Change timing belt w/o open cam cover??? | FerrariChat
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Change timing belt w/o open cam cover???

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by patpong, Dec 9, 2004.

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  1. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
    2,274
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Full Name:
    Patpong Thanavisuth
    #1 patpong, Dec 9, 2004
    I have my timing belt and belt tension bearing changed on my 308, 76, carb...a few weeks ago...

    That's what the Ferrari mechanics did for me. They changed the timing belt and belt tensioner bearing without open cam cover. But what happened was the performance of the car dropped. The performance was not as punchy or pulling power loss a bit. Before I top speed at 155 mph now about 145 mph. I got a second opinion of other mechanics, he said that most cars there should be a marking on the cam gear if they lie up ok it should be no problem and no need to open cover. The guy who changed the belt confirmed that there was some kind of guiding for the belt tooth, but I feel drop in performance. I am confused.... Is he lieing to get out of the responsibility and ease me to accept it?

    Is it a must to take out cam cover when change the belt and aline the cam shaft?

    Need advise, I need some background info to go back and talk to the mechanic...
     
  2. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 22, 2003
    8,520
    Melbourne
    Full Name:
    Phil Hughes
    #2 ferrarifixer, Dec 9, 2004
    Your mechanic should have advised you that to change the belts without inspecting the timing accurately will only put the timing back where it was at best. If it was ok before, it will be afterwards, if it is all refitted as it was.

    However, during this type of replacement, he should put his own marks on accurately and refit the new belts as they were.

    Unfortunately, now that you have doubt, there is only one way to check, and that is to remove the covers and repeat the belt change/timing check.

    You may find you have another problem too...if the inlet cams are moved, the ignition timing will also be affected as they drive the distributors. So you may find that you can read the ignition timing and find it to be out which can give you a clue to the error, but if an exhaust cam is out, it is impossible to be sure.

    It is by no means the wrong thing to do, but it appears it may have been false economy in this case.....
     
  3. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,467
    Winston Salem, NC
    #3 Ricambi America, Dec 9, 2004
    I'd be more worried that if the car was in for a "major" service and the mechanic tried to save time on the belt change, he/she probably tried to save time in other areas too.
     

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