Another newbie

I wanted to say hi to everybody and let you know I'll probably need to pick your brains as I get to know my car. I just bought a 91 348 TS however I wasn't planning on buying one. After reading about everything for so long on this site I broke just about every rule as far as buying any car much less a 348. There was no time for a PPI and basically I had enough time to talk to the owner and bid on the car site unseen or watch someone else buy it for $23K...before you all attack me LOL I know bad idea...I'm a car guy and could tell you all some real car buying horror stories that I've had to live down. After a real bad experience buying a Mercedes in Miami I swore I WOULD NEVER BUY A CAR SIGHT UNSEEN...and I broke my own hard standing rule for this 348...and the forums also...sorry guys.

This isn't my first Italian car and I've done my own Tbelts and such on my Maserati and done engine swaps on my Alfa when it sucked a valve...that's another story...but I can turn wrenches and follow instructions.

The car I stumbled onto was a no reserve auction and nobody was bidding on it. After talking to the owner he told me: the Timing belt had about 4K miles on it 3 years ago, the clutch had been done, AC works but blowing cool not cold, interior was nice, body had a few small dings, the engine didn't smoke or over heat, leaked no fluids, shifted properly, good exhaust, decent tires...I basically had to take him at his word...ya I know bad idea...but the guy wasn't lieing. I just got it and everything seems to be just as he said and them some. He did not know if the water pump had been done but my plan is to do or have a major done on it soon. The car drives nice...real nice. I could not be more pleased with it so far...but it's early LOL.

Here's the kicker...I paid $25K for it...clean title. I figure even if I have a major done on it I still did good on it but I want to do it myself. The car has 40K miles on it and I understand the value starts going down but I am going to DRIVE this car. The engine isn't giving any signs of trouble *squeels or wierd noises* and there's no oil leaks that I can see...everything is dry and it starts with a bump of the key runs smooth.

It's not perfect but what it needs mostly is TLC and 3 small cosmetic body dings/chips down low fixed. Issues: tach isn't working (he said it just quit on him), low beams don't work (every other light does) horn works intermittently, right turn signals aren't coming on (suspect dirty column switch contact from not being used), left inner CV boot needs replaced (the boot kit was included) and lower spoiler needs some cracks fixed but an easy repair for me. I know crappy cars...this doesn't seem like one. I checked out quite a few 308's that were a lot more money and not anywhere near as nice as this car appears to be.

I beg forgivness from the forum for buying a car such as this without going to see/drive it or have PPI and I could have really gotten screwd (any may have but I just don't know it yet) but I figured if it was turd I could sell you guys all the parts off it and get my money back LOL...but that's not going to happen. I know there's a lot to check on and I'll be following the lists of things to check. I'll be doing redline to the tranny and checking the magnetic plug to check for impending doom (it shifts fine though at this time).

I sheepishly request entrance into brotherhood as you guys are the gurus and I have a great deal of respect for your knowledge...if not for this resource I'd not feel as comfortable about this car. After everything I read and now having one...I know what many things are and what they do.There are no signs that this car is about to explode for no reason...I know they can...but it'll be getting lots of attention until I know for sure it has all the right stuff to decrease my fear of unknowns. Yes the car was cheap because the records were not great but even still I am happy with my purchase. There doesn't seem to be anything major wrong with it that I can tell...I'll post better pics soon. I hope my luck holds out...

MarkG
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The sorting out has begun and overall not finding anything really bad. The worst thing is a bad CV boot which I knew it had...it's the inner one and doesn't too hard to deal with. Remove the C-clip slide the CV off as an assembly, clean...re-lube and reassemble. The CV doesn't sound as if it's gone bad...just making a mess so I'm going to tackle it ASAP.

Also found the CD player is toast...have 12V at the connector but it doesn't power up. No big loss on that...cheapo Sony. The cig lighter didn't work but found a blown fuse and it now works...isn't blowing again so not sure why it was blown. The mirror control isn't working...no power at the switch...the switch felt funny so I took it part and cleaned it, used some dielectric grease and snapped it back together. It's a real cheesy design but I think the switch will work if I can get power to it. I'll trace that down tomorrow.

The rear hatch struts are not holding it up so I need to order a pair. The gloved box one is bad also but that doesn't really concern me at the moment.

