Inspecting timing belts (Testarossa) | FerrariChat

Inspecting timing belts (Testarossa)

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Threeofnine, Aug 27, 2023.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    385
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    I put my Testarossa on my quickjack the other day and noticed a build up of oil at the front of the engine, right side.

    I cannot identify where it’s coming from but I suspect it is coming from the valve cover. My right valve cover does have a small leak, despite having the gasket replaced just under two years ago. The leak isn’t severe enough to leave drops on my garage floor and I only discovered it by chance.

    My worry is over the possibility that oil is getting on the timing belt. Is there a way to visually inspect the belts without removing the cover? It seems like I read in a previous thread there is a way to do it but I cannot locate that thread.
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  2. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
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    Wade Williams
    It is unlikely the oil is getting to the timing belt. Having done this job for a couple decades now, I have only seen one oil soaked belt failure at the Testarossa was leaking like a ruptured oil tanker and it still took many years for the belt to fail.
    If it is not making it to the ground it is a pretty small leak. I would not worry about it, but you can keep an eye on the floor in case it gets a lot worse.
     
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  3. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    385
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    Thank you Wade, I appreciate that. Are you at Merlin by chance? If so I believe I spoke to you on the phone a couple months ago regarding the differential issue.
     
  4. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

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    Wade Williams
    I am at Merlin. I believe I did speak to you about a diff issue.
     
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  5. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    385
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    I assume Merlin turned me down for having my own part (differential). A bit off topic, what’s your opinion of the Mondial 3.2, reliability wise? I have the opportunity to purchase one at a very attractive price. Don’t they basically have the same power train as the 328?
     
  6. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
    1,205
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    Wade Williams
    Yes, it has the same drive train as a 328. Like all Ferraris it all depends on the history. I am not referring to the paper documentation, I am talking about the actual hands on work. Was the work performed by someone that knew the cars? Was it performed at a level that keeps the integrity of the car at a high level? If you have a car with good maintenance through the years, you will have a car that car be reliable going forward. The Mondial does have its own odd bits. The console and its functions are always fun. The clock and odometer are another odd bit. As far as reliable, it is similar to a 328. Engine and drive train are very reliable. The extra gadgets can be bothersome.
     
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  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    The location of that oil leak suggest its very possibly from the front crank seal. A leak from the front crank seal has been directly responsible for belt failures on TRs and in fact a regular on Fchat had a belt break for exactly that reason. I'd be finding a way to inspect the belts. Its not very hard.
     
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  8. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    385
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    Is there a way to do so without removal of the plastic cover? Perhaps by using a borescope?
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    There are some places to see it from underneath.
    That spot it is collecting is where coolant collects when the water pump is leaking. so the source of the oil is more in the middle. Valve cover gasket leaks are fairly common but never run back towards the middle. That oil leak would concern me.
     
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  10. Veedub00

    Veedub00 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2006
    5,056
    Troy, Michigan
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    James
    You might be able to unscrew the back cover pieces small 8mm socket? And see in with a scope. They are just plastic pieces.
     
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  11. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    385
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    Thanks Brian. I will get it back on the quickjack and find a way to inspect it.
     

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