how to remove battery in 348

Hello, I have a 1991 Ferrari 348 with the battery in the back left corner of the engine compartment. I was going to take it in to have the fluids changed, but the battery is shot. I was hoping that someone could walk me threw this procedure so I could save the expense of towing the car in. Feel stupid because of all the posts about people doing their own engine outs, but I have to left thumbs when it comes to this. Thanks.

 

Remove the left rear wheel. Remove the rear part of the wheel well (3 or 4 phillips head screws). Disconnect the negative battery cable at the bullet connector by turning and pulling it apart. Remove the cables from the battery terminals. Remove the battery hold-down (10mm socket, I think). Remove the battery thru the wheel well. Have faith and confidence, you're probably smarter than the guy at Sears who does it.
I've taken it out the top before, but it's VERY awkward and I screwed up my back in the process. Also, if its a lead-acid battery, you could spill acid which would be a serious bummer.

 

Welcome to FerrariChat mate.

You can remove the battery two ways.

1st-Pull it out from the top.

2nd-Remove LHR wheel and remove it that way.

1st way takes some muscle, but can be done and will only take you 30 secs to do.

Thats the way I do it.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, I've been eyeing that through the top method, but darn that angle that it needs to come out and the grip strength to do it looks overwheming, I see alot of cussing going on.

 

EEEEE-yep! Pap's a young guy with a good back. I'm an old guy. I can do it sitting on my butt out the wheel well. I'm good at sitting on my butt.

 

Well, yes. Depends on how strong you are.

I can do it pretty easy, im a big boy.

 

And if your battery has a handle on top. Mine didn't, so I used a couple of lengths of twine snaked under the battery to pull it from the top. Having done it a couple of times that way (and the resulting bloody knuckles), I'm going with Plugzit's method here on out!

 

Remember the picture with Pap's thumb in it? LOL

They also sell those battery lifters that are like the old ice tongs (except with rubber pads) for about $12.00 USD. Remember even a lead acid battery for the F355 only weights about 50 pounds!

 

The old battery in my car didnt have any handles from memory.

The new one didnt have them either.

Still got it in easy! Pure power baby!

That was my brothers thumb.

 

When you go to buy a new battery it is most likely a AGM (absorbed gas mat) style battery and don't be surprised if you can't find it on the shelf of a local parts store, they can order it and turn the order around quick but it is a different battery than a standard acid type. They cost a little more also about $150-$175 dollars but worth it. The optima brand (or others) is another style it's a gel style battery and that may be in stock at the parts store.

 

I love my optima redtop! If you get one, use the adapters that comes with it to ensure that you have a solid installation. I can't offer any suggestions on how to get the darned thing out, I have a '94 with it in the left front. Still have to pull the wheel and remove the inner wheel well. I wish it were easier than that, i guess it doesn't need to be accessed that often.

Good luck!

 

I've removed the battery both ways and both are a pain. However, you can cure this once and for all by buying a much smaller battery. It will come in and out the top a heck of lot easier in the future!

 

I've been using an Odyssey 680 for a couple of year now. 1/2 the size, 25lbs lighter! You can really feel the difference in handling.

 

Isn't this a motorcycle battery?

 

I also have a '91 348 with a rear mounted battery. I have a group 58R battery, which is about 25% smaller. It comes out the top easy. The biggest struggle is getting the darn retaining bolt to thread - very little clearance. The smaller height helps it come out, but it is slightly wider, making the install of that bolt more difficult.

 

Mmmmm.....you could call it that. Heck, a 348 motor is only twice the size of a Harley

 

You've had success with this battery with no starting problems?

 

Hey if you only start your car a few times a year why not just use an Energizer?

 

Absolutely no problems. I drive the car regularly around town (a few times a week), so I start it often. Keep in mind that the climate isn't cold here.

 

I live just up the coast in Monterey and it doesn't get that cold here either. How did you fasten the battery down because the original size is a lot bigger? Did you make your own hold downs? Is it a gel cell? My battery is fine now but it's 5 years old and am getting nervous about it. When I googled for your battery, all the sites listed it as a motorcycle battery.

 

Optima is also an AGM type battery. So is the Odessey. I am using the Sears Platinum AGM which was the highest rated battery by Consumer Reports the past couple years. It is made by the same company that makes the Odessey AGM batteries. Size Group 34, 880 CCA! Not sure of the fit in a 348, but fits in the 355 no problem, even with the reversed terminals.

 

It's a gel cell, so it doesn't have to be upright. I have it mounted laying on its side. It's fastened in with a holddown I fabbed. Could use giant zip-ties or very long hoseclamp as well.

 

or even a bungee cord. Do they make those with the cavallino on them already?

 

Yes-part number 116969. $1328.45 from the dealer.

 

I think it should fit the 348 as well. it is a Grp 34 R isn't it?