Hi everyone, I recently became the proud owner of a Rosso/Nero 1979 Dino 308 GT4....just fantastic, still can't believe I've gone and done it! I have a couple of issues you may all be able to help me with. 1. There is a leak on one of the head gaskets and I'm now saving to get the job done....has anyone had the head gaskets replaced....apparently the head can get stuck, which can be a major problem requiring engine out and engineering (sounds expensive!)....any information regarding cost and recommended specialists would be very much appreciated. Also, if carrying out a this repair, is there anything else worth doing at the same time? 2. One of my door pulls has followed a recent trend and decided to occasionally go on strike. When I turn the key in the lock it doesn't pop up half as strongly as the passenger side and sometimes doesn't pop up at all....just teases me by moving a little bit - any known ways to resolve this problem? Is there something worn out that need to replace? Your help is very much appreciated. Best regards Paul
Hi Paul Welcome to F Chat and the GT4! Which head is it that is leaking - how do you know? You can pull both heads off without taking the engine out! The front head is the hardest to remove. Do you have a service history for the car? Have the heads been done before - if so was it retorqued? I fear that if not, then it might have been boiled, and the heads warped - that would be nasty. As for the door pulls, just take the door cover off and peak inside, you will probably see a clip has worked loose and just needs readjusting. As an after thought, are you sure its the head leaking and not the cam covers? regards Nick
Hi Nick and thanks for the help. Actually I think what I need to do is steam clean the whole area and then watch to find out exactly where the leak is stemming from....may not be the head gasket after all, so probably was a little too hasty in posting the question. As soon as I pinpoint the leak I will get back in touch. Many thanks again! Paul
Congratulatuions on the GT4 a great car. Be very careful steam cleaning your engine. You do not want to get water down next to your spark plugs.
That's not too bad, what really hurts was getting water in the speedo sender unit or in the distributor. I have done both, and now am really carefull cleaning the old lump! Also, the oil and greese protects the body work and chasis, so there is a good argument to leave it there. regards Nick
Think i'll be carrying this out very gingerly....wasn't thinking of blasting it but will take extra caution just to get an idea of what is what....definately oil by the way, not water. Just wondering, have you ever removed the door cards? Is it an easy job? Only my electric windows are labouring and I would imaging that the mechanism has never been cleaned/greased or whatever...let me know. Cheers Paul
Hi Paul If its oil, its probably leaking from the cam covers; a simple job to fix or just ignore it. The door cards are easy. Pull off the L shaped trim, undo the door handle, door lock. Under the door there are 4/5 little screws, take them out, and there are some on either side as well. As everyone is drawing pictures today. The red blobs are where the screws are. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Agree with Nick, it's probably cam covers or the oil seal at the end of the cams. I fixed this on my 328 last year, the oil was dropping directly onto the exhasut so I couldn't really ignore it. Also, if you have slow windows check on the technical forum. I remember someone had come up with a little box of tricks that boosted window opening and closing. I think it was originaly for 348s but people olso applied it to their 308s and mondials.
Thank you so much. That is really helpful. Will definately have a bash in the next few weeks....will keep you posted.
Thanks for all the help I have received....really chuffed! Will definately have a look for the window power-upper. Do you guys ever meet up?