All, Purchasing my first Ferrari, 1999 355 F1 Spider. Have a question on Belt service. I have changed cam belts in my 928S. Do most of the readers of this forum change their own belts? Can the engine remain in? Are there any special tools needed (hold the cam in place?). I will purchase a service manual but wanted to know if most folks do it themselves. Thanks. Boaf
Welcome to the forum Boaf. There are plenty of threads here in regards to the 355 cam belt service. Do a search, search button is top left corner of the screen. Plenty here have done it over the years. You will find some great threads with pictures. Engine has to come out to change cam belts. Hope you have fun with and be sure to post pics of the car when it arrives.
There are many threads covering a major service. The engine comes out to do it. Don't listen to anyone that tells you otherwise. Some guys do it themselves, most have someone else do it. There are a few special tools involved. Cam holding tools are typically not used.
Pap & Tim, is there anything specific which stops you changing the belts with the engine in-situ. I recall on the Lotus Esprit, the manual recommended removing the engine, but with many pairs of hands and perseverance, a belt change can be done without removing the engine. Is it because bearings are often changed at the same time, or even with highly specialised tools (fibre optics, coat hangers, etc ), there is insufficient access? Thanks, Cheers Ian
There is a cross member on the frame that prevents access to the main pulley bolt. And it is very hard to do any kind of valve timing with engine in. Some of us do our own belt service (and it is always more than just belt service). Many are happy to let someone else do it. It is a big job.
A lot of owners have reported going many miles and years without a belt service, but in my TRULY humble opinion, the main benefit of the engine out is access to the many items that are almost inaccessible with the engine in place. A lot of serious things deteriorate badly in a five year period.
Access is much easier with the engine as mentioned above, this is when I done a belt, pulley and pump service just over a year ago and access was very good and allowed room for the engine bay to be smartened up ! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thank you sir. I have heard from the previous owner that for the 355, you do not need to remove the motor, there is access from the back and wheel arch. It is in the future as the belts were just completed 3 months ago. Engine out would be nice for access, and I have a lift (storage Ramp) at home. Picking it up next week and will post a photo. Boaf 32.
Thanks VRacer. I know alot can go wrong in 5 years. My belt service plans are every 3 - 4 years and / or 15K mileage. Just getting to know the car. Boaf 32
Thanks Ian, will wait to hear. I pick up the car shortly. The belts were just serviced 3 or so months ago. I would like to do all the work myself, but want to know what needs to be done BEFORE starting a complex job. Done belt service on my 928 and there are little nuances to that change. I think there may be certain SOP's for this belt service. Boaf 32
Thank you 2NA. I appreciate it. Just had belts done, but looking to the future. I try not to go to the "Stealerships" but it may be worth the peace of mind. Boaf 32
No that would be a 308, 328 early mondials Its easier to drop the engine cradle rather than re- invent new ways to get around it. Its not dificult.
Thanks phrogs. Yes, I think I will have the engine out service. I have a 4 post Eagle Storage lift at home. It has ramps so I would need to figure out how to drop the engine. It is more difficult because it is a storage ramp vs. a service ramp. Any suggestions would be helpful. In Jordan B's photo, the shafts and wheels are still on the motor. With ramps, not sure how to lower the motor with the wheels still in place. Boaf
