355 355 full Major Step by Step Belt change video

Guys I'm thinking about filming a full step by step belt change on the 355 as I did on the 360

Just gathering a bit of info before I undertake the task.

Like the 360 one I did,I want to attempt this in my garage with no lift (yes crazy I know) but want to research everything first. The plan is to do it all correctly so a full engine out, not just dropped tanks.

Documentation. Has anyone written a comprehensive step by step guide. There was a great one written on the 360 that really helped.
How many WSM versions were there on the 355 ? Anyone have a copy of them ?

Any gotchas or tips I should really be aware of ?

 

There are already a few videos out on this topic. Some I recommend, some I wouldn't. Here is one of the better series:

(6 parts)

You'll also find a few message threads on FChat on engine outs.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/355-do-it-yourself-thread.407515/

A super detailed video would be good. Some YouTubers speed through some parts of their videos to remove the boring bits, but for amateur F355 do-it-yourselfers we need to see every step.

Tips:

Sorry, I can't remember if you have a 2.7's or 5.2's? There are different considerations. With the 5.2 you have to pull the Motronics ECU harness through the bulkhead (taping it up for protection). Also protect things like the throttle cable (I had to replace mine recently because it had been damaged by previous engine-outs).

The professionals (e.g. Bradan) don't seem to bother taking the rear bumper off for simple engine outs. They just disconnect the exhaust (taping up the exhaust cutouts in the bumper for paint protection). However, you may need to remove the bumper if you're trying to do it without a lift.

The job can be done without degassing the airconditioning system. Just unbolt the compressor and move it to one side.

Be sure to have a plentiful supply of protective caps for disconnected lines to stop fluids leaking everywhere and to keep connections clean (Of course, a major is a good time to flush out old fluids, but you may want to do that in a controlled manner).

Inspect the air trunking for damage/deterioration. On a spider (at least), you'll have to drop the radiators to change them.

Regarding spiders: I have a few tears in my old roof canvas because putting the car on a lift puts stresses on the roof. I recommend unlatching the roof before you lift it. Also, move the seats forward enough to allow access to the Motronics ECU before disconnecting the battery.

There is only one known online WSM (3 parts), but good luck finding a link to it. Ferrari SpA lawyers usually find the links and issue warnings to the hosts to remove them. Also, because of their size, also, they're difficult to email (200~350Mb each).

Good luck!

 

I'm planing to do my service next year so looking forward to your video. I plan to use a lift though. I've done the belts/bearings in both my 328 and 612. The 355 engine out I suspect will be more time consuming and involved.

 

There is lots of 348 ones, very detailed, I would imagine the removal and replacing is close to the same between the 2 models. There are posts and articles on removing engine with jacks. Here is a time lapse one.


Some other links that cover removal portion of the service if it helps. It has to be darn close for the 355 for the R&R portion.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/348-engine-out-major.438576/
https://myferrari.page.tl/348-Engine-Removal.htm
http://www.la-ferrari.com/Ferrari-348-engine-out-service_10232164.html

 

A detailed step by step video on a 355 would be great to see! Someday when I have more time I'd like to do a diy belt change. It's great to know your car that well.

 

Yeah buddy! Gitterdun!!!

The more DIY threads/videos we have out there the move it benefits 348/355 owners, and Ferrari ownership in general. Especially for those of us that have the inclination to do their own work.

Brilliant idea!

 

Be very detailed none of that fast fwd ****.

 

I am always interested in learning; more videos with more details is a good thing. keep us posted.

 

...and @spiderscott shine a positive light on these cars (unlike that other guy). I don't think you need to be told this though, which is why I watch your vids and not whateverhisnameis...

sjd

 

Scott,

I'm a fan of your videos. I believe you could produce a definitive video on the subject but I have two concerns. First, it is about 12-16 hours of labor to do the job which then creates an imbalance between showing what you are doing and how long the video is. The shorter the video....the less valuable it is for someone who is using it as a guide. Second, get/borrow a lift for the job. I know that there are people who do it with jackstands but you are talking about a definitive video and spending hours fighting the car on jackstands......is not worth the effort.

Also.....what would be interesting is to put to rest a controversial topic that a number of shops in the UK pull the fuel tank to change the belts so they don't drop the engine. Allegedly this keeps the belt service to $2-3k as opposed to the $6-12k seen in the US.

 

Hi Scott, I have been enjoying much of your content on all of your cars. It would be great to see a detailed 'major' on the F355 from you.

Cheers.

 

Appreciate all your input fellas, i'm looking into all the aspects of filming it before committing.

Firstly if I do it then the likelihood is I will do it on stands and not a lift. The sole reason for this as with the 360 step by step I filmed, the majority of us don't have a lift and 'if' I am able to do it on stands and make it easy enough to follow (as I did with the 360) then it will benefit many more owners.

Second big dilemma as you have mentioned is the timescale. It's a MUCH bigger job than the 360 and if I do it I want to do it in much the same way as the 360 video so that there is no question left unanswered and anyone with a decent understanding around an engine could then follow it. The 360 video is 1 hour 10 long. Realistically the 355 video is probably going to be 3 times that. I could break that down into:
1. Engine removal
2. Performing the Cam Belt Change also with Aux belts etc
3. Reinstalling everything and testing.

 

Would be good to see the whole process, shame you are not nearer to me as I would be more than willing to lend a hand. My car is in for belts soon and I am looking forward to have a proper butchers at the engine once its out.

 

wow! these tutorials require a great deal of planning/effort/work and time; this a very generous offer and much appreciated. looking forward to your production.

 

Go for it Scott!! I really enjoy your vids and the approach you use. Yes it will be lengthy and involved, but it will become invaluable. I like your idea of the three parts, and if they're 2hrs long each then (from a viewers point of view) so be it. Keep up the great work!

 

I can supply the car and will hold the camera for you!

 

I myself was planning to do my engine out here on jack stands in my garage when time comes. BTW I've been watching some of your 355 videos and they are a great help Scott!
I would definitely love to see your process of the 355 engine out as well

 

This would be extremely helpful!

 

BUMP
any update?

 

Sorry guys I’ve been very busy fixing my 360 f1 system and having fun flying across the pond to help fix a friends 360 Spider.

I’m still planning this full service.

Trying to look into the belt tension tool on a 355. On the 360 it’s the frequency tester that I showed a very cheap (free) way of using a phone and app. On the 355 it’s old school .... anyone got a source for one or suggestion ?

 

Maybe it would be possible to get frequency values for the F355 timing belts if enough of us downloaded the Gates belt frequency testing app on our phones and we all tested our belts and reported the values. The frequency values from a F355 that had just had its belts changed and tensioned with the factory tension tool would be even better. I'm guessing since the same belt is used on the 360 the 355 isn't much different in frequency.

 

If you're doing the engine out without a lift, make a set of wheel cribs for the front wheels. I did my 348 this way, and you can pivot the car on the front wheels to get the engine in and out super easy. I used 3 jacks with a wooden cradle under the subframe then lift and drop onto a furniture trolley. two adjustable jackstands to hold the car at the bulkhead, drop the engine onto the trolley, then jack the car up to get the engine out from under it. I might have a few pictures somewhere. PM me.

pic of the wheel cribs pulled randomly from the internet:

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

This thread shows an engine out done using a pair of motorcycle jacks to raise the body so removing the engine can be accomplished without a lift.
1997 F355 Restoration

 

Several detailed threads on using floor jacks to remove 348 engines but the removal process is the same for the 2 cars..
Here is a time lapse

 

Love Thomas Dolby!