348 major and valve noise question

Apologies as this has probably been asked a ton of times, but inflation...

I bought a 348 last fall, with just under 19K miles. Supposedly the last major was done in 2014, but I was not given any servicing records or invoices at the sale.

What can I expect the costs to be from an indie shop? Does the engine need to be pulled to replace the timing belt and tensioner pully? I have a few random items that will add to the cost - 1) driver's door doesn't really pop open and I have to push the button 2-3 times and make sure I don't trim my fingernails too short, 2) inside, the driver's door release seems to take more force than I'd expect, and once I couldn't get the door open, and had to (hilariously) climb out through the passenger door, 3) the left turn signal intermittently doesn't work. The right one is fine, and 4) there are a few dashboard lights that are always "on". The red safety belts light (I'm guessing) for both sides, and green light for what looks to be something related to the headlights or high beams, even with the headlight doors down.

Next question - this is my first Ferrari. I hear what I can best describe as valve chattering/clicking. Is this usual for the 348?

Thanks, and sorry if this has been asked a ton of times before!

Edit - I'm expecting 10-12K for the service.

 

Try my348.com for most of that. It would be a really big post to reply you can find most of your questions there.

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Thank you. I'll explore that. I looks like their website is straight out of 1988, but I'd guess they have good content, otherwise you wouldn't have recommended it. Again, thank!

 

There are numerous causes for turn signal problems. e.g. there is a hidden relay for left hand turn indications behind the centre console. It is not easy to replace (soldering required). This is assuming you can find one. It may no longer be available, but there are workarounds. When you turn on the hazard lights, do your left turn signals operate?

I assume the seat belt lights are associated with the mousetrack seatbelt system. The problems with these systems can be numerous and expensive to fix.

Check in your owner's manual. I thought the high beam was blue. If there are many lights on, there may be a common wiring problem. Photos/videos help.

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Considering that you have a car that:
A) hasn't seen major service in 8 years
B) you don't know the full service history of

I would start servicing "the full way" and do a major service properly. Pull the engine out and go through the whole major service operation. This way you'll know that:
A) your timing chain is in proper condition
B) your engine timing is correct
C) your valve clearances are correct
D) there's no missing screw-surprises etc left
E) your hoses are correct and in proper condition
F) your fluids are fresh and working properly

...and so on. After the major you'll know the condition of your engine (and surroundings) and it's much easier and simpler to go forward with the future services and you'll probably have less surprises in the queue.

 

Apologies as this has probably been asked a ton of times, but inflation...

I bought a 348 last fall, with just under 19K miles. Supposedly the last major was done in 2014, but I was not given any servicing records or invoices at the sale.
Like a lamb to the slaughter.

What can I expect the costs to be from an indie shop? Does the engine need to be pulled to replace the timing belt and tensioner pully?
Yes. And do the water pump whilst you're in there. If the pump fails, it's engine out, again....
(Not sure of exact labour rates in your area)

I have a few random items that will add to the cost - 1) driver's door doesn't really pop open and I have to push the button 2-3 times and make sure I don't trim my fingernails too short, 2) inside, the driver's door release seems to take more force than I'd expect, and once I couldn't get the door open, and had to (hilariously) climb out through the passenger door, 3) the left turn signal intermittently doesn't work. The right one is fine, and 4) there are a few dashboard lights that are always "on". The red safety belts light (I'm guessing) for both sides, and green light for what looks to be something related to the headlights or high beams, even with the headlight doors down.

Next question - this is my first Ferrari. I hear what I can best describe as valve chattering/clicking. Is this usual for the 348?
No. The valve adjustment (And head torque) is mostly overlooked. 12,000 mile intervals. Owners and prospective buyers are obsessed about cam belts instead.

Thanks, and sorry if this has been asked a ton of times before!

Edit - I'm expecting 10-12K for the service.
Double that if you're paying somewhere around $130 an hour. Wipe that slate clean and enjoy the car. It's 30 years old, you'll be doing a host of other things like hoses, oil leaks and probably some electrical items as well. One you do that, just enjoy it. Doing things bit by bit will break your spirit.

 

Did you fail mathematics? Double? So 20k-24k for a major at $130/hour? Is he disassembling every nut and bolt on the car?

 

185hr majors are the new thing.

What year 348 Larry? I was in your position and went all the way to the block and replaced bearings under the timing cover. Be aware of TSB10-34 if your car is before 1992ish.

sjd

 

Me too, TSB10-34.

 

Like most Italian/European cars, this is just an indicator which is lit when you turn the park-lights/headlights on.

The engine needs to come out to do the cam belt service. This sound like a big deal but its not really, Ferrari designed the car like this and it is actually quite easy to remove the engine.
You will be replacing the water pump, and there are timing chain tensioners (one for the timing chain and one for the oil pump) which will need to be done too, and a couple of bearings.
Then you'll do things like have the injectors serviced.
Air bypass valves
Fuel regulators checked.
There is a coolant fitting in the valley that corrodes and will need to be replaced.
and so on and so on..... a good idea to get as much done as possible whilst the engine is out.

Don't skimp on it because if you do, something will fail can cause bigger and more expensive problems.

 

Errr, no Mike, I didn't suggest the major would cost $20K to $24K. What I suggested was that at the OP should double his budget to take into account the fact it's a 30 year old car. Changing tyres, a water pump, rebuilding and alternator, rebuilding the dampers for example is not part of a major.

None of the time related part deterioration may need to be done of course, however I suggested the OP should budget for it. Perhaps the OP can send some images of the car and engine bay as a start?

It would be nice if the OP could get away with a turn key car for the cost of a major if it hasn't had work for 8 years. However that's usually not reality.

 

Carl888 lives in Australia where Ferrari things tend to be much more expensive than the US. However, with this 348 and its total lack of service in Chicago, it would not surprise me to see a $15-18K bill to bring this thing up to good health if done by a dealer or competent mechanic at $150-$200 an hour.

Engine out, valve adjustment, cam timing, new water pump, spark plug wires, ignition modules, all hoses, possibly a new radiator or two ... $10K
New tires, paint correction, new wheels, a car cover, bumper repainted, some interior bits replaced, and there goes another $8K

 

BTW valve train noise can be affected by the oil used as well. Try Amsoil Z-rod as one good example