Touring Italy in my QV | FerrariChat

Touring Italy in my QV

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by Journiacois, Sep 13, 2014.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Hello everyone. I have had a wonderful three days of driving in my 85 QV heading across the Alps from the south of france. The car performed wonderfully on some of the most amazing roads anywhere. They are one continuous switch back up and down and the stability of our cars made it easy. The only real problem was the constant up and down shifting that went with the curves given our notchy gear boxes. But all in all a great experience. Today we made it to the Planet hotel in Maranello where we met up with a dozen other classic cars (no other F cars) for a two week trip down the spine of the Apenines to Bari and then back up the Adriatic coast. So a total of about 5 k to put on the car in the next weeks. I have had it in capable hands these last months prepping it with new suspension, wheels, hoses, belts water pump and electrical system clean and fuse replacement as well as a complete going through by a former ferrari factory mechanic now out on his own. And everything has gone well with two minor but aggravating exceptions. The first is that when the tank gets down to about half full, it begins to cut out whenever I accelerate and then lurch back in. It is not an engine or electrical thing, totally due to fuel pickup. I just have to stop every 200 k or so and there is none of the lurching. The second problem could be more of a concern. From time to time, after I stop (which I do frequently to get gas), when I turn the key, I get only a click then nothing. The fans are running and electrical is showing. Sometimes after two or three restart attempts, it acts as if nothing is wrong and it turns right over and starts. However today, when I arrived at the Planet hotel, I took stuff up to the room and went down after about 15 minutes and it refused any attempt at all after a dozen or so efforts. So I left it, went off to the museum (whch has a great exhibit of US racing and movie connections). When I came back after two hours, I put the key in and it started without any hesitation. I really am looking forward to the next couple weeks. However, some of the time we will be in real hinterlands and would not like to be stuck. Any advice on what might be happening and any fixes that could be done along the way. I'll try and post some pics of the trip if I figure out how to download them.
     
  2. 123howie

    123howie F1 World Champ

    Jul 3, 2014
    16,017
    El Segundo CA
    Full Name:
    Howie
    Sounds like you are having a blast! Life Is Good!
     
  3. Brooklands

    Brooklands Karting

    Aug 4, 2014
    89
    Vancouver, BC
    Full Name:
    Phil
    Sounds like a wonderful trip. We got caught up in the Cavalcade in Sicily in June. Nothing makes a rental car feel more underpowered than getting passed by 90 Ferraris. Can't wait to drive a Ferrari in Its homeland.
     
  4. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    Nice trip Journiacois! When you are in Maranello try to get a factory visit not sure if it is possible when you are there it was pre-arranged for me. The Enzo museum in Modena is also very nice! I like it better then the Ferrari museum. It is fun driving in Italy ;)

    Regarding your start problem. I had this too, however I knew I had an old battery and changed it into a new one and problems are gone. If you do not have enough power in the battery it will not start anymore. Hook up some jumper cables if it won't start (câbles de démarrage) and borrow some power from someone else. If it starts then you need for sure a new battery.

    Enjoy the trip and do check oil in the meantime as most 308/328/Mondials use more then we might think...
     
  5. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2009
    3,201
    Central PA
    Full Name:
    Jay Goodman
    Please, you must post pictures! You can't just tease us! And go ahead and subscribe. This is a wonderful forum for owners to get information regarding their Mondials.
     
  6. stekkefun4

    stekkefun4 Formula 3
    BANNED

    Nov 22, 2006
    2,232
    Belgium - Europe
    Hey, that must have been wonderful! I was also on Holiday in Italy (largo di Garda) and made a trip to the Ferrari en Enzo museums, but with the family car, not the QV...

    I don't get 5 people in my QV + luggage, still waiting for a 5-seater Ferrari though :)

    Your starting problems seem very familiar, I'm having the same problem too - with a new battery. It has its own character... and some 100 parts to make the car start! Each of them could be the cause of the problem. I have given up investigating, just accept it starts or it doesn't :)

    The streets around the Maranello factory are just magic, loads of great shops all around, nice people, everybody all there for just 1 thing.

    When driving from the lake of Garda to Maranello, you also drive past the old Bugatti factory buildings. Really wonderful place!
     