The seat adjuster levers are broken on both sides ;-( I took the back off the drivers seat and moved the bar inside manually and adjusted the seat how I want it and put the back on for now...will look for a better fix when/if I find the handles. Again doesn't bother me but it would be nice if it was fixed.

The center console gage panel had "the stickies" so I took it out disassembled it and revoved all the stickyness. I gave it a shot of trim paint...looks like new. Pretty easy fix.

One of the little plastic windshield wiper "squirters" has come loose from the wiper...it's retainer is broken off so I'll need to get one again, when/if I find one.

The rear hatch cover was rubbing and I had to adjust it ...pretty easy and it doesn't rub when closing now. It's fixed but it left about 5 chips along the edge where it had been rubbing for years probably. I'll spot touch it as it's not really seen to get paint back on the spots.

The drivers side mouse isn't mousing LOL which doesn't bother me. It's suck in a spot I can still clip in the belt. Unfortunately the passenger side works fine LOL...I hates meeces to pieces.

The horn doesn't work but sounds like it's trying...not sure what to do with that one yet.

All the wheels are good except for 1 that has a very small curb rash...not bad doesn't bother me.

The front spolier needs some cracks fixed. It's been fixed before but a real crappy prep job so the repair didn't bond well. I'll rough it up good so there are fibers for the new glass I apply to bond with. It'll take me a day or 2 to doctor it up.

The low beams are both out and I fussed with it today but didn't get the bulbs out. I got the headlight unclipped from the adjusters but could not get it out far enough to unscrew the bulb...it seems like the wires are not long enough to let it come out and I can't get the connectors unclipped unless I can get my hand back there and my mits are too big. Messed with it for awhile and just put it back together until I know the "trick". All the other lights work fine.

The interior is nice overall but the seats could use a dye job. No tears but inconsistent color and a little stiff...needs conditioned.

AC works but needs a charge to be as cold as I like it. There's no spare, no tool kit or jack ;-( but I can't expect it to have everything for what I paid.

It looks as though it's had he cam seals done recently, new O2's and thermo couplers...the engine and tranny are leakless. No spots under the car at all. The engine sounds real good. No smoke, starts quickly with the bump of the key and doesn't appear to have any issues at all. The PO said it had belts done 4K ago in 2006 but I have no documentation to back that up. I runs as if it's been gone over...although I don't think it needs it I am probably going to have a major done on it in a few months so I have a good starting baseline of knowing what's been done. Get the valves adjusted, new water pump and belts and have the flywheel done too. The clutch seems fine but will have it inspected and cleaned when the major gets done. I supposedly just got a new clutch and feels like it but no documentation.

This car doesn't scare me as far as working on it...very much like my Maserati and I have more time under that car than in it LOL so this is very much like working on my other cars *Alfa Romeo/Fiat/ Maserati* I've only had 1 day to dig in but got a lot done so far and loving every minute of it. The title hasn't got here yet so I'm kind stuck oggeling it and tinkering for another day or 2 but it's better that happened that way. I'll probably fix the CV before driving it anyway so don't have grease flung everywhere...to clean up!!

So far I love the car...but it's still early LOL It hasn't decided to eat my bank account...yet LOL. My Maserati is garage queen...I plan on driving this car as much as I can. You don't get near the enjoyment if you let em sit. I was not looking to buy a perfect car as I didn't want to spend $50K but wanted to find one that hadn't been abused and just needed some TLC. That's mostly what this car needs from what I can tell...and it needs to be driven!!! It's been started and ran some since the PO got it but since 2006 it's spent most of it's time under a cover...what a waste. The paint has chips here and there but it still looks good if you don't nit pick it too bad. At least it's pre-chipped so I don't have to worry about putting them in myeslf...I'm sure I'll add a few but I won't be loosing sleep over it. I may not have a perfect car but it's darn nice...the little flaws don't bother me. As long as I can stay away from engine or tranny melt down before I get it in for service I think I made a good buy. I am very happy with it...I was afraid buying it so cheap but I'm feeling I did OK so far...not finding any real show stoppers.

