Have you done a "major service" yourself?

There are many many threads on F-Chat about major services and what tools are required to perform this. If you use the search function, you'll find enough information to keep you busy reading for weeks.

 

I did. I needed a few deep well 1/2" drive sockets to get the alternator loose and getting the AC bracket off was a huge PITA, but other than that it was pretty straight forward.

 

It is pretty streight forward the hardest part will be valves but if you are good with a micrometer and feeler guages no problem belts are not hard at all access through wheel well get a manual

 

I did mine this past winter. I'll run through my notes to see if anything interesting jumps out at me. The most important tools are the correct size sockets (36mm for the crank shaft bolt...to turn engine) and a good torque wrench. Let me check my notes...

 

Planning on a full 30K major taking you 3-4 weekends the first time you do one, assuming you have an experienced person coaching you.

It can be done in 2-3 very busy days, but that assumes a professional level of experience with that 308 model, no surprises like corroded fasteners, leaky waterpumps, etc. No 'while we're in there...', no cleaning & polishing, etc. Seldom happens that way in practice.

You'll find most of the majors by searching the current Tech Q&A, and the old Ferrari chat for 'cam belts' & 'replace'. Unfortunately, you'll also find all of the 'why don't they make belts that last longer threads'.

 

I spent about 3 weeks of prep work. Then, my good friend / previous owner & I spent 2 very long days & nights doing all of the belt / gasket / bearing replacement work, and then I spent another week putting all of the tid-bits back together.

 

It depends on if you want to pay the $2500- $3000 for the service by a dealer or good mechanic. I think the carb cars are easier then the FI's but when I did mine it wasn't a big deal just took a lot of time but with the winters here I couldn't drive it anyway so it was no big deal.

 

It really helps to have someone who has done it before walk you through it. But honestly, it's not that bad. Having a lift makes the job WAY easier though.

Birdman

 

OMG I would kill for a lift right now.

 

Don't forget to add extra time for the goofing off and Bull S***ing.

 

I have to say, I was surprised how inexpensive lifts really are. I got mine used for $2000 from a local dealer. They often take in trade-ins when shops upgrade to larger and newer lifts. Mine is a Mohawk, premium U.S. made brand. They delivered, unloaded and installed it for another $500--so for $2500 it was installed and running. All I had to do was hook up the power. For the serious car nut, it's a very reasonable price to be able to save your back, speed up repairs, etc. Every major city has at least one or more shop equipment dealers and they will almost certainly have trade-in units that are cheap and work fine.

Birdman