328 Timing Belt Replacement Interval

Oh Boy here We go

 

Answers:

• Yes
• No
• Perhaps
• Search the archives!
• See the dealer notice
• "Mine made it 37 years so far, no worries"
• "Mine nuked at 3 years and 2 days, dangit"
• "If you're worried about it you cannot afford it"
• "430s rule, no belts!"
• "Just put a Fiero drivetrain in and you're golden"
  

​

 

On a serious note, read this thread and the links therein: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175886

 

LOL - Of course you're cut out for owning an F car.....You do electrical work, so you have a leg up on fixing half the problems you'll encounter!

 

I love that one

 

Final answer regarding all Timing Belt Questions:

If you have any reason to be worried about it, then change it.

 

These cam belt questions will always keep appearing, as it's possibly the most important mechanical check item on the car.
One of my first posts in April was regarding how long you can leave the cam belt between changes.
If that belt breaks you might get a bill for £6,000 or more.
Not everybody knows how to search the forum for old threads on the subject!

What's worse is that there's no definitive answer.

I remember the cam belt questions kept appearing on the Porsche 928 forum too, as the cam belt is a nightmare on those cars.
When I had a BMW Z3 2.8 the common recurring thread was regarding the rear differential mounting, as successive "new" owners heard about how it could fail (with a repair bill of over £2,000)

At first I did not realise you could do a search to find old threads on the subject, and I could never get this search to work on the 928 forum anyway!

 

Sure there is (a definative answer) ......


... Just B E F O R E it BREAKs.







Seriously, just RTFB* and follow it (or not). Nothing more really needs to be said.

We can accuse them of a lot and be perfectly correct, but on this one, I do not believe Ferrari just pulled something outta their butts. I am reasonably certain they picked the number because they certainly DID NOT want to be giving away new free engines while still under warrenty because of the failure of a proverbial $5.00 part.




RTFB- Read The Freaking Book

 

You might want to take a closer look at this car....as she needs a bit more than just a belt service.

 

OK, I rarely write in but this time I felt compelled. We all in our lives have had questions that need answering some questions might seen ridicules to the listener or reader but important to the speaker or writer. Being a doctor I am sure when you visit your doctor even if you are well read you have questions that might seem to me and others as “you gotta be kidding” --- just as I feel ---- were some of the responses given in this forum. This is a great forum, the writer is a rookie why not understand his position and help him. I am sure that in your life you will have a question that might come across to others as “what are you asking ” but instead they show understanding and do the best at answering the question. Just my opinion…

 

Agree 100%.

 

That's what I was trying to say in my post really.

As for my opinion on the original question, after 4 years it definitely needs changing. I don't think the engine has to come out on the 328 so it shouldn't be too expensive.
The dealer seems to be offering it for sale "as is, with no warranty" and this removes any benefit gained by purchasing from a dealer in my opinion.
Can they sell it in this way? You can't do this in the UK, as a dealer you are liable for warranty claims, whether you offer one or not.
Why is there no warranty? That's the question I would be asking.

 

I ask "stupid" questions all the time. I am Not bashful one DARN BIT. I even consider myself the King of Stupid Questions. I rarely make mistakes that way.


After the usual "Newbie Cam Belt Change Initiation" ribbing, everyone here offered constructive advice.

Hopefully no hurt feelings, but I think we all got a ribbing or two when we started posting here. I did. Just took it in stride.

We are not bad here at all. I never felt truely put upon and he did put his flame suit on so he did display a good start of a sense of humor. Try some of the other forums where a similar question is asked about 3 times or more per week and see it generate some truly N A S T Y responses.


If his feelings were hurt from a well intentioned poke in the ribs, then I do apologise.

 

I agree that is why I NEVER ASK ANYTHING ON HERE ANYMORE! I am not sure that all these people that are so rude on here even really own a Ferrari.

 

Usually best to put it on before the first post.

It's all about diligence and money. I had a 328, and it was not a very demanding car. If you buy a bad one and/or economize on upkeep, then you have a car that I wouldn't be cut out to own.

Buy a great car to start. Find an expert Ferrari tech near you. Listen to him and pay close attention to your car -- fluid levels, leaks, noises, handling traits, etc.

Yes, we do leap down people's throats when they post the 1,184th timing belt thread without doing a search.

But, it's not a lynch mob, and frankly someone's attitude with regard to this one essential service interval probably is a good gauge as to whether that someone is ready to own an old Italian exotic car (or maybe any classic sports car). The truth is most people should probably just buy a Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster, Corvette, etc.

When I ask elementary questions on web forums, I kind of expect some chiding and sarcasm enroute to the free wisdom that ultimately comes through.

 

Cam belts are one of the hardest things to work out with the seller. Too many opinions.

I did like this in the ad though...

Dual Zone Climate Control

HAH. yeah, left and right.

 

I undersatnd that poeple do not want to see another cam belt change thread, but that does not excuse rudeness if someone who is new and does not know how to look up a thread, why jump on them. If people are sick of the cam belt thread than just do not respond to them or even read them. That is the problem I have is there is no reason to be rude or a jerk. Thanks

 

An expert is talking to you, here..........all I saw was the wonky red rear spoiler! (Should be black).

The reason the "go read the book" is both rude and incorrect, is that the info is not IN a book.

It's a Ferrari Technical Bulletin that clarifies your belts "expire" every 3 years....if the car is sitting still the WHOLE time!

Tires expire every five years, for the same reason....they are RUBBER, brah!!!!'

So go get belts and go Goodyear!!!!

 

Three.......and a few die casts...they are no trouble at ALL!!

 

never questioned you on owning a f-car and I have never seen that you have been anything but nice and very helpful!

 

I get cranky sometimes.......