I don't care what anybody thinks...the 348 is one heck of car. I know what it is...and respect the breed for what it is. Italian electronics don't do much for me but I know how to deal with it. Gotta take the good with the bad...once you listen to that engine sing the little things don't matter much...to me anyway ;-)

As long as I don't have Ernies luck...I think overall I am happy with what I got for the money. Poor Ernie...I've been there...he's going to have one great ride when he gets all the bugs fixed...everything will be new ;-) All cars cost you money...I also have a Mercedes 450SL that's just gotten a restoration...they don't give those parts aways either. I've spent $13K on that car not including the purchase price but it's nice now and I know what's been done to it.

I'll try and post some pics of the 348 soon...I expected a basket case for $25K...it's a pretty decent car. I'm still pinching myself...I can't believe I own one. Now I need to sell my Maserati, my Fiat and the Alfa...I'll still have 3 toys and my daily drive AFTER I sell those 3. I have too many cars....if one can have such a thing LOL.

MarkG

 

It's not a GTV6 but the older Alfetta...it needs paint to be "nice" but the body isn't all rusted out like many are. I love that car...2.0L crossflow head and a REAL timing CHAIN...no belt ;-) The cars runs and drives nice...bought it not running with the SPICA FI (if anybody thinks Ferraris are a pain...try dealing with that monster) I converted it to dual carbs and have been driving it for about 4 years now.

Others can say what they will but I am impressed with the 348 in many areas but I am used to Italian "thinking" and their cars LOL. I have an agreement with my cars....I take care of them but they aren't allowed to stand me...so far I am batting 500 but there's a new stallion in the stable ;-) so we'll see how my luck holds out. The Maserati and the Alfa are both supposedly quirky cars too and I don't have any problems keeping them in good running order and it's not been any more costly than any other cars...OK maybe a little higher but well worth it in my book.

There's also a Fiat in the pic and a Maserati, Mercedes 450SL and a 1959 Triumph TR3 in the garage...yes I am an addict but I'm getting better. I realize it's time to sell off some of them. Going to keep the Benz, Triumph and 348...the rest are going to find new homes as much as I hate to part with them...they have all been good to me except for the Fiat spider...talk about a parts eater!! That car has been expensive...$70 for a thermostat Jeeze!! It's external and no way around having to buy it.

The 348 will keep me busy enough I won't miss the others...not much anyway LOL. I hope my affection for the 348 is destroyed having bad things happen...it can with ANY car...but I've read some bad horror stories about the 348. I guess it has to do with how much you know...how you deal with the things that bother you and luck from the car gods which Ernie should pray to if he's not done so already LOL Don't know ya yet Ernie but I am sure we'd hit it off swapping stories ;-0

So far I "think" I did really OK on the car...the things it needs don't bother me and so far what I have dug into has been cake to find and fix. I have fund put away for the major which I'll probably do (or have done) this winter. I don't think it really needs it by how it sounds but it's too expensive to fix should I be wrong...so I'll play it safe, spend the money and know what I have afterwards. I'll be keeping my ears open and my fingers crossed when I drive it but she's giving me absolutely no indications that any thing is major wrong with the drive train. They don't always give warning...but usually there's noise before things go unless the Tbelt just decides to snap...they can do that.

Here's a few pics of the 348 and 1 of my Maserati engine bay which DIDN'T look like that when I bought it LOL. That car has 27K miles and quite rare as it's a special E model.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Got my low beam headlights to work...PO had removed the left beam relay and the right relay was bad. Initially it kinda threw me as I did remove both lamps only to find they were both good. After gaining that info I went back to the relays. I had relays on hand so filled in the empty relay slot with a good relay and got the left lamp. Tried a new relay in the right side socket and got both low beams ;-) Had I tried new relays first I wouldn't have had to pull the lamps.

My right turn signal wasn't working but I could tell the lamps were good as they worked when I turned on the hazzards. Gave the column switch a shot of deox and switch lube and it's working ;-)

All my lights and the turn signals are now working. Zero dollar fixes...gotta like that. Knock wood, but everything electrical is now working except for the power mirrors. A few fuses, lamps and relays and a little time.

I'm going to flush the cooling system next and also drain the tranny and fill with redline. I has just standard lube in it. The level is good but I prefer to have redline in there. Not sure if if I should do the NS or not. I have 2.5 quarts of non NS and have seen some people use that...not sure if there's a huge difference..? The tranny shifts alright now but I think it would be smoother with new slicker lube. MarkG

 

Oh no you mean to tell me the Maserati Biturbo has inherant Italian design flaws!! This can't be so....LOL

There's good and bad ones that's for sure...and a lot of crappy biturbos out there. Mine has not given me any overheating problems. Even on hot days it hasn't overheated on me or even looked like it wanted to. It has the same thermo switch design as most cars with electric fans...as long as the sensor is good the fans should turn on when it needs to cool down. If it were to overheat I think the fan will turn on if you flip the interior fan on in the high position...not sure on that but I think I noticed mine does that.

