Well, the much bally-whoed 30K service on my car is in the books. Total bill for this was $6128.00 First some background: I bought this 1990 TS in May. It had never had the 30K service done, so for those of you out there wondering how long a 348 can go between the 30K services, this one was 16 years and counting. Here are the parts that were replaced when the engine was out: 1 RHS VC Gasket 1 LHS VC Gasket 2 end plate gaskets 2 misc. gaskets 1 oil seal 4 misc seals (part 149917) 4 cam O rings (117125) 1 Timing belt 2 Tensioner bearings 8 spark plugs 1 air filter 2 fuel filters 1 oil filter 1 alternator belt 1 AC belt 4 cam O rings (114808) 1 hose (140625) 1 bearing 2 tensioners 1 gasket (150077 1 sealing ring 2 gallons prestone 1 radiator cap 2.5 lbs freon misc. hardware, stainless clamps 14 quarts mobil one 5 Fiat-10 aeroquip hoses 1 Brake fluid 4.5 Redline MT-90 1 battery 1 oil pressure sender 1 window switch 1 oil pump update kit Containing pads for timing belt to reduce belt vibrations Motor cover insulation 1 oil pressure switch Labor included the following: - Replace spark plugs - Replace T-belt, tensioner bearings - Replace cam seals and O rings - replace valve cover gaskets - Replace dit. seals and gaskets - Replace dist. cap gaskets - Repalce air filter - Replace fuel fliters - Adjust valves - Remove cams, check bearings, reinstall - Torque cam journals - Check head torque - Set timing - Bleed brake lines - Do cam seal drain back modification - Change oil and filters - Change transaxle fluid - Replace coolant - Replace A/C o rings, evacuate - Inspect all lines - Clean and detail engine compartment - Check for leaks - inspect CV boots - Inspect fuse panel - Replace water pump - Inspect all seals - Inspect main timing gear assembly - Inspect ign. wires/cap/rotors - Inspect all bulbs, ligths, electrical motors - Inspect clutch play, flush and bleed - Inspect brake pads, rotors - Inspect all suspension, bushings, balljoints, tie rod ends, etc. - Install oil pump kit - Engine timing system modification: 1) modification to engine block, cover and bearing on the cover, which will now use ball bearing part # 144713 in palce of the current roller bearing. 2) Chain tightening pads (updated). 3) Addition of containing pads for timing chain to reduce chain vibrations. that's it. Did I miss anything?
Robert Rodgers did the job. Robert is, in my opinion, the absolute best Ferrari mechanic in the United States. He works by himself under the name of Shade Tree Enginetrics, located in Nevada, TX. Nevada is northeast of Dallas about 30 miles. Robert is an expert in several italian cars, including Ferrari, Fiat, Alpha and Maserati. If you want a rush job, don't use Robert; he is a stickler for details and won't return your car until it is completed to HIS standards and satisfaction. And trust me, his standards are EXACTING. If there are improvements to be made while the engine is out, Robert will do these without you even knowing it, and often for no charge. While my car was in there, he took care of a few "details" for little or no extra charge, such as: - Refinish my 355 rims to brand new condition - Polished a nick in the top of the passenger window - Treated my leather seats and re-dyed a small portion - Installed my new steering wheel and shifter knob The engine looks showroom new - Robert cleaned and detailed every piece of the motor. If you want the best 30K service money can buy, and are willing to wait a little longer than the norm, give Robert a call - you won't be disappointed.
Mate!! What a excellent reccomendation! Nothing better than a guy who takes such pride in his workmanship. Very good to hear you are happy with his job.
Hey Colin: Glad to hear the 348 is like new. Sounds like you have the right guy! If I didn't know better, I would think Eugenio moved to Texas! Blessings friend, Scott
I think it is a good value for all the work. I think the dollar value spent is well worth it for the peace of mind. Thanks for the write up. BT
"Inspect ign wires/cap/rotors". "Replace dist. cap gaskets". OK, I'm being picky, but the 348 doesn't have cap & rotors, or distributors. And there is no water pump listed in the parts replaced, but there is labor listed for it.
That is a great posting and wonderful news. Now Robert can get to my 24v Alfa 164. He is the only one I trust with this engine and your comments about him are spot on. Robert is the best. I saw your car at his place when I dropped mine off a few weeks ago. Even with the engine out, the 348 is a work of art. Please bring the car to ItalianCarFest in September if you can, it would look great there with all the other Ferrari's. Also, how fast did you get the car up to on the way home or do you have some type of break in period? Congratulations again on getting the car back. Jeff Dallas, Texas 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 LS
Jeff, I think I saw your Alpha while I was there. Is it white/off white color? I believe it was sitting outside, and was on the way into the shop upon my departure. Robert is simply the best. As for the ItalianCarFest, I wish I could bring mine, but traveling 350 miles in the 348 beast is a .... errr... bear. My butt was sore for 3 days from the trip home. I will post photos soon.
hahahaha. Too funny. My car is not the white one. It is actually a dark metallic blue and was probably sitting outside, under a car cover. After I purchased the car, I had it towed to Robert's and he took about six months to resurrect it so that it was drivable. It spent a lot of time sitting around waiting for parts and for racing season to be over. Because of that, I purchased a Noah car cover to protect it while it was waiting. The cover fits very well and helps protect the paint and interior from fading from the sun. He usually parks the car somewhere in his bone-yard or along the side. It should be ready by the end of this week and I will drive up on Saturday to pick it up. Hopefully your trip back was uneventful and I look forward to the photographs. Take care, Jeff
Robert's terrific. Has been for a long time. Nice to see him getting his due. Husker, glad to see that our advice to "let him be" paid off. Looks like a deal for the money. Congrats! -Peter (another Fiat-loving dude... Ask Robert how much he likes Fiats and, oh yeah, we have a Siata 300BC here, too... <grin>))
dear huskerntexas you wrote : - Replace dit. seals and gaskets - Replace dist. cap gaskets dude, 348's don't have distributors also, 16 years on that water pump ? hope you don't have to pull it again in a year
Dude...cut me a little slack...I probably misread the labor detail. Dude...I replaced the water pump. Dude...why you call'n me dude?
