Hi folks, I'm stuck in the middle of Sicily in the beginning of what was supposed to be our dream honeymoon with our 348! Clutch has suddenly started slipping badly and power seems to drain when I try to accelerate rapidly! Is this a major clutch breakdown and if so, around what cost am I looking at? Also, can anyone recdommend a reliable, resaonably priced mechanic in the Catania/Messina area? Help please
thanks folks for such rapid help, but, if I may, what costs am I likely facing (since we werent exactly prepared for this) and how long can I drive on without causing further damage? The 'baby' is fine when I build up acceleration gradually but not so when I push it down rapidly! Thanks again from 2 stranded honeymooners We are currently exactly at Giardini Naxos
I'm no mechanic but if you do not burn the clutch out you may get away with an adjustment rather than a replacement - if you keep driving you may burn it out - Ragusa is nearer than Palermo - try a call to either in the morning Just checked a 348 manual - its a hydraulic clutch so I'm not sure about my adjustment theory - definitely call tommorow In the UK a clutch is under EUR 1000 fitted inc tax
There is no adjustment on a 348 clutch, if it's slipping, it's shot (or severely oil-soaked). The good news is that the 348 clutch is fairly easy to replace, since you do not have to remove the engine or the transmission to do it. To replace just the disc and pressure plate will cost over $1000 in parts. If the clutch is worn down to the rivits, and you damage the flywheel, a new flywheel is somewhere around $2500, I think, and they are not easy to locate. A dual-disc clutch naturally costs more than a single-disc clutch. Sorry to hear this has happened, don't let it ruin your honeymoon!
Just fly Militonian out your way... he's a wiz and you'll know you are in safe hands! (pack your bags Jeff!) I posted a link in the Europe forum for you seeking help.
thanks boys - you cant imagine how much we are appreciating this and any more help you can offer. Stefan & Alia
Definitely DO NOT drive anymore once it is slipping (on any car). The friction disc does not have to be down to the rivets to damage the flywheel. The continued slipping will cause overheating and then warpage/distortion of the flywheel surface. Ask me how I know this ;-) No... don't ask me. If there is not enough material left on the flywheel surface to have it skimmed then you're talking a new flywheel $$$$
Don't drive your 348 with a slipping clutch. Seriously. The good news is that it is *easy* to unbolt the clutch pumpkin and pull the clutch pack. Any large industrialized area will have a shop that will be able to re-line your clutch (typically costs about $100 or less in the U.S.), or if re-lining isn't possible due to wear, you'll need to replace the clutch or clutch pack as a unit. So get your 348 to a decent shop and inquire about re-lining the clutch, if possible. Otherwise, replace it and the inexpensive seals inside.
First off, congratulations on your marriage!! Bright side: while your car is being repaired, it's a good excuse for you and your new spouse to spend some, ahhh, "quality" time together. And guaranteed you'll never forget your honeymoon. Good luck. - Eric
Stefan, Looking on the Europe thread Simon also mentioned following up with Jim Glickenhaus... "I was going to suggest PMing Jim Glickenhaus but looks like Jim already gave him the name of a mechanic." http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=137677156#post137677156 Brian
