Exactly How Hard Is It To Perform a Major Yourself?

I have pulled the engine from my 328 (it comes out from the top) in order to have it rebuilt. I know that 308 & 328 major service do not require engine removal.

 

Do you know how many threads there are with (for example) 'engine out' in the title ?

You should try looking !

 

There are also threads with guys using 4 post lifts for 348/355/Mondials. I fully intend to buy a 4 poster in two years and change the timing belt on our t. The scary part is that there are no books or step by step service manuals for the layman. But, we have Ferrari chat. Many thanks to all those who have posted the engine removal/rebuild process here.

My wife has always said "If it's not a Ferrari, it's just a car" And she is right! However, when it comes to nuts and bolts, it is just a car (I hope).

Dave

Here is an excellent thread on the Mondial t.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268566

 

Use the "Search" feature and you should find days of reading, if not weeks

 

Usually the disassembly isn't the worst part, it's the reassembly! I can tell you that the Italian engineerng is very different from the US engineering on autos. They are much more complicated and the space is often very tight to work in. If you have great dexterity and the right tools it should be no problem though. My experience was that the maintenance prices were exaggerated while I had my 348. I got a major service done (with some extras) for $3600 back in 2006 when times were good and business was brisk.

BT

 

The 308s are not that complicated like the 348/355. You can do this without a lift. Some will say that you need to degree the cams, but ... it is likely close enough for government work without this step.

348/355, now that is different.

 

I did a major on my 328 a year and a half ago in my friends climate controlled garage. We were slow and methodical and worked mostly only weekends. We had the laptop set up on the table in the garage along with lots of labeled ziplock bags and the parts diagrams and manuals. We drank a ton of beer and had a great time doing it. With the experience the OP state it should be a breeze. Just search here for the "gotcha's" and the errors in the shop manual. One tip that'll save you a lot of grief: Pull that GD a/c compressor out. It is SOOOO much easier with that thing out of the way. Plus, while it's out, you can do a gasket rebuilt on it and make it good as new.

I had so much fun doing it on mine, that I can't wait to pull the engine and do a complete refurb. I get a chubby thinking about having my Ferrari engine out of the car on a stand in my garage. If the sight of that doesn't make you want to do a Tim Taylor man grunt, nothing will.

 

Are you getting a new car . What's under consideration?

At the very least, get a scissor lift - best $1500 you will ever spend.

I think most mechanically apt folks on this site seem to be able to do their own majors. You would save the cost of labor, assuming its straighforward. I gotta tell you, without Ferrarichat's existence, doing a major on your own would be mechanical suicide .

The big downside it seems is TIME. You can pretend it will take you a couple of weekends if the motor has to come out, but realistically, you are looking at 6 months of misdirected inefficient weekends...or so I figure...

Go and buy something!

 

I've done extensive repairs to 308's, 348's, 550's and some on TR's, older vintage 12's, and 355's all as a home mechanic. Search my posts to give you an idea. You let me pick your brain on RE and I'll come do your major with you.

 

Ask Urotrash, he allegedly performed his own major service.

 

i removed my own appendix, without anesthesia, and only a mirror for assistance.

during the procedure i kept thinking, "there's got to be a safer way to do this".

not being at all skilled as a surgeon, i answered my own question.

even though i lived to tell this tale, i ask all of you, would you trust your skills
as a surgeon on your own body knowing full well that one slip of the knife or
an error in judgment might prematurely put your name on a chunk of granite?

on the other hand, think of all the money you could potentially save by doing
your own work. granted, an appendectomy is not exactly the same as open heart
surgery. but it's worth the risk if you feel up to it. right?

ridiculous you say? well... i like my valve stems straight.

 

Bill

I saw that scene in Ronin where Robert Deniro sort of performed his own surgery. I think he survived in the movie, and did quite well with the lady too.

As far as performing your own major service, well, to each his own and many of us do our own.

 

Well I pulled the engine out of my 348 with two floorjacks. It sure would be nice to have a two post lift. That would really make things easier.

You can do it. Don't let the brand name scare you.

 

Mechanically, a 308 is just a very basic car, just like any of millions of other cars produced.

The engine is your basic internal combustion, overhead cam engine. The belt drive overhead cam system functions exactly like millions of other engines in the world. Basic stuff.

The valves are adjusted by shims, like million of cars (VWs, Volvos, etc.)

The induction is either carbs or CIS injection. CIS injection is an "off the shelf" injection system used by everything from Audis to VWs. Literally tens of millions of cars from the 70s and 80s use this exact same system.

The clutch is easier to change than on most any other car.

Based on the amount of work you have done, you'll be fine working on a 308.

The biggest difference between a 308 and a "normal" car is the parts prices. Some common parts can be surprisingly expensive.

 

You have not lived until a ferrari is your mistress. Porsches and Vettes don't cut it no matter how many horsepower they have. I'm doing the major on my 550 now. I might post it. Look for the thread in the 550 section if I do. Since I do all my own work the cost of the belts is $60-100/belt depending on source. I decided to rebuild my waterpump while I had the car apart and with OEM Ferrari parts it cost under $200 to rebuild it and then only special tool I used was a H frame 10 ton press because I am lazy and a toaster oven. I did decide to change my 2 tensioner bearings and those were about 200 a piece. The cheapest car I ever raced was the 348. It is way cheaper than my Z06 racecar. And fixing these things is great fun.

 

But he doesn't own a Ferrari

 

That's Ferrari especial tool numero #29.

LOL!!!!

 

Peter Windsor would like his toaster oven back ... he needs the money.

 

How hard is it?

It's easy for me to play a piece by Thelonis Monk on the piano...

But then, I started taking lessons at age 4, have a degree in Piano Performance, have practiced tens of thousands of hours, have played thousands of gigs, and have all the tools and experience I need to do the job.

Having said that, you may be fully capable of doing the work...

Do you have the tools, experience, and training I need to do the above... without the tools, experience, and training, I may be able to accomplish playing the piece... but would I have done a good job or not? Would it have been performed properly?

Mike

 

Mike,

I'd have to disagree with you. Monk requires virtuosity, Ferrari requires precision and patience.

Then again, a mechanic who went out the night before, most likely won't do such a splendid job of your service, nor will an un-inspired musician.

In conclusion: I play some Monk and do my own Ferrari-servicing, not simultaneously, and enjoy both. Be patient, be precise, ask what you don't know. Make sure you have half decent tools and good light. DON"T BE IN A HURRY!

 

Good post, Jack...!

Funny... Monk requires precision and patience, as well.

(and a good light)



Mike

 

I am in process of doing belts on my 550. It would be the greatest favour if you kindly post step by step belt change process like you did for the water pump for 550 owners. thanks, Sark