hard to start my 308 GT4

Could easily be an intermittant ignition switch.

To rule it out - 1975 & later GT4s have a relay in the lower right corner (Q) which is also energized by the same ignition switch wire which feeds the starter solenoid. If you have that relay and it is energized every time the key is placed in 'start' position, then it's not the ignition switch. Assuming you have the relay, when the starter doesn't fire, leave the key switch in the start position for 30-60 seconds and feel for heat in that relay or listen and feel for it to click while going to 'start'.

Purpose of that 'ignition' relay is to provide full +12v to both coils. Best alternative to the 60 seconds for heat test would have someone reading the coil voltage (red wire) to see if it goes to full voltage in start and then drops to +8V when key goes to 'run' position. Having the MSD complicates things somewhat as I'm not familiar with how they are wired.

Otherwise it's likely to be the starter solenoid, best accessed from the underside. There are quite a few posts about starter R&R.

__________________________
http://www.FerrariDiagrams.com

 

I had this same problem with my GT4 a couple years ago. The problem was a loose wire on the starter itself. I ruled out a bad ignition switch too. The starter is difficult to access, best to get the car on a lift or up on jackstands and jacks.

Good luck!

JIM

 

A lot of years passed between yours and mine, but in my 87 mondial the starter is behind the alternator. Passenger side, I remove the wheel and wheel well, crawl in there and look toward the drivers side, it's down low.

 

A search should show threads with pictures, maybe for a non GT4 308. Just search starter removal. Also you could see if the exploded diagram on Ricambi give you direction. I'd start here, someone may have tips or tricks that will be invaluable.

 

The starter end gear engages with the flywheel which is on the left side so remove that wheel well cover and establish the imaginary plane of the flywheel which is covered but obvious. Since you have a new starter, look for a grease covered similarly shaped part in the lower vicinity mounted with it's end at the plane of the flywheel.

 

here is your starter together with the solenoid (no 1)
look for the heat shield (6) which might "hide" the starter assembly
lower left, you see the alternator (16)

hope this helps

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Hey Rick
You need to download the service and parts manuals from my site. They are invaluable for figuring out where and how things are assembled.

My GT4 suffered from similar issues, it was a bad connection in the frame end of the ground on the battery (item 42 in above diagram). The wire would wiggle inside the crimped fitting. Bad grounds will also affect starter. How good is the ground strap from engine to frame (when standing at rear of car this is from right rear of transmission to the frame, a flat strap.

Gerrit
http://dino308gt4.com

Have you hugged your car today?

 

Rick


Take a look the the drawing above. The starter is conveniently hidden at front of engine between the block and the front header. Personally I would

1. Put the car on stands
2. Disconnect battery!!
2a. Remove both rear wheels and fender wells
3. remove alternator
4. Remove starter, this is NOT fun as the shield is held on by the header nuts. It will come out where the alternator was.

The starter bolts to the casting where the clutch is. (when peering through LH wheel well, it is on LH side of casting.)

Gerrit

 

if you already have not done so, check/replace the battery ground cable. mine was really corroded to the frame. i also replaced the engine gnd strap to the frame. and clean those contact surfaces before installing new cables. this made a world of difference in my 308 as far as lights, windows, guages and starting...

 

If you remove the alternator and reach past where the alternator used to be, keep going to the opposite side of the engine, from passenger to drivers, and your hand will run into the starter. It's tucked in there so you can't see it or get it out. It's designed that way.

 

Hi Rick
you have to open a space to get the starter physically out of its hiding spot, thus the removal of the alternator. Your alternative is removing the header which I can say from experience is not an easy task.

I'll try to find a pic of the location but in the end, the best/only way to find it is to put the car on stands and look up with a good light. You will not see it from the drivers side wheel well, but you could feel it from there between headers and block.

Gerrit

 

No drilling, from the bottom and sides only.

Seriously, buy some good stands, you have a solid frame to put them under. Don't use concrete or wood, not predictable when they will split.

I never liked being under my Alfa or Golf or Passat, no real frame. Loved being under the Ferrari though. Plus easy to hug it from underneath

Gerrit
http://dino308gt4.com

Have you hugged your car today?