Just a guy with some wrenches- 2nd timing belt change | FerrariChat
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Just a guy with some wrenches- 2nd timing belt change

Discussion in '308/328' started by Fairview, Jan 18, 2016.

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  1. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

    Mar 16, 2009
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    Jeff Ward
    #1 Fairview, Jan 18, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Greetings All,

    I've been missing the timing belt threads, so I figure I'll do my own!

    It has been five years since I changed the timing belts on my 308, so now it is time to have a second shot at it.

    The first time I was scared to death, what with it being my first Ferrari, and it seemed to take forever as I was replacing belts, hoses, seals, spark plugs, brakes, AC components, wheel bearings, etc.. This time around, I'm actually looking forward to it.

    I have stolen a digital timer from our kitchen, so I'm going to keep track of how long this takes for a "normal" Ferrari owner.

    Best regards, Jeff

    p.s. a belated Merry Christmas to all, as we all know a thread is worthless without pictures!
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  2. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

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    #2 mike996, Jan 18, 2016
    Jeff - they have these things now called "cell phones" that have all sorts of apps, including stop watches so there is no need to steal your wife's kitchen timer! :)

    Seriously - it will be interesting to see how long it takes when you are only changing timing belts, not doing other stuff at the same time.
     
  3. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #3 miketuason, Jan 18, 2016
    Whatever you do, now that you have a timer, don't feel under time pressure. Please don't race against time. Take your time, one step at a time and do it right.
     
  4. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #4 Glassman, Jan 18, 2016
    The first time I did my belts only I was 50 years old. I did the whole job in about 8 hours.
    The second time I was about 57 years old. I did the whole job in about 8 hours.
    The latest time I was 63 year old. I did the whole job in total in about 48 hours and I hurt like ****ing hell. The car is still on jack stands since Thanksgiving. Good luck.
     
  5. Mike Florio

    Mike Florio Formula Junior

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    #5 Mike Florio, Jan 18, 2016
    Ha! I'm 69 and doing an engine-out sodium extraction and valve job. Been at it for a year and a half. Old guys move slow. Got the intake manifolds on today.
     
  6. URAS

    URAS Formula Junior

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    #6 URAS, Jan 18, 2016
    it is highly recommended 'while you are in there' you should change the dingle bearings as only takes an hour. you can take the hour off the gross time.
     
  7. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #7 Glassman, Jan 18, 2016
    So in my case that would equate to about 16 hours????????
    And......pain?
     
  8. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
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    #8 johnk..., Jan 19, 2016
    Oh that's BS. I'm 2 month short of 69 and the last time I changed the belts it tool about 12 hours. It didn't hurt my body at all; it hurt my wallet. :)
     
  9. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

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    #9 Fairview, Jan 19, 2016
    Thanks, but I installed the high performance dingle bearings last time so I am sure they are good for another five years. :)
     
  10. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

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    #10 Fairview, Jan 19, 2016
    Thanks Glassman. I just turned 60, so using your records, I expect a time of more than 8 hours but less than 48 hours, with light to moderate pain, and the 308 still on jack stands by the next major holiday.
     
  11. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 PAP 348, Jan 19, 2016
    Have fun, looking forward to seeing more pics.
     
  12. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

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    #12 ducowti, Jan 19, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2016
    What Mike said. Be methodical, and live the mantra 'it takes what it'll take.'

    I decided to put QA1s on my 328 4 days before a moving truck and transport arrived. In the middle of a move / loading my house into a 30ft trailer I thought it a good idea to begin this operation. My haste = 1 misplaced 4" cadmium plated bolt for which I had to overnight a replacement :rolleyes:

    And, I nearly put Verell's 'paperweights' in the wrong end! :eek:

    .
     
  13. Crallscars

    Crallscars F1 Rookie

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    #13 Crallscars, Jan 19, 2016
    Take your time, and don't make a mess of it.

    I am 63, I did the rear belt, probably not in record time, then I got cocky doing the front belt, it went very quickly, I couldn't believe how quickly it went, everything fell into place.

