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355 Engine out major tips?

Discussion in '348/355' started by UConn Husky, Dec 2, 2007.

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  1. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
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    #1 UConn Husky, Dec 2, 2007
    ok, I'm looking to do my first timing belt service this winter. I'm still in the process of searching through the archives on this and did find many useful tips. I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions here (and hopefully this thread is useful for others who follow)...so here's a start:

    What is the best way to lift the car? I read you need 20-21" lift, but is that at the C-pillar jacking points? Most jacks top off at 18-19". Spacers could help, but would like to hear what you guys have done.

    What kind of engine cradle is used to slide it out (especially for an F1 with the sensor on the bottom)? Anything special, or just a flat surface on casters? If that's all I'll make one myself (maybe just an opening in the center for the sensor?)

    Seems the first step is to have a shop purge the refrigerant...then drain fluids and start taking her apart?
     
  2. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #2 jetfixr, Dec 3, 2007
    Tip of the day


    If you have the space buy a lift, I see you have many cars so I know it would be used regularly. I have seen this floor jack thing and it just turns my stomach....It would be like me working on a Learjet with channel locks!

    It's just a personal thing I guess....

    Before everyone says no I did that and it works fine....Keep in mind these lifts can be had for 2500 or so. The same people will buy a 3500.00 steering wheel or speedlines.....

    Further, that's the way I did mine (bought lift) and also have a hydraulic stand on casters specially made for the 355 that keeps the unit at stomach level (about 2.5 ft off the ground so you aren't breaking your back). I have 3500.00 invested in the whole thing, I cannot imagine anybody that doesn't like having TOOLS :)

    I wouldn't want to wrestle that stuff around with my car on floor jacks....Sorry

    It's so much MORE fun when you have the RIGHT equipment, I mean all this in a good way....Just trying to help
     
  3. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 ernie, Dec 3, 2007
  4. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #4 bcwawright, Dec 3, 2007
    +1 for sure...lol
     
  5. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 ernie, Dec 3, 2007
    Tools are nice aren't they. I did it with floor jacks, but if you have the means, the space, and it won't break your bank, and lift would be handy. It can be done either way though.

    Oh as for your engine stand, I used a 1000/lbs moving dolly I bought at Home Depot for $20. If you want you can buy two of them.
     
  6. rendergod

    rendergod Karting

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    #6 rendergod, Dec 3, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #7 UConn Husky, Dec 3, 2007
    Great tips, thanks guys.

    Ernie - I already had your earlier thread printed as my step by step instructions! I hadn't caught that second link you posted, great info.

    Jetfixr - I was planning the opposite, to be a true Tifosi and try to do the major only with what's in my Ferrari tool box :D Seriously would like the lift but don't see that happening in the next few months. Really when I think about it either way the motor is wheeled away on a dolly right? Is the real savings just in taking the bumper off (which I did twice already playing with the clutch)? Part of the prob is that I just never thought of a lift before and would spend 3 months researching it before taking the plunge. I'm sure after this experience I may swear off jacks and buy a lift for next time :D

    Rendergod - I wish I had that much room!
     
  8. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #8 jetfixr, Dec 6, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    Exactly the same, except I went one step further and placed hydraulic rams at all four points so that it can be tilted in any direction to align those stubborn bolts...Who knows, maybe I went a little over the top :) But it sure makes it EASY...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  9. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #9 jetfixr, Dec 6, 2007
    Uconn,

    You would LOVE a lift.. I bought mine from Snap-On, it was priced right and easy to install, best $$$$ ever spent(besides the 355)......

    Good luck on the project! Half the fun is just wrenching anyway, so I am sure you'll have a blast!
     
  10. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 ernie, Dec 6, 2007
    LOL!

    They can be a pain to get the holes lined up, can't they.
     
  11. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 ernie, Dec 6, 2007
    Glad I could help. If you wanna chat about it over the phone, drop me a pm with your number and I'll give you a pep talk. ;)
     
  12. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #12 jetfixr, Dec 7, 2007

    Ya man! It really is a dumb design, but hey it's a challenge right?
     

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