Have the Ferrari garage been able to explain the reason why this has happened? Could it have been avoided at all? I suppose the biggest question is how long ago the belts were changed and by who? I really hope you find a solution, I feel your pain.
So, what was/is the condition of the car otherwise. Is it a cream puff, had a hard life, cosmetically/mechanically challenged, always loved? That will likely influence what is the best way to salvage your "investment" into 360-land... Sorry, that it turned out this way for you! Jes
Pretty good condition otherwise. Needs tires and brakes. One owner car. Cream puff body. Interior is minor wear but nice. Car looks like 100k still driving by don't get me wrong.
So I spoke with T.Rutlands and they will send me a brand new factory ferrari engine for 22k and then i can have it installed thats with belt kits and everything. or i can get a 2002 used engine with belt kit and used clutch as well. 14k miles on the engine that would be for 17k dollars. what does anyone suggest i do? buy new engine or just get used one? how many hours should it take to swap the engine over.
What is the overall damage to the engine? If the pistons are fine, then all you need are to have the heads rebuilt with new valves/valvetrain If the pistons are trashed too, then I would buy the used engine, replace the clutch with a new one, and R&R the old one. I'm not sure how long it would take to completely swap out the old engine. What do you plan to do with the old motor?
belt was shredded but it seemed to be in one place like it had spun in place. they havent taken the engine out or apart and are going by looking under the car. when it was started it didnt sound like it could be that bad of damage. i would think you could rebuild the head. i looked at the belt and saw the damage but also never would have imagined this much damage was done. can a slipped timing belt really do that much damage to the engine? dang this sucks
You bet it can. This ain't no alternator belt we're talking about. When the cam belt sheds teeth so that it no longer drives the cams on that bank, all the valves on that side stop in various positions. Some might be fully closed and some might be fully open while others are in intermediate positions. And there are plenty of valves in your Ferrari. But since the other bank is running OK, the engine continues to turn which means the pistons continue to go up and down on the dead bank. In simple terms, in order for a particular piston to reach TDC without damage, all the valves must be closed. If not, the piston and any open valves clash together. The valves always bend at a minimum. But it's entirely possible to punch holes in the tops of the pistons, break off valve heads and have them thrash around inside the engine, and things can get worse from there if the engine is at full song when the cams stop turning. So, the answer is a definite yes. A little belt trouble can lead to terminal internal damage, especially with fancy engines like the one you have............ or used to have. Many of us do, in fact, imagine such damage. Imagining the worst case is what keeps those of us who can afford to own a Ferrari, but who can't laugh off a 25K repair bill as if it's nothing, thinking about and staying on top of things like belt maintenance, coolant levels, oil changes, transmission pump screens, and other stuff which could kill a car.
Sometimes Sh*t happens. My tr engine is being rebuilt by a great shop right now. I loaned it to a neighbor for a car show and it came back with a rod knock. The engine needs a new crank, new oil pump, new camshaft and maybe a new head. Looks like something was sucked into the oil circuit and not related to the neighbor borrowing the car. One shop told me: "I asked all three of our mechanics and nobody has ever rebuilt a TR engine but we would be happy to learn on yours!" Just try to figure a way to deal with it and enjoy life. At least you get a bunch of fun stories to tell! I think it is worse when you buy the $100k Mercedes SL and ten years later it is worth $10k. BTDT. Jeff Pintler 89 348tb, 86tr, 99 360 3-pedal
My #1 rule with my cars... I never let friends borrow them. BTDT, it always comes back broken no matter how careful they are..
So sorry to hear of your troubles. It's every owner's nightmare (Note to self .....must, must, must get my belts done this winter before the fifth anniversary, what with all those track miles I do and all that......). Anyway, to your dilemma. If you can afford it, I would unreservedly suggest you go with the brand new engine. Given the prices you mention it seems to me totally illogical to even consider the alternative (unknown quantity) of a used engine. Additionally, whenever it comes time to sell, I guarantee you'll get that differential back in spades. Incidentally, don't beat yourself up about washing the engine bay. It's most unlikely to have caused this. I'm not sure if you mentioned yet when the belts were last serviced but I suspect that it was either a very long time ago or a very short time ago. Long term sitting without use could also be a contributory factor. Really bad luck. Sorry for ya.
WOW I feel for you man! Please let us know when was the last belt job done and by who? How many miles on your car?
So to update everyone. The timing belt was burnt out on drivers side. Appears to be from oil leak and bad head gasket. Decided to pull the motor myself and see the extent of damage. Figured I couldn't hurt it anymore. Appears I got super lucky. The valves barely kissed the pistons and the head is being reconditioned currently. While it was out I gave it a full break down. Also I am replacing all internals in the heads. Both sides to be nice. A machine shop is re honing the heads and rebuilding the top end. While it's apart I gave it a full cleaning and it looks to be a gem in the rough. Having the rims powder coated yellow. Put all new emblems on it. And currently looking to have the interior redone in blue and yellow. With the work I will do all new tires and brakes. Probably do the piston rings. All new belts and fluids. And powder coating all small parts in engine bay. It is going to be a brand new car. And while I am at it with the engine apart I am going to replace the clutch. Already just did the master cylinder too. Can't wait to rip this beauty again. Pictures to come.
You never did say how old the belts are. The valves always "just hit" the pistons. They are very small valves and not very high lift.
Took two of us 12.5 hours with just a engine hoist. And we kept the tranny connected. Now I'm about another 4 hours into taking heads off and cleaning the whole engine.