The worst thing it's ever done to me is die in traffic...just quit...no dash lights when I turned the key...nothing!! Checked my battery connection...it was good...so I gave the fuse box an Italian massage and it fired up. Got it home and started wiggeling stuff at the fuse box and found I had a bad fuse box...I took it a part (what a piece of S$%$T the fuse box design is) and resoldered the bad one. No problems since...about 3 years ago now.

Yes there are bad ones that's for sure...mines not been too bad. Most of the things I did because I wanted to not because I had to. Overall it's been a pretty decent car but I don't drive it every day or push it to it's limit. Don't get me wrong I don't granny it but don't try and flogg it to death either until the turbos glow red LOL...

It is what it is and yes they are fragile...I think the Ferraris are also...moseso in some ways. The fiberglass wheelwells on my 348 for instance look like they'd loose in a battle if a good sized rock kicked up...however the biturbo isn't anywhere near what my Ferrari is not even close. MarkG

 

Well the freebie fixes are over...knew that wouldn't last long LOL and I'm sure it's just the beginning...I am trying to use sense not dollars when possible to fix things. Luckily I was able to fix many things so far just investing my time. It's great when you can fix something by using your head not your wallet...but that's not always possible.

Had to order a new mirror control switch $98 and 5qts of redline for my tranny. Also decided my plug wires look kinda tired so I ordered wire and am going to make a custom set for mine keeping the Ferrari original top boot so they look "custom original" LOL. The car doesn't seem to need them but they look old and should 1 go bad don't want it heating up the cat(s). Since I am dying to look at the plugs anyway I figured I'd make a job of it. I'm going to do a coolant flush today and get some new antifreeze in it. I'll blow air through the PSide radiators to clean it out while I'm in there (already did the Dside) and check the fan connection (deox and grease) and then enclose the fan wire and connector in some plastic wiring loom to protect it and the connection better from road dirt.

I'll do my best to learn as much as I can about my 348 and represent the brotherhood here in OH as I can. I am lovin every minute of time I spend on this car. BTW: I have seen another yellow 348 just recently here in Beavercreek OH...looked nice and was for sale. I was shocked to see one as I'd never seen any Ferrari's around here much less a 348. As it turns out when I was telling the waiter at Texas Roadhouse about my car he said he knew the guy with the yellow 348 I'd just seen as he goes to his gym...I have no idea as to what he was asking or condition ect but if someone is interested I can probably track down his contact info with a phone call. Not sure if he has it advertised but I have not seen it on Ebay...lots of folks are using Clist so you might check there (Dayton OH maybe) for it but I don't think he's heavily advertising it.

I sure like mine even if some people like to slam the 348...saying it's this or that. Things corrode, break, wear and stop working on ALL old cars...and new ones too. I've had a lot of classic rides...more than my brain cell can remember...they all need something. I think my 348 had a fairly easy life and most things held up well over the years...it's not perfect but still a very nice driver which is what I wanted. The key is looking at things and getting to know the car. When I had the drivers side rear wheel off, I removed the wheel well cover to see what it looked like in there. Glad I did...the fan connection was not good and would have falied or shorted very soon. A little TLC and I am sure the connection is good. The DS radiator was full of dust and bugs and I blew out so much crud it's got to help airflow. I'm sure the passenger side isn't much better...doing a little looking around can prevent bigger problems from happening IMO. If you just get in gas it up and never tend to anything...your gonna have problems LOL ;-) Your car will usually give you some warning but not always. I'm keeping a log so I know what I did and when...that way I'll have record and know when something is due again. I didn't get a lot of documentation on my car but I can at least start from now going forward. Once it gets is next major...the past documentation doesn't matter anyway except for showing previous history. That's a factor but what's been done recently is what really matters. Do I really care if the timing belt was replaced X# of times in it's lifetime...not really. Good info but what I want to know is when was it done last.

Better get out to the garage...time for a flushing!!!

MarkG