So how many people have had their F1 pump and relay switch replaced in their 360?
To answer your question, I have not had to do either, but the previous owner had it replaced under warranty. Although this type of question keeps coming up, I think it would be good to have a poll so you can see not only how many people have had a problem, but also how many people have not had a problem. Only then can you get some rough statistics to understand does this affect 1 in 10 or 1 in 100. I would set a poll up, but I don't know how. Not to hijack the thread, but does any know how to set a poll up?
I think that's a good idea. It is known that 360's have F1 failures, but we don't have any statistics on how common it is.
I had mine replaced shortly after purchasing my car. A good rule of thumb and maybe overkill, but replace every 2 or 3 years to be safe. Do it with your belts, its an easy replacement.
Whenever you start a new thread, if you are subscribed member, you can see a question asking "Post a poll with this thread?". The question is located below the box where you do all the typing, near attachments and so on. Only the OP can start a poll. Pretty easy and fun stuff.
What were your symptoms? Flashing F1 light? Was your relay a problem or did the pump just start to fail and the light started flashing, like mine.
Sorry to bump up almost 9 year old topic but could not verify on my own: I've heard that one can replace the F1-pump with Alfa Romeo Selespeed one, but is the Selespeed pump straight (100%) fit with 360 Modena? Or does it need modifying either car or pump (brackets or such)? https://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-ORIGINAL-Alfa-Romeo-147-156-GT-Selespeed-Pump-51736315-Fits-F1-Gearbox-/172008018187 Image Unavailable, Please Login I'm asking because mine will prime almost 15 seconds now (when car has been sitting for 2 weeks). Also I got 3 times briefly the dreaded gearbox light when I last took my bella out for a drive. Every time downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, hmm... ?
This has happened to me when I first got my '03 360 Spider. Like you, my initial thinking was the pump, but I decided to purge the F1 system with new oil and its been working fine since.
Unfortunately I already tried this. As my trusted independent did the major service to the car last spring also the F1-fluids were changed and system bled from any air.
Accumulator ... isn't that the very complex part which operates the gearbox with hydraulic pressure, around $3k part?
No. It is apparently a consumable part that is often ignored and is the problem, not the pump. It is only a few hundred dollars. If you are replacing the pump, it seems it is reasonable to replace this at the same time. In fact it IS the problem for many, not the pump, due to improper diagnosis.
Question since we're on this topic, last year I had my system flushed and my mechanic would refill it and get it dialed in per the dip stick only to have the system back flow and we would end up with a puddle underneath the car. Initial investigating seems like we have some seals failing in preventing backflow in the system that would require a rebuild of the entire system. Anyone else experience this? Or is what I'm reading above a possible solution by just replacing the pump? I am no expert in the f1 system so I have no clue if what I'm saying is how the system works.... Car goes in this spring for annual service and just looking for things for us to get into.
If it's filled with the accumulator primed, when the accumulator dis charges, the level will go high and likely spill out.
This^^ The accumulator stores F1 under pressure. The level should only be checked with the system has just fully primed and that leaves enough space for the fluid to flow back in. Forget the dipstick, it should be a few mm above the plate inside the reservoir when fully primed (door open, ignition turned on). You’ll be amazed how many get this wrong.
Mike, I believe you have this reversed. I check my level (in my 355) when the system is discharged. When the system is charged, the accumulator will take some volume and the tank level will be lower. Once it discharges, the level will go up. I made this video for Doug last night:
The real answer is that you overflowed because you over filled and the dipstick is WRONG. The level is set as a specific distance from the top of the reservoir. Most mechanics have a bent straw like thing they hang over the edge to suck excess and set the level but you can do it with a ruler as well.