  7. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
    5,401
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    Sounds like a wonderful trip. When I was traveling Europe I wished I was in my Mondial. I hope you take pictures to share with us.

    to your problem. The only easy thing I suggest is the battery cut off knob located by the battery under the front bonnet. I've only had my Mondial do the problem you describe one time. I cycled that knob a couple times, off, on, off, on. It can build up some corrosion in there. After I did that I've had no problems. I hope it is that easy for you. You might wait until the problem occurs then cycle that switch a couple times and see if it starts immediately after, that would indicate that it was your problem. I will eventually remove mine and see if it is cleanable.
     
  8. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Thanks for the tips guys. The battery is in good shape so will try the cut off knob next time. When I stopped for gas today, it did not start on the first turn of the switch, but was perfect on the second right after. If it does its multiple refusal, I'll get out and do the knob turn thing. As far as the trip, it began this morning with a quick photo in front of the Ferrari factory gates and then on to Modena for the Enzo museum. There was a special exhibition of Maserattis in the new main hall that were gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful cars from the 50s through the 80s. In the annex to the house that was the first shop for building his cars, is the original first ferrari he built. Then it was onto the Autoroute for about a 100 miles which was hot and boring. Then another hundred down a lovely 4 lane into the mid mountains to Assisi where we are staying the night. Tomorrow morning the cars have a special pass to gather in the main square for an hour long photo op. I would love to share some of the pics but I cant seem to figure out how to transfer iphone pics into downloads on my chromebook for then posting here. So perhaps some other tech advice in this matter would help. The one great memory from today is when going along mountain passes and through tunnels. The sound of the exhaust is so unlike any other car. I was able to monitor and maintain a constant speed just by the sound alone without checking the speedo. Tomorrow is serious narrow winding mountain roads down through the Apenines. Ciao all.
     
  9. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

    Sep 20, 2011
    4,814
    Old Dominion
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #9 soucorp, Sep 14, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2014
    Your start problem could be related to the starter, check fuse and ground wire. Could be a starter intermittent problem as early sign of it going bad. only other things I can think of is fuel pump or bad spark.

    Here is how to download your iPhone pics:

    Multiple options:
    1). Use iTunes to download photos or just plug iPhone USB cable to your laptop/PC, click open files, and copy them over
    2). Email the photos from iPhone to your web email, open your email and download it from there (1 at a time)
    3). Upload 1 photo at a time to fchat from your iPhone if you have wifi or web service on your phone

    Safe travels,

    Mike
     
  10. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hey we are in Monaco, we travelled all the way from Oxford England.
    We are in our way to Turin very soon.
    Anyway I've had this same issue with Kato ever since I had him.
    Basically done all the same checks that Pv dirk and the lads have suggested.
    My problem is the voltage to the solenoid wire that's the white starter wire drops to 7volts when the car is hot, once the car cools the voltage pops back to 12v and it starts again.
    Why this happens I don't know yet, but when it does I either wait a while or Emily push starts me.
    This is the last thing on my to do list that I have not done yet.
    This post is of course completely useless to you other than to say you are not alone...
     
  11. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Thanks soucorp and Bell Bloke. It might help. As this is an organized tour of classic cars, we have a licensed mechanic along and i will pass along these thoughts to him and perhaps he can sort it out. I dont think my Paula is ready to do an Emily!!!
    As far as the downloads, I have done email downloads to my chromebook and the pics are sitting in the file, I just cant seem to figure out how to copy them into a post. So I can upload them directly into Fchat? How do I get them into this thread?
    Another question, the oil recommendation in the owners manual is 10W50. That is no where to be found here. What is an acceptable alternative?
    And to Bell Bloke, once you get into northern italy, 98 octane benzene (petrol) becomes hard to find. Most stations only have 95. You need to look for Agip/Eni stations with the blue super pump or Total with the red pump both 100 octane.
     
  12. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hey I only use 95 octane never used anything else :)
     
  13. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    #13 MvT, Sep 14, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2014
    Keep in mind that you only can pay with cash in the weekends for gas/petrol ;)
    95 if you drive regulary. These engines have hardened valve seats already :) and drive it almost empty

    98 if you are doing 5000k a year. 95 builds up water in your tank and ulitmately in your engine oil when not driving frequently, because of the ethanol.

    What oil did you put in when doing a oil change? 20W50 is the replacement for 10W50, but you really need to know what your mechanic put in! synthetic and mineral cannot be mixed!!

    To be able to upload photos you will need a subscripstion. 13 euro a year.
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/payments.php

    Me too. You frequent driver ;)

    Picture of Otto in front of the Monaco Casino please :cool: have fun and do share pics of the Fiat roof test track! Keep it safe!
     
  14. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hey MvT, Otto going like a dream...so far. What a brilliant little car, so agile on these mountain roads
    It's perfect for chasing down 911 Porsches in the twisty bits they can't get away ha ha.
    Will post pics soon :)
     
  15. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

    Sep 20, 2011
    4,814
    Old Dominion
    Full Name:
    Mike
    I use 10w40 and shes been running great for 3 years.
    btw, to upload photos in the thread, click on advance, then you should see a place for uploading attachments. if you dont, it might be because you are not a paid subscriber I would think. will cost you $15 us dollars for a yr as Silver subscriber, you should do it.

    Sounds like you are in good hands with a mechanic as part of the group.

    Best,
    Mike
     
  16. FamilyCar

    FamilyCar Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2007
    655
    Seattle, Wa
    Full Name:
    Peter Goodall
    I just had a similar sounding starting problem caused by low voltage on the line from the ignition swotch to the starter. Apparently this is a known problem due to undersized wire degrading, and a relatively liong run through multiple connectors. When measured at the starter I was only getting 11.7 volts, not enough to move the solenoid to actually start the starter motor.

    This is actually covered extensively on various threads but usually under "hot start" problems or the like. Bosch makes a relay kit (WR-1)that pretty much plugs in, so that power from the ignition switch acitvates the relay that takes power off the main lead to the battery. I got the kit for $13.00 USD on line, including shipping. Works great, I wish I'd done it sooner.

    The kit pretty much just plugs in. It has to be mounted and grounded, but there happens to be a ground on the drivers side framing just in front of the engine, with a threaded stud above it that the relay mounts to perfectly. Might be worth looking in to. Enjoy your trip--wish I wsa having it.
     
  17. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Thanks again to the fchat community for replying to my post above asking for help regarding the burn out of my brake light switch. I have some great options and of course this is not a fatal problem. The tour continues to be an eye opening experience to parts of Italy not normally visited. These last two days (in which I have had internet connection problems) have been through the area called the Molise. It is hilltop towns speckled through flat agricultural areas. Today we toured in the area around Guglionesi. We stopped for lunch at a rural restaurant out on the hillside with flocks of sheep grazing nearby tended by the sheepherder and his 3 dogs. Yes, it is still done the traditional way here. Tonight we had an amazing meal at Il Club Qulinari here in the town. Extraordinary starter of egg quich and pizza with antipasti. Then home made pasta and fresh tomato sauce. It was followed by one of the best steaks I've had in my 12 years in Europe. The chef cut individual sized slices (me 300 grams) of argentinian beef. Cooked to perfection. Well worth a detour if you are ever here. A husband and wife team with a valley view and outdoor patio for daytime. Not a commercial but a recommendation. Tomorrow, we are off to Matera and their famous cave houses. That will bring us down to the heel of Italy. We are there two days before we head back up the Adriatic coast.

    Car folks are really special. It does not matter the marque or age, they really have been fun and supportive of each other. I must say though, the Mondial has been very well received through the towns we have traveled. Without fail, the guys stop and look and whistle or give a thumbs up. Tonight, in looking for the restaurant, we stopped and asked a group of guys for directions. Not speaking any Italian on our side or English/french on theirs, one of the guys jumped into his car and said follow me. We have to help the ferrari. And he drove us to the restaurant mentioned above and refused any tip. It is the type of appreciation we have received wherever we have gone. That in itself has made the tour worthwhile.

    Sorry I still have not posted any pics but my internet problems has kept me off line for two days. I was always going to be a subscriber but never realized the advantages before so will be joining up in the next day or two and attempt again to share a bit of the tour.
     
  18. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

    Sep 20, 2011
    4,814
    Old Dominion
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #18 soucorp, Sep 17, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Can't wait to see and hear about your Trip...

    À la vôtre :)
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  19. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Sorry, still no pics for posting but it is more due to terrible internet connections than my skills at downloading. I've already lost a long post made to this thread in the last half hour due to throwing me off the net by bad wifi here in the hotel. So it goes on the road.

