Mondial Cambelt Replacement Instructions

I have been contemplating on doing my own Major Service but don't have the guts to as of yet. However, I have been researching the topic of Cambelt replacement for a while, and just wanted to share that BirdmanFerrari seem to have the best well documented process to do this.

Thanks to people on this forum and Birdman for these Mondial Cambelt Replacement Instructions for Mondial (8/QV/3.2), the t is a bit different layout and will need an engine out: http://www.birdmanferrari.com/service/timing_belt/timing_belt_procedure.htm

I may or may not do it myself, have to consult some experts first but it really does not seem that hard. Does anyone who has done it themselves have any lessons learned or advice you can share? I do realize there are lots of disclaimers on this topic, do at your own risk and I am not pushing for doing it yourself, just wanted to document it in case I or others decide to do it ourselves and understand what goes into the process.
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Thanks for the words of encouragements and offers to help out from all.
(davebdave) if I decide to tackle this myself, I'll be sure to ping you or Luca for some help since you guys are close by. Willing to work for free beer ? LoL btw, Dave, your garage looks like a proper little Italian Shop, right down to the hanging Fiat muffler!

I don't have a lift but don't think I will need one if I don't need to take the engine out. It should be straight forward, if I go step by step! Luca did tell me he did the whole thing himself on his 308. Let me do some parts pricing and tools needed for a cost/benefit analysis (utilizing my MBA) on whether its a DIY project. more to come...

thanks,
Mike

 

This is a great write up I found that lays it all out, I plan to do the full 30k service as illustrated below on my 3.2:

Recommended Ferrari Scheduled Maintenance & Services
Timing Belts
If your Ferrari was built since 1974, it is likely equipped with timing belts to operate the engine’s valves. Ferrari has issued specific instructions regarding the periodic replacement of these belts to avoid engine damage. This is because Ferrari engines are “interference engines”, meaning that if the valves were to become “out-of-time” due to a drive belt failure, insufficient clearance exists between the open valves and the pistons to avoid
mechanical contact. In simple terms, this means that if a timing belt fails, the pistons will strike the valves, bending them and also inflicting damage to the piston crowns.

To avoid this possibility, the periodic replacement of these belts is strongly recommended. Initially, published replacement intervals were based solely on mileage. Later, these recommendations were revised to include a time interval as well. This change was the result of incidences where belts had failed on vehicles with minimal mileage, but significant age. A Ferrari is typically used for pleasure driving and not daily transport. Consequently, infrequent use introduces an age issue with the belts. As belts age, dry-out, or become subjected to oil leaks, their performance is compromised. As stated earlier, should a belt fail due to these problems, severe engine damage will result.

The typical failure mode of a timing belt is sheared “teeth”, which then cause the associated camshafts to become incorrectly timed. This means valves are open at the wrong time, when a piston is reaching the top of its travel. Ultimately the pistons strike the openvalves bending them. Repair to the engine at this stage involves replacement of the valves, and possibly valve guides and pistons. The belt failure event is extremely quick during engine operation, and therefore no corrective action such as stopping the engine can be performed in time to prevent the damage. Furthermore, the compromised belt “teeth” are usually impossible to detect during preventative maintenance inspections. As a result, the recommendation to periodically replace timing belts is used.

Schedule Maintenance
In addition to the timing belt issue, a Ferrari like any other car should undergo a routine maintenance program. However unlike other cars, a Ferrari is an ultra high-performance vehicle and its typical use may
include track events or “spirited” driving. In either case, all components and systems should be at peak performance. Brake fluid is an excellent example, as it deteriorates with age and can lead to “fade” or loss of braking efficiency if not replaced on a regular basis. In addition, old brake fluid is corrosive and can lead to damage within the brake calipers and metal lines of the system if not regularly replaced. As parts for a Ferrari are rather expensive, routine maintenance is an effective alternative to replacement of expensive or difficult to obtain components. Ferrari Owner’s Manuals contain an excellent chart to indicate what services need to be performed and at what intervals. Owner’s should familiarize themselves with these charts and follow the Factory’s recommendations religiously to ensure their Ferrari is always at peak performance and to ensure a long service life for all components.


Scheduled Maintenance Recommendations & Intervals for Ferrari
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Annual:
Flush brake system and replace fluid
Engine oil & filter(s) changed


Every 2 years:
Cooling system drain, flush, and refill


15,000 Mile Service:
Change gearbox & differential fluids
Adjust valve clearances
Engine oil & filter(s) changed
Camshaft timing belt(s) inspected, or replace at 3-5 years
Replace air filter

Accessory drive belts inspected & adjusted
Inspect ignition system wires, rotors, caps, plug extenders
Inspect brake system pipes, calipers, hoses, pads, rotors
Inspect brake and clutch fluid reservoirs and levels
Inspect suspension arms and bushings
Inspect drive shafts and steering rack boots
Inspect and clean battery terminals and connections
Inspect / service air conditioning system
Check suspension geometry
Lubricate door, boot, bonnet, engine lid hinges and locks / cables
Check headlamp aiming
Check cylinder head nut torque

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30,000 Mile Service:
Change gearbox & differential fluids
Adjust valve clearances
Replace accessory drive belts
Engine oil & filter(s) changed
Camshaft timing belt(s) inspected, or replaced at 3-5 years
Replace air filter
Replace fuel filter(s)
Replace spark plugs
Lubricate door, boot, bonnet, engine lid hinges and locks / cables

Inspect fuel injection system lines and connections
Inspect & test ignition system wires, rotors, caps, plug extenders
Inspect brake system pipes, calipers, hoses, pads, rotors
Inspect brake and clutch fluid reservoirs and levels
Inspect suspension arms and bushings
Inspect drive shafts and steering rack boots
Inspect and clean battery terminals and connections
Inspect / service air conditioning system
Inspect starter motor and alternator as well as connections
Check cylinder head nut torque
Check suspension geometry
Check headlamp aiming

Full Major Service kits available from Ricambi America as pictured.
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Any chance you can share some pics since you are working on it now (adamae82)?
Especially the tools that will be needed? Thanks, Mike

 

Say it isn't so, how Sweet Dave ! ...a prehistoric Mondial Cabrio, LoL
...don't ask me how I spotted that, blame it on my kids and their silly I Spy this and that books, a.k.a. where is Waldo? !!!
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Hey Ted, thought you were in Europe? Thanks for the offer on the lift at your place, but Chicago is to windy for me... Will give a shout next time I'm there. So do you have a clear end date on when you are getting your car back yet?

 

Thanks man, sounds like you are doing a R134a conversion from R12 for the AC.
I have to do that on mine as well. See, it never ends...

 

DAVE, that is hysterical buddy! LMAO....

 

Wow, this is great adamae82. I'm compiling my list of parts and tools to see how much its gonna cost me vs. pay a shop I know that can do a major for $2500, + the price for water pump and new Tensioner Bearings.
Being a weekend garage guy, I would not mind going thru the experience and learning a few things, so I'm not ruling out the DIY task yet. