How much additional labor to replace 328 timing belts once the AC compressor is out? | FerrariChat
Buy

How much additional labor to replace 328 timing belts once the AC compressor is out?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by GrigioGuy, Sep 17, 2005.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,415
    E ' ' '/ F
    Full Name:
    Enzo Gorlomi
    #1 GrigioGuy, Sep 17, 2005
    Hi there, gurus.

    I have to dismount the AC compressor to replace the compressor clutch (who the heck designed _that_ setup?). I've looked at the timing belt replacement instuctions at http://www.camerafilters.com/ec/timing.htm

    It seems that once I have the compressor off, there's not really a whole lot of extra work to get to the belts and tensioners. Am I reading that correctly? I don't want to get into the 'while I'm there' mindset, and I wasn't planning on replacing them right now, but if I've got it open does it make sense?
     
  2. wolftalk

    wolftalk Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2004
    367
    san franciso area
    Full Name:
    phil
    #2 wolftalk, Sep 18, 2005
    if you're removing the compressor from the car for some reason, then the extra space makes the belt change a bit easier (assuming you aren't going to take off the cam cover, since that adds more time/effort). A lot depends on how much slack you have in the compressor hoses. Some people have trouble getting the compressor out of the way so they can get to the timing belt/cover.

    If you are just going to unbolt the compressor and spin it around to get to the clutch, that's not a lot of work - especially if you have a speed/gear wrench to get the nuts off the top studs.

    I wouldn't do the timing belt if it doesn't need it and you are happy with how much room you can make once the compressor is unbolted. Plus, you'd do both belts/tensioners while your were at it, making even more work.

    [edit] - since I'll probably be the only lazy guy, lemme rephrase the above as...when I changed the a/c clutch, I didn't do the tbelts at the same time.

    Cost was not a factor, I just didn't feel like doing unnecessary work.
     
  3. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 22, 2003
    8,520
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    Phil Hughes
    #3 ferrarifixer, Sep 18, 2005
    If all is otherwise basically clean and healthy, new belts will only add about 1 hour once the compressor is gone, fit new tensioners and you're looking at another 30 minutes.... assuming the rear stone guards are fitted, even less if not.

    Belts are not expensive. Tensioner bearings are pricy if you use genuine, but there are alternatives.

    Of course.... if your cam seals/housing o rings/ cover gaskets are leaking, you'd be mad not to fix that while you're in there... and that is where the time will go... because while the tappet covers are off for that, you may as well do the valve clearances, and then you're looking at about 24 hrs over and above the compressor job....

    check when your valves were last adjusted....
     
  4. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,474
    Winston Salem, NC
    #4 Ricambi America, Sep 18, 2005

Share This Page