    Actually, the roads have changed dramatically in the last two days. We are finally out of the hilly, switchback crazy roads of the endtral mountains and now down on long flat straight roads that go on mile after mile without a bend. There is almost zero traffic. You just have to look out for the telltale signs of a pot or sink hole ahead and use the entire road to weave around and avoid big bumps. I've just had one instance where there was a large surface drop that cought me up before I could slow down or avoid it and managed to scrape the lower left corner of the spoiler. It coulda been woise!

    This part of italy down into the heel, is very flat and dry and agricultural. There are few houses in between the even fewer small hilltop villages. It is now very brown down here with few trees at all. A stark change from just two days ago as we ceme down the spine of the apenines. We met a young guy who has an Italian father and a German mother and lives in both countries. He said that northern italy is like Europe and southern italy like Africa. The climate and countryside difference would seem to reflect that. But everywhere, we meet wonderful warm and friendly and expressive people.

    Today we spent the day in Matera. While many Italian cities seem to have little stylish distinction from another due to post war construction all being the same, Matera seems to be far more individualized. There is a remarkable section of the old town, that is built on the cliffside that undergirds the town. Called the Sassi, it was a series of small houses built clinging to the hill. After the war, there were 26,000 people living there without services of water or electricity. Now there are only 1200 left but of course they also have services and I get the impression that people are starting to take over the old derelict places and renovate them. Certainly as far a location, it is right on the edge of the main part of city so excellent location.

    I found a great neighborhood restaurant where we were the only non italians present. We arrived at about 1 by taxi (I did not want to even think about bringing the mondial into the town with the way they naturally drive and cut in and out of traffic...it works for them but not me). The place is "Dalla Padella alia Brace". There was only one table occupied when we walked in but was totally packed by 2. We had the 20 euro menu which gave us each six antipasti apetizers, two different pastas and we each also had a wonderful steak cooked to perfection on the grill and covered with arugala and slices of pecorino romano cheese. This was accompanied by a 12 Euro bottle of Primitivo wine which is a wonderful deep red wine of the region. It was 3:30 when we got out and headed into the main part of town just up the street. We saw the Sassi area and waited for the stores to reopen at 4:30. I had decided to make that my main and only meal of the day and now we sit in our room like slugs, full but happy.

    Those of you following this thread know that two days ago, my brake light switch failed. Input from the fchat community made two suggestions, order one sent from Ferrari Performance, which I did first thing yesterday morning, and second to stop at a Fiat garage to see if they might have a compatible part, that I did today. Their service guy really went out of his way to see if they could first determine if that was the problem. And an electronic tester confirmed that it is non functional. However, they did not have a replacement. The service guy then suggested I go up to Bari where I knew there is a ferrari dealer. He spent a lot of time printing out driving instructions in English for me. And of course never accepted any payment.

    However, before I drove the 50 miles to Bari, i called (at the smart urging of the wife) and spoke with the service guy. He looked through his catalogue and then said he did not have the part and that I could not get it in Italy. He then suggested I call Performance in England! So there you go.

    I have recontacted Performance this afternoon and in fact the part has arrived at tomorrow's hotel which in a moment of brain fade I felt it would be a better shot at getting it before the weekend there. The wife pointed out that since they dont deliver on Saturday, I had just a good a chance of it arriving here where we are as in Arabello where we will be tomorrow. In either instance, if it had not arrived today, it would be playing catch up with us next week. In any event, it will be waiting when we get there tomorrow. Dave the mechanic who is along to support the group on the trip has never put one on but he thinks he should be able to figure it out by paying attention as to how it comes off.
    Are there any special tricks or worries that I should know about? I've not found any specific reference to it in the shop manual I have along, only its reference in the electrical diagrams.

    The car has been running great so far. I have been averaging a bit more than 9kilometers per liter which as best as my math is working at this time of day is a bit more than 21 mpg. I have put in one liter of oil after about 2000 k. We are now at the halfway point, about 2500k and begin to head back up the coast on Sunday. Tomorrow, we have just a short stint of about 50k over to Alberobello for the evening. Sunday it is up the Adriatic coast and we are promised wonderful ocean views until arriving at Termoli for two days right on the water. And with fingers crossed, I will be back on the legal side with having stop lights that work.

    And I will work on my download situation so you get to share in the visual fun.
     
  20. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    I can confirm this as I recently was in Italy and beyond. :) My intention was to post during my trip as well, but often internet was slow or not working in the evenings and the lower you go in Italy the worse it gets.

    I guess we can wait, but someone needs to refill Mike's and mine popcorn bucket ;)

    Regarding your brake switch. You can just unscrew it from the pedal case under the front bonnet. If it is the same switch it is 5min work. if different then you will need to figure out the wiring. (you have 4 connectors so it will be a quicky)

    I guess you know by now that you are driving a freecard on 4 wheels ;) Where ever you go with a Ferrari in Italy it will benefit you hugely. Often parking for free and service you actually never have to pay as Italians are very proud when they can help someone in general and if they can help out a Ferrari owner they have a huge smile for a week :) Very oassionate people! Everything goes the Italian way like delivering post.

    btw, if you have the intention to go to Napoli... Think twice before entering it with your Mondial. it is 100 times worse then Amterdam or Paris! I guess you know what I mean :p

    Enjoy! appreciate the posts!
    Bon voyage!
     
  21. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    Yesterday was a short run to Alberbello. It is an amazing connection between thousand yar old round houses made from local stone and the new construction all in white. Somehow they compliment each other as the stone walls of the round houses are also painted white.
    There were busloads of tourists here as well as quite a few Italians walking the main street looking at the tatty fare. On the upper part of the town there were more regular shops and restaurants. We found a great small restaurant le Cantina that seats only 35. The chef cooks at at grill at the end of the small room and oversees everything.

    The good news on the car is that the breaklight switch had arrived as hoped from Performance and with a minimum of adjustment, it has been successfully installed. Today we have a long run up the autostrada along the adriatic coast to Termoli and it will be great to have stop warnings to the italian drivers who hug the rear end of the car.
     
  22. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hey it sounds like you are having a fantastic trip. It's such a shame we are in different parts of the country.We crossed into Italy from Monaco yesterday, last night spent in Sanremo, today off to stay in Portofino :)
     
  23. Journiacois

    Journiacois Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2013
    260
    Dordogne, France
    Full Name:
    Gerald
    It was another long hot day of driving in Puglia. The first 70 miles or so was flat and dry and brown like the roads that had brought us to Truli yesterday. After that oasis we set out this morning on our return north up the Adriatic coast. Our first stop was at a Castle which sits up on a hilltop that rises up from the flat plain all around. It was built in the 12th century in the shape of an octogon and was quite spectacular as a piece of construction out in the middle of no where. We met up with a group of Alfisti, who were all in 50's/60s Giuliettas. Also along was a gorgeous 1967 Lancia Fulvia coupe. What a beaurtiful product of pininfarina. They set up a wine tasting for us just after 1 am as we took photos of all our cars. (an aside, I still have not figured out how to download into chrome book so I plead guilty to not posting pics. I guess you'll all have to wait until after I get back to france and am back on my regular laptop.) I pulled into the parking area in front of the castle and in maneuvering, stalled the engine. And on first two turns, the starter was silent. On the thrid, all was normal. I should have seen that as forshadowing for this evening.

    Coming out from the chateaux we unfortunately followed a leader who took a wrong turn and were now off in the flat lands in the wrong direction. And for me, I began to work up to my self imposed limit of mileage before filling up due to the problem with the fuel tanks (as mentioned in my first post). So I had to quit the group that I was with as we tried to catch up. In the end, I found my way back onto the planned route. The roads were long and straight but I rarely topped out over 60/65. It was a hot day and the air filled the cabin and we just wanted to get back on the route.

    We finally found the coast road that goes up from the heal to the spur of Italy as we headed toward Monte Saint Angelo. It is amazing as you drive along on mile after mile of flat and slowly you realize there is a huge escarpment blocking your way ahead. And on top sits St. Angelo. You have to wind you way up from the base, switching back on yourself dozens of times. It was very hot and many downshifts and 2nd, 3rd gear climbs before reaching the village and then the hotel. As I pulled down into the narrow lane of the parking garage, a guy was coming up. Me, being less further in, courteously backed up to let him out. But just as I got passed the top, I stalled the engine. He was able to get out, but now, my starter problem reared up again. I was cross ways with the road, unable to go down into the garage (where my colleagues awaited) or move. I tried a dozen times but no turn of the starter. So I finally, let off the emergency brake and let myself coast back down slowly to a place where a bus had left. On the other side of the road was sheer cliff side. Of course our Mondial brakes do not work efficiently without power but I managed to get myself mostly out of traffic and close to a curb and set about to wait for the engine to cool down and the starter to work again. After about 15 minutes, periodically turning the key still produced no sound. Then Dave, the mechanic supporting the group came up to the hotel in his car. After a bit, he found a spot under the left rear wheel where he could tap the starter with a long wrench and I was able to start up and move down into the garage. So it appears my starter problem is some bad bushings in the starter and a new one will solve the problem. I just hope I can get home without having to replace it on the road.

