348 flywheel rattling

I just fixed a hot start problem on my 348 but in the process of diagnosing the issue I noticed that the flywheel rattles sometimes when the car is hot
(starting it and shuting it down).
before I do more work I thought I'd ask a couple of questions.

is this normal?
will it tear the flywheel up if I leave it like this?
can I leave it like this until it presents a hot start problem?
how long does the job take to do?
do I need to re-align the clutch with a tool if I repack the damper?

looks like I need at least one special tool for dis-assembly
thanks,

 

I replaced my clutch back in Febuary this year and while it was apart, I did not repack the flywheel with new grease. I do not have a hot start problem as of yet. But im sure occasionally I can hear the flywheel death rattle. Not a big job to do, but you will need a 'special tool' made to loosen the flywheel bolt from the clutch pumpkin. To align both clutch plates when re-asembling, I did mine by 'eye'. I got it the 2nd time I think. When I do the major service on my 348(asap), then I will repack it. But for now, it can stay like that.

 

Tamf328, take a look at the thread (just below yours) named "348 hot start problem". It has a lot to do with the flywheel and hot start problems. Miltonian answered questions regarding this issue, and one of the brothers to really listen to is Miltonian and (Ernie and the gang!)... these guys are close to being experts.

PS. PAP is another expert in the brotherhood.

I hope this helps.
Dean

 

Cheers mate.
Here is a pic of my tool tamf328 that I used to tighten the flywheel bolt. The boilermaker at work made this for me.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135593109&postcount=165

 

Hey Pap, what's the torque setting on that ring-nut?

 

This is not normal, and sounds completely like the seal on your flywheel has had it. If the grease has been flung all over the place, which I'm guessing it has, it can also ruin your clutch.

I would not leave it like this because it can cause more problems, one of them being that the plastic guides that the springs sit between can get cooked and melt, ask me how I know. Then if that happens your are looking at buying a new flywheel, think $3,000 minimum just for the part, on top of whatever other stuff you need to replace.

As for how long, well that depends on you, but I would say that you can have the clutch out of the car in about 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Just play it safe and take it out. It isn't that hard of a job, and the Brotherhood is here for you. Before you do, run a search of the archive as there have been posts about "how to" with some pics if I remember correctly.

 

Hey ernie, if his flywheel seal has died, would he probably be able to see grease/residue leaking through the access plate (cheese holes) under the clutch pumpkin?

Easy way to check, if so.

 

Yup he sure would. Remove the four nuts, take off the inspection screen, and then shine a light inside.

 

FT.......F*cken Tight! There is a spec that FBB/FF and some other boys came up with when we were all discussing/arguing about the little allen headed bolt in the centre of the big bolt. I forget what spec was agreed upon. All I did with mine was put a few drops of loctite 242 on the thread and locked the flywheel from moving, then tightened the bolt as tight as I could with a little peice of pipe on the end of my tool for extra leverage. No problems whatsoever.

 

That or stick your fingers up in there and see if you can feel for any grease thrown around in the pumpkin. Good indication if you do have an issue. I had a look in mine, because of the noise im hearing occasionally now, and I cant see or feel any grease in my pumpkin. Maybe mine has no grease in there at all?

 

Hey Pap, did you replace your throwout bearing when you did your clutch?

 

No mate. It wasnt noisey at the time or leaking so I let it be. I also did not replace the triple seals either. Its still ok now.

 

Cool! That would sure make my next clutch change cheaper!

 

Cheaper alright. Why replace when there is nothing wrong with it. The way I looked at it was.........it took only 28mins to get the pumpkin off, my 1st time doing it. So if it ever does get noisey or triple seals leak ect....its only another 28mins to get apart(or quicker 2nd time around) and repair or replace ect.....If it were a really big job, like an engine out job, then I would have changed it for sure. I have done around 2000km since the clutch job without any T/O bearing issues or problems.

 

But, but, but, it's called a *throw-out* bearing! I've got to replace it.

Not!

Stop making so much sense, mate!

 

Sorry mate.......it took just over 30mins to get apart. Why was I thinking 28mins?

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135419163&postcount=16

 

Thats what the dealer will tell ya.... Its funny though. When I rang for a price quote on a OEM Ferrari(AP Racing) clutch kit. All that was supplied in the kit was the new pressure plate and 2 new clutch plates for AU$4600. The throwout bearing/slavebody was seperate and cost AU$2825. I got my heavy duty clutch made by ferrarifixer for AU$2500. Ill replace the T/O when I can hear it getting noisey.

 

Dude! Could you not wait for Daniel at Ricambi to ship the Ferrari clutch kit to you?!

It's just $790: http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_733&products_id=200442&osCsid=3f50cdf3dced0af000a18c2a320f080e

I'm lucky to have a date with my wife for less than that!

 

Relax chico. It f*cked up last December. Got it sorted in early Febuary. Ferrarifixer was holidays at the time, so I had to wait till he got back. Long before I knew of Ricambi.... I dont regret it though. Is the best and only money ive spent on the car. The clutch is great and should be bulletproof. I cant praise FF enough. Not stock OEM crap in there now.
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Mmm... Looks good!

 

I just looked through Ricambi site, found 348 T/O bearing for US$470. Thats AU$623! Here they want $2825!! Ricambi America rocks!

 

ND - I think you probably saw the single disc assembly. The twin disc unit is much more expensive, but still only 1/2 the Aussie price. Mine (OEM)

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_733&products_id=198047

would equate to about 2700 AUD, instead of Pap's quoted 4K USD.

In *any* currency, it's still expensive... but certainly still a good deal compared to the Aussie pricing. It's heavy; so I'd expect shipping down under to be about $200.

 

So, my friend,
You're back in town. How was the trip?

WAIT - - maybe you're posting from Italy????

 

Bingo. It's either an American trait, or a personal disease. I'm a workaholic.

I'm still in Italy. Headed into Modena today, then home tomorrow.

 

Ok, so I'll pull that grate off the bottom of the housing. I didn't see an grease
in there by looking.
Speaking of which, where do I get this grease stuff to repack the flywheel?
Don't tell me is some special Ferrari junk ) that I have to order.

I suspect it has to be gone becase of the rattling at times. I figure I better inspect it before it tears itself apart and causes more problems.... and money.
thanks guys this is a great list.