How mechanically intense is the major service on a 348?

Your looking in the aera of about $4500 for the belt service. But this does not include the price of the wtaer pump ($640 approx) or the tensioner bearings (about another $1200) The engine must be dropped out of the car for this service. Don't forget that hoses and such should be replaced if they are questionable and this will add to the total cost. Clutch inspection should be cariied out at this time.

 

well said.

 

It's too long only because of the low miles during those years. If the car was actually being driven, it would likely be a different story. Those belts are probably as dry as white toast.

 

Well here is the deal. I will have to agree with what the others said. Even though the belt was done only a few thousand miles ago, the car hasn't been driven. So you will need to have the timing belt changed. If you are thinking of tackling the engine out major yourself, it can be done. It isn't that hard of a job, but it does take some time. If you work on the weekends and at least one hour a day, minimum, on the car, you could have it done in a week or two. If you look through the archives there is plenty of info on doing the service yourself. Also I don't think you will need to replace the bearings as they don't have many miles on them. So you may be able to just get away with only changing the timing belt. But that depends on the condition of the bearings. If the paper work shows that the tentioner bearings and water pump were changed the last time, you'll be fine with just changing the belt. I don't really think you will need to do the full major, unless they did the bear minimum to it. As others have said you will want to change the cooling hoses. For those you can just go to a parts store and have them match up the hoses you need. If you take it to a shop be careful not to have them spook you into getting work done that really isn't needed. For example, the valve adjustment and cam seals. If the paper work shows those being done, and you aren't having any signs of leaks, then your good to go. But at a minimum change the timing belt, and maybe the bearing. One last thing, if all you need is the timing belt changed, that is a two day job, three at the max.

 

Do you have the VIN for the white one? There is a white 348 that I have been following that is not as advertized - does it have a blue interior and fresh respray including roof?

 

Yup thats pretty much it, don't forget to check the condition of the tentioner and idler bearing, replace IF needed. Are you planning to do the work yourself?

As for painting the targa top, don't listen to them. I had mine painted the same color as the body. The top is no big deal, it's nothing but molded fiberglass. So you can sand down the texture, and then paint right over it for a smooth finish. I didn't like the look of the black top, that and it was a pain to keep clean. I like the look of the car way better now.

 

$2700 is a lot of money to give away. Have you tried making a claim w/ extended warranty co? All I can say is good luck.

Why not keep the $2700 & use it for the major now?

 

I prefer the analogy to Anna Kornakova (wearing a white tennis dress with a black thong underneath). Welcome to the club. The belt life described to me by the dealer I purchased from was 5-7 years and/or every 15000 miles.
Take it from there!
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