LF wheel arch..
That�s about all I can think of now. If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a PM. Fabulous Car!
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Jonathan Garrett Donner (Jgd)
New member
Username: Jgd
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:04 pm: | |
Gordo,
Thanks Very Much. |
Gordo A. (Gordo)
New member
Username: Gordo
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 6:00 am: | |
Jgd- As a 348 owner I am probably not qualified to answer but I can't believe when it comes to 'quirks' they are particularly different. They have them, loads of them that's what makes them so completely special!
I have found having only recently joined that the best advice is to troll through the various groups (the Technical Q/A is particularly outstanding). You will see tons of threads giving incredible detail about various 'quirks'. I have in the space of a week learned an incredible amount this way seeing the same issues I have experienced discussed by other owners, and in most cases followed up by oustanding solutions from others. You will find more experience on this site than any garage thats for sure!
Good luck and congratulations, the 355 is my dream!
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Jonathan Garrett Donner (Jgd)
New member
Username: Jgd
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 3:28 am: | |
I just bought a 97 F355, 23,000 miles in excelent condition, are there any kind of small quirks or mechanicle issues I should watch out for with this car. Thanks in advance for any advice. |