85 308 QV service

My '85 euro is 56545 which is a long way from your VIN, but my build is 1/85 which is pretty close. I don't think they built a thousand 308s in a couple months! With that few kms on it, oil changes only, no real service history, and a rough idle, it needs a full major service with a cherry on top. I wouldn't even bother trying to troubleshoot the idle - service should include absolutely everything.

 

If as you imply it has never had a belt change it should be done immediately including tensioner bearings - roughness could be as simple as ancient plugs and/or leads

 

Congratulations on your new car If there's no record of a timing belt change, those belts and tensioner/idler bearings should be changed, just based on age. I would do that before any more driving, it may save you an engine rebuild. You can get high-quality, fresh belts and bearings from Ricambi America. After that, I'd work on replacement of rubber fuel lines, which will let you have a good look at the fuel filter, etc. IMHO, I'd replace the essentials before taking on the idle problem...that may just be a symptom of a general need for care.

When a car that's driven very little is suddenly driven more, it reacts differently. Leaks may appear that weren't there before (seals tend to shrink if they're not used regularly). Safeguarding valves and pistons and keeping fuel contained would top my list (and have), then you can work your way to making sure that the gearbox has clean oil, taking care of coolant and coolant hoses, flushing out the old brake fluid, etc. If I didn't have much documentation or service history, I would trust very little and would do much for the sake of peace of mind. Most of the rubber bits on the cars go, just based on age. That's true of any old car. In addition, I'm going to soon replace the injectors themselves. The originals are steel and just get worn out and pitted. I have no doubt that the change will do much for the way my engine runs.

 

ZFFLA13S000059273 is indeed listed in Matthias Urban's book as a "post production 308 QV ?", interrogation mark included. Its origins are given as "ch", which means "swiss".

"Post-production" is an expression usually meaning: assembled after the last coherent group of last chassis numbers known for a given type. It is not that unsual for Ferrari at this time, there are a few "vetroresinas" chassis numbers appearing at random in the middle of steel bodied GTB's numbers batches, for instance.
What is a bit puzzling is that the number here is rather high, and way among the first 328 chassis numbers.
But, as "Big tex" would remind us, "never say never" with anything Ferrari of this era...

Best

 

At first look I thought you had my serial number, my car is 52973

 

If you give a rough location you might get suggestions for someone to do it as well as an approximate cost although the latter will probably spiral as you find other little things 'whilst you're in there' - very approx numbers (and a couple of laughs) here http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=206242

 

About $300 for top-notch belts and bearings (parts). Even with little mileage driven, parts can just age.

Sent from my SCH-M828C using Tapatalk 2

 

First, CONGRATS!!! You know we want to see photos!!!

Second, that car NEEDS a major service. Otherwise you COULD end up with a HUGE mess and a pretty lawn ornament. Belts and such are at a minimum and get someone GOOD who knows what they are doing to do the work. Post your location and there will be someone who can advise you on the best people in your area. Even if you dont plan to drive it very much or very often all it will take is one bad trip to turn into a LOT of $$$$ VERY quickly with these cars.

Third, your car is definitely a strange one. Mine is #58027 with a May '85 build date. I would be curious about the assembly number. Please look for it and post it. You will find it on the Left side of the car completely opposite of where the VIN is and it is stamped on the frame. It MAY be hidden away under a small flap, but most of those are long gone these days.

So, tell us more!!!




PDG

 

Looks like metric wheels too.? Isn't that odd for such a late car?

 

Not for a euro. 16" wheels were an upgrade option.

Aaron

 

No, but you're close to Ferrari Service Costa mesa. Mike has always been Honest and fair, worth a call to see what he can do for you.

 

Why is the recommended tire psi so high? 36psi.