    I was about to start buttoning things up when I remembered to put my socket on the crank and test for tension. The next thing I knew all the marks didn't line up, I reset everything, and now have a valve/valves striking a piston.

    I have lots of work ahead of me, Hopefully my absolutely wonderful & talented brother can help me sort this one out in the near future.
     
  14. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #14 yelcab, Jan 19, 2016
    Pack it up and send it to Austin...
     
  15. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #15 Glassman, Jan 19, 2016
    The most terrifying moment for any DIY is starting the car. I had to take a Valium before I had the balls to hit start.
     
  16. qedqeq

    qedqeq Formula Junior

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    #16 qedqeq, Jan 21, 2016
    Sorry Guys, Have to ask,

    What is a dingle bearing?

    Regards
     
  17. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3

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    #17 Saabguy, Jan 21, 2016
    .. about $60 if you go with the yellow horsey box, $ 35 from your FLAPS.
     
  18. Crallscars

    Crallscars F1 Rookie

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    #18 Crallscars, Jan 21, 2016
    It's not just the price of the Dingle bearing that breaks you, it's the Dongle, the inverted hardware, Cross T fittings and calibration software.
     
  19. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

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    #19 Martin308GTB, Jan 21, 2016
    A timer is the worst thing to have while trying to perform quality work.
    Workshops have it and they have time schedules. We all know the results.

    Best Regards
    Martin
     
  20. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

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    #20 Fairview, Jan 21, 2016
    Hi Martin,

    I'm not racing against the clock. I just want to see how long it takes a regular owner to do a timing belt change. I can tell already that having done this once before is a big help, even though it was 5 years ago.

    At this point, I have clocked in 1 hour and 4 minutes. I've gotten my 308 on the lift (mid-rise), removed the wheel, wheel well liner, the rear timing belt cover, and have drained the coolant completely.

    Also, I can already plainly see the rear dingle bearing, which appears to be in good shape:)

    Best regards, Jeff
     
  21. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

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    #21 Bell Bloke, Jan 22, 2016
  22. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

    Mar 16, 2009
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    Jeff Ward
    #22 Fairview, Jan 31, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    This is going quicker than I expected. Three hours and forty three minutes and the timing belts are out and I'm ready to reassemble.

    I didn't rush and this time includes having a couple cups of coffee, and a half hour getting the cam locks in place.

    The tool requirement is minimal: 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 19 mm sockets and wrenches, and a screwdriver for the hose clamps. I do have a mid-rise lift which really is a help, and 36 mm socket is helpful but not necessary to turn the engine to TDC.

    Best to all. Jeff
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  23. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #23 Glassman, Jan 31, 2016
    Hopefully you will be at about 8 hours which is correct at far as I know for someone under the age of 60.
    You save lots of time if your not removing the flywheel viewing plate and the plugs.
     
  24. Fairview

    Fairview Formula 3

    Mar 16, 2009
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    Jeff Ward
    #24 Fairview, Jul 10, 2016
    When I started this thread several months ago, I thought I could demonstrate how quickly and efficiently the timing belts can be changed. I thought 8 to 10 hours over a couple weekends should do it. Reality turned out to be six months and 25 hours!

    Everything was going great and I was ready to reinstall the timing belt covers, but then I couldn't resist pulling the cam covers to check the valve clearances and verify that the cams were still timed correctly. All that meant the engine lid, the air cleaner, air pump, distributors, etc. had to be removed. Gaskets had to be ordered, a valve was .002" too loose so a shim had to be shipped in. And what a great time to clean everything, change the oil and antifreeze- and flush the brake fluid, and install a new battery, and service the air conditioner.

    And then I got sidetracked with our old Piper Cub......

    So yesterday I finished the 308 timing belt project and it lit right up... I still have to put the engine lid back on, and I need to tinker with the carbs before the air cleaner goes on....

    What I have learned is the 8 hour timing belt change is possible, but not likely!

    Best regards, Jeff
     
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