1995 F355

I am in the Chicago area. I am looking for a reputable mechanic to do the 20k mile service on my F355. It was done once already at 20,293 miles but it was done 10years ago in 2013. Does this need to be done again? It’s only has been driven 1800miles.

 

Yes, absolutely. It's not just about the mileage; its about time.

The rubber in the belts breaks down. The tensioner bearings go, too.

Post some pics of your F355!

 

As for a reputable mechanic you can go to the Chicago forum and ask the folks there for advice. And Yes, you should definitely do that major service ASAP.

 

The conservative response is yes, get it done. But frankly I'd be more concerned with the lack of being driven than time.

 

If the car was sitting out in a field the last 10 years, yeah, get the major done. But if it's been in a nice garage and the belts and tensioner bearings only have 1800 miles on them, I personally would let it ride a little longer. Probably wouldn't go 15 years, but belts and bearings don't really degrade with age. And it's easy to get a visual on the belts. If for some reason they look cracked or dry-rotted, then sure, change them. But if they look good, I wouldn't sweat it.

Got my flame suit on.

 

Engine out is useful, addressing not only the belts but other engine and surrounding components providing a good starting point if you plan on putting it back on the road. If its going to sit for another ten, I would be less likely to take this step.

 

Just want to point out that other than belts, tensioners/bearing, water pump and cam seals there really isn't anything that can't be serviced with the engine in the car.

 

At 1800 miles, would you address the water pump?

 

I'd change the oil and drive this car a bit. Spin the parts. Then see what it needs. The belts aren't going the break. If it has been sitting for 10 years seals (water pump, cam, main, etc) take a set, get hard, and may start leaking after a 100 miles of so, even though they my looked good if you drop the motor now. As I said above, I'd be more concerned with lack of use than time.


Side note, both my 308 and my 355 have the original water pump.

 

Id be concerned about old gummed up fuel and fuel lines.

 

At 10 years, I’d just do the belt service. Why try to squeeze more out of it? Most do around 5 years. You’ve already skipped one. Plus it sounds like previous belt change was under previous owner. This one will be under your watch.

 

@f355spider



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You’re gonna have to give me the cliff notes.

 

Your belt life may be dependent on the guy who worked on them last. The previous owner of my car incorrectly fitted the belt covers and the rubber was being shredded from day 1.

It's fortunate that I had to do an early major for other reasons.

 

How is that possible on a 355? The covers are aligned to each other, and to the four holes where the skinny bolts go through.

 

Spend time talking to folks who repair these for a living and have done so for long periods, they see cars with failures related to belts in some way or another on a regular basis.

 

Not sure. Just relying on what my (Ferrari-trained) tech said.

 

The only way I can think this could happen is to install the belt covers without the 4 spacers, but I have just done a engine out on a car without the spacers fitted, the covers were just millimeters away from the cam gears but not touching.