Hi everyone My 348 is about to go in for an 18K service/belt change, and I suspect a renew of the cam seals. My question is , as the cam covers need a refresh of red paint, should I collect them from the garage whilst servicing the car, or can the covers be removed later, with the engine fitted, when I have more time to do it. Thanks
No better time than now. Roughen up the casting a bit so this coat of wrinkle paint sticks. The 348's were painted over the smooth pressure castings and that is why the paint is pealing. If the original paint is in good shape, a light spray with Krylon Banner red over the wrinkle paint gives nice results. Dave
Ken, I did it to my 308 a month ago when I had it serviced, came out gorgeous. A place in Ft. Lauderdale called Rhino Tech, they've done several for Tim Stanford.
It's certainly easier to do with the engine out, but the cam covers can be removed in the car. I just had my 348 cam covers powder coated. The power is wrinkle-red from a supplier named "Tiger". Here are some shots of the covers.
Thanks for the comments. I received a few PMs, for more pictures and/or info. This is a '91 348 ts motor with 45K miles on it. The valve seats were clogged with carbon and had to be "refreshed". As it turns out, I needed five new valves (slightly bent). Here's a list of what's been done: Heads rebuilt: 5 new valves, refeshed all valve seats, adjusted valves (thinnest shim is 3.75mm and typical is 3.90, so valve seat cutting was minimal). New outer CV joints: both outer joints showed too much wear for my comfort so I replaced them and repacked the inner joints. 4 New CV boots. Sent the injectors out to be checked and rebuilt. Two were leaking and two more had poor spray patterns. Replaced ALL paper gaskets, all copper gasksts, o-rings, oil seals, exhaust gaskets, etc. Replaced the oil-chain tensioner (it was partially broken!). Replaced front timing cover bearings. Disassembled and rebuilt the transmission: 2 new bearings, one new syncro, replaced all "detent" springs. Disassmbled the differential and "flipped" the friction surfaces. Replated various parts, including suspension hardware. Powder coated the cam covers. Powder coated the transmission bracket. Replaced cam belts and "degree" cam'd the motor. Replaced accessory belts. Had the compressor rebuilt. Replaced the emissions check valves on the exhuast (4). Cleaned and repainted the subframe. Disassembled and repacked the flywheel. Replaced various hoses (coolant & vapor hoses). ...all this because my compressor had a ticking bearing in the clutch!
Ric, very interesting. I am in the midst of a major service and transaxle rebuild on my 348 spider. Transaxle roller bearing that supports the input shaft failed. Replaced all the bearings, 2 synchros etc. The dreaded "while I am there" disease reared it's ugly head and I did a leakdown test. Unacceptable numbers, leaking from the exhaust system. Pulled heads, excess carbon build up as you describe. Not surprising when you look at the porous castings! Waiting for the "keeper" removal tool on back order from Snap On to remove the valve train etc. Thanks for posting the pictures and details of your 348 service.
wow. Ric. those pics are like porn!!! got any more?? How did you get the cad plating back on the hardware? did you clean up the block with something like Scotchbrite?
I'll have to get my mechanic to post pictures of my valve and cam belt covers that have been red powder coated9Still in the shop). I flat-filed all of the raised lines, numbers and the Ferrari lettering. These covers look drop-dead gorgeous!