| Author |
Message |
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Member
Username: Jscott
Post Number: 452
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:10 pm: | |
It is scheduled for the first week of August. Until then, it won't get too much exercise. Probably not more than 50-75 miles at an easy pace. |
David McAlexander (Stuttgartdavid)
New member
Username: Stuttgartdavid
Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:40 pm: | |
"I went through this last fall ... and my belts were new (faulty upgraded lower pulley)."
This quote illustrates the truly scary thing about service - that there is no guarantee that a brand new part won't be one of the __% that fail during break-in, or won't be installed incorrectly, etc. It is possible to make complex mechanical systems less reliable rather than more so by opening them up and working on them! That is why airplanes have a mandatory test flight sequence before being put back into service after a major surgery. I'm not saying don't do your belts - that would be silly. Just recognize that "new" isn't always better, and doesn't mean that the new part will work better than the one it is replacing that has survived the break-in period (which is the time period with the highest probability of failure in a part's life cycle) and clearly is of a certain quality to have made it this far.
All the more reason to make sure to use a reputable installer who will use quality parts from a known and reliable source, and who will stand behind the work or the part if the cure doesn't take. |
SRA (Sranderson)
Junior Member
Username: Sranderson
Post Number: 66
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:38 pm: | |
J Scott,
In my opinion, you are playing Russian Roulette.
The 348 has just one BIG belt. Top end rebuild will cost you 8K give or take, plus all the additional upgrades that Ferrari recommends while apart (intake valve about $65ea. and exhaust $100ea). I went through this last fall with my '91 348, and my belts were new (faulty upgraded lower pulley).
IMO, if it were my car, it would sit.
S. Anderson
|
Dave Helms (Davehelms)
New member
Username: Davehelms
Post Number: 36
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 5:45 am: | |
Most every Ferrari timing belt I have seen fail, happened when the key was turned to crank it over. The failure happens before the cars even start. I have the engine out of a 348 right now that has never had the belt replaced. This one shows no terrible signs of being on the ragged edge. A few weeks back I did a virgin F40 and I dont know that it had more than 1 more run cycle before it would break. Dont roll the dice on this one, the risk/cost ratio is too high. |
FABS (Caruso360)
New member
Username: Caruso360
Post Number: 28
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:37 pm: | |
J Scott; Having been through this myself, I would suggest you have it serviced. At that point it goes back under warranty and you can relax as you rip it around. Ex 348 owner. |
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Member
Username: Jscott
Post Number: 448
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:21 pm: | |
Taking it to the guy I trust in L.A. Can't get it done until August. Won't drive much until then. It isn't a matter of spending the money, it is just a matter of getting it on the schedule. I can drive the 328 until it is done. Just drive this around the neighborhood until done. |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 1840
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 5:42 pm: | |
JScott:
It isn't the belts. Its the tensioners that you'd better be worried about. I don't know where you've scheduled the work, but if its at SF, call Matt, beg, plead, etc. to get it done before then.
If not, good luck. Those cars are quite specialized, and as I found out, even a small mistake can be costly. Taking it to anyone but someone who does these all the time is taking a risk.
Art |
Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member
Username: Mitch_alsup
Post Number: 701
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 4:16 pm: | |
"It has 20,250 miles but has not had the belts done."
10 years on belts that the manufacture tells us to change at 5 years/30K miles.
"I have the service scheduled for this August."
The gamble is yours. However, you should consider the $5,000 bill you face just to change the belts versus the $20,000 bill you face if a belt fails.
"How concerned should I be about driving the car?"
A ferrari is not the kind of car to a) under maintain, b) take expensive chances with. |
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Member
Username: Jscott
Post Number: 445
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 4:02 pm: | |
I got my 92 348 a couple of weeks ago. It has 20,250 miles but has not had the belts done. I have the service scheduled for this August.(soon as I can get it in). How concerned should I be about driving the car? Runs very good. I don't intend to drive it very hard until serviced. Your opinions are welcome. |