Im almost as excited as I was when I bought my 348. Major just finished and im going to pick her up tomorrow from Pocono Sportscars. Will post up some photos. Sorted a few other small issues during the major as well. Cannot wait......!!! Mobilized reply by David
Ha! Ill feel ive earned them I post up a few more tips. Need to post up the kevlar seat fix. Mobilized reply by David
Wow, I guess this means I will get my wings when my 348 goes in for it's first major hopefully soon. I have been waiting patiently for the 348 in front of me to get out of the shop but they are having a hard time sourcing a water pump seal kit so I wait with baited breath. I have only had my F car since late Feb. but enjoying every day with it.
Hey Dave, congrats on getting your car all fixed up. Not sure what your route is...you've got a heck of a long trip... anyway, if you're doing I-95 instead of back roads, and you have time to kill, check out the Simeone Museum. It's right by the Philly airport, and if you've never been there, the collection will knock your socks off. If you decide to go, PM me, I might be free to show you around. We could have a 348 drag race in the back parking lot....well, maybe not that...
David How much time and mileage since the last major and what condition were the belt and tensioners in. That information would be helpful. Mel
The shop I mentioned is a pro in the area. He is trying to get me in but can't get several other cars out because of backordered parts they need. I do enjoy working on my cars but at this point I want this done by someone that has a lot of experience with these cars. I do have a lift and plan to do routine maintenance because it is such an interesting machine. This list is so great and I have been absorbing all the great info over the past two months.
Paul, thanks... actually straight up 81 for me. Took about 3.5 hours. It's good to have her home although a few more things came up.
Mel, Roughly 5 years and about 20,000 miles. The last major they had used Hill bearings and tensioners and honestly in my layman's opinion they looked pretty good. Same for the water pump -- but replaced it anyhow. The belt looked pretty good too although you could tell it was on the car for some time. No cracks or breaks or anything like that. They also found my oil radiator fan was running all the time so they replaced a fuse and also a switch for it. Fixed my screw up of overtightening the gear oil drain plug by putting in a timesert and new dipstick I sourced from the UK. Now the bad news... she idles like crap. Day before and yesterday when they test drove her.. she purred. Today.. not so much. All the codes are pointing to bad O2 Sensors. However, before the major there were no issues. From my recollection of the history, the car doesn't show when they were replaced... so maybe it's time.. coincidence sure sucks though. So I'm sourcing them tonight and will install them on Monday Tuesday. I will say.. other than at idle.. the car runs like a champ... maybe it's placebo.. but she seems to pull a bit harder. They also changed my gear oil from Redline LW Shockproof (yellow) to Royal Purple.. .and thus far.. I have to say I'm pleased. Jim and the folks at Pocono Sportcars did a great job. Super nice and upfront about everything. His knowledge of the Speciale is immense since he helped put them together when they came over here. Get this *&^% O2 issue resolved and I'm good for another 3-5 years. Hopefully that sorts her out.
I drove her for a long time yesterday... one other thing I noticed... I may have had a bearing starting to make some noise... and/or the belt. I don't hear what I would describe as the belt noise I heard before the major. So I'm guessing that would be one of the bearings. Maybe the water pump. So that leads me to think it was probably overdue for the belt change.