    We got into our room and decided to get out into the town to see the sights and have a glass of wine. What we did not know is that today is the start of the big festival of Monte St.Angelo. And a huge pageant was prepared for this evening. Most of the restaurants are next to the plaza where the spectacle was to take place with huge crowds and sound system, so we searched for a restaurant out of the way. And we struck gold.

    We arrived by foot at a small square around 6 :30 where we had been told was a really special place. Its name is "la Jalantuurismene". A long way around in Italian to mean "the Gentleman". And so "JJ" was. When we arrived on this small square further down on the hillside, the restaurant was locked and no lights. But a small balcony was off to the right with a table fully set. And menues were out in front. I went up to the door to look in and then stood out in front with Paula looking at the menu posted outside when JJ walked up in his Chef's coat from across the small square. We explained that we were at a hotel that had a planned dinner but would rather find a small place to eat on our own. He said, well, i normally open at 7 but if you want, come in and sit on the balcony and have a drink and I'll start some things.

    As it turned out, after discussion of what we like, he asked if we would trust him and he began to cook out plate after plate of wonderful dishes of food I know but had never had in concoctions such as his. He truly was/is an artist with food. First came a bean puree with sauteed chickory on top. Then gnocchi with pink pepporcorn sauce. Then sliced eggplant with breadcrumbs mixed with Pecorino romano chees in the middle that had been sauteed on the grill. Oh my, a vey special treat. Then came two home made pastas with different sauces and the finale a stuffed veal role in his tomato sauce. Each item had a wonderful unique flavor with layers of tastes as you bite in and unfolding. IN the end there was a ricotta cheese desert with a n accompaniement of pistacio ice creame. Each plate was perfectly cooked and presented. And it was all served in this setting of this small hillside square with a small church on one side. The quarter hours were chimed only adding to the timeless setting of this evening.

    So the stress of the day of driving and continuing gremlins afflicting my Dante were left behind in this wonderful surprise of an evening. And we were further enchanted as we walked up the hill to the hotel as we merged into the crowd of locals watching the kick off of the week long village festival. There were hundreds of locals in costume and a huge sound and light system that gave out smoke and singers spouting the history of the town and legions of romans marching in to martyr the inhabitants and a christ of peace (a young boy) on a float to resolve the problems.

    So to use a french term, it was a wonderful day of "flaneuring". We wandered off, got lost, got found, had problems, had them dealt with for today, took off on our own with no idea of where to, found a unique place with a unique chef, stumbled onto a pageant that has been going on here for generations but would be unknown in most parts of the world. This is what vacationing and touring is really all about...being open to the next turn in the road, even if you dont know where it leads. Now, if I can just avoid having to start the Mondial....!
     
  24. caterus

    caterus Karting

    Dec 24, 2010
    60
    Oxfordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Tim
    It sounds very much that your starting problems are due to the starter solenoid not operating and thus not triggering the starter motor. Most commonly this is due to excessive resistance in the electrical cable feeding the solenoid as already mentioned. The simple fix is to install a relay in the circuit as other Fchater have noted.
    However I had an identical problem with a relay already installed. It turned out that when hot the solenoid was sticking in the housing. The solution was to remove the starter motor, extract the solenoid plug, completely clean it and polish the plug. Maybe a two hour job and after this no more starting problems. I would certainly try this before buying a new starter motor.
    Best of luck.
     
  25. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    +1 but it is only a temp solution.

    Hearing this.. a rebuild of your starter motor should actually fix this. I paid 40 euro (50USD) for a total rebuild and clean up. New bearings etc. Taking it out is more tricky, but it can be done (you will need to remove the starter motor's heat shield first.)
     

Share This Page