| Author |
Message |
Peter Connolly (Mondial_32_Aus)
| | Posted on Saturday, December 01, 2001 - 9:05 am: | |
My experiences are based on the last year's ownership of a 1987 Mondial 3.2 coupe in Sydney with 50,000 klm and a good Ferrari service history.
Wheel bearings can be prone to premature failure, listen for a knock as the wheels turn when driving particularly at low speed.
Check the steel frames at the bottom of the glass, mine are rusted badly.
It is a good idea to clean and pinch tight or re-terminate all electrical connections, this is not an overly difficult or time consuming job. Bad connections are common and widespread in these models.
There is an engine ECU in the boot in the right hand side that is poorly sealed from water intrusion, remove 2 philps screws and check for evidence of water intrusion. Clean if possible, replacement would cost heaps.
Ignition switches (the electrical switch no the mechanical part) are prone to going open circuit and therfore not supplying as much power to the starting circuit as possible. When the battery is fully charged it is ususally ok but a bad ignition switch will often fail to start the car with a battery that is not in peak condition. Remove the ignition shroud and barrel and spray contact cleaner into the switch. Replacement switches are very expensive and hard to locate, the switch should be the same as the 328.
The electrical mirror switch is prone to failure, it is a US$120 replacement or US$30 from BMW (same part).
Some mondial's have been known to develop a split in the fuel tank, to test, make sure the tank is full and start sniffing! Look for leaks and listen for leaks.
The dipstick has a sender in it for low oil, I have heard of a few of these failing, US$120 replacement.
The diagnostic panel next to the gearsticj is prone to failure and blown bulbs or corrosion resulting in bad contacts where the bulbs are fitted. If the bulbs are not working, remove and check with a multimeter, clean the area where they plug into with a small wire brush and then coat with a contact cleaner.
The radiator coolant expansion tank in the engine bay is a regular replacement item (every 3-4 years?) due to the thin metal corroding. These can be repaired to a point but it is best to replace due to the heat and high pressures (about US$200). Apparently they are only made to order by a company in England and take about 4 weeks to arrive, I know as I ordered one.
The speakers in the doors are prone to water intrusion due to bad insulation.
The door courtesy ligh switches seem to go open circuit often and need to be removed and cleaned avery now and again (not a big deal).
The door hinge pins that stop the door opening too wide deteriate and need to replaced every few years, I thing that these are the tapered type, if you replace with a straight pin the door make awful knock sounds as you open and close it. It needs to be a tight fit.
You should have a look at the recall notices for this car and ensure that it has had the recall component replaced. See :
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/Index.cfm
http://www.classaction.com/recalls.cfm?cat=1&make=Ferrari&model=Mondial
Apparently a lot of Mondials suffer a chassis crack in the engine bay underneath the air intake. My mechanic says I have one also and that they will wait for a engine out before re welding.
The heat insulation that goes around the header pipes wrapped around and underneath the engine block tend to bcome loose and can vibrate particulalry noticeable in reverse.
Examine the distributor caps for wear and cracks, these can cost a lot of money to replace.
Check the air con works properly in all condtions and that it has been updated to the latest system to take the new environmentally friendly gas.
A lot of fellow owners complain of speedo issues, either intermittent or not working at all.
Find out if the car has been track driven and if so, how much. Tracking this model can lead to premater bearing wheel failure.
This is all I can think of!
Good luck!!
PC
Have a look at my website http://fly.to/mondial for detailed service history on my Mondial. |
Mitchell Minh Le (Yelcab1)
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2001 - 4:37 pm: | |
So what does it mean to have more juice for the fuel pump. Does it require a new panel and the whole wiring redone? Or, just a new wire and an in-line fuse? |
Martin (Miami348ts)
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2001 - 10:28 am: | |
What to look for in a 1985 Mondial....
...
...
,,,
................the tool kit.
just kidding.
Edward has it right on. |
Edward Salla (350hpmondial)
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2001 - 8:58 am: | |
I have a 1985 Cab QV that was well sorted through by NORWOOD ( Bosch FI & Turbo added) I know that the front electric windows need new power supplies via solinoids. all wires are accessed in passenger footwell.
2) Fuel pump will need new power to keep from melting your expensive (stock) fuse panel.
3) Rear window motors should be changed out with the newer more powerful models.
4) Check oil cooler hoses and connections.
5) Check all coolent hoses, little one (1 cm)under the inlet plenum can be a pain.
6) Window, Glove Box, Gas Tank hatch and all similar switches are no longer made. But these can be rebuilt.
7) TRX tires very expensive but available from EURO Tire. I am in the process of picking some 16" rims.
8) Top bows can be bent if you dont read the instructions.
9) Drivers inside door handel is easily broken, I am currently searching for one.
But I love my Mondial. |
Mitchell Minh Le (Yelcab1)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 11:09 pm: | |
I am looking at an 85 mondial. Could the experts on this board tell me what to watch out for in this year and model?
Regards
Minh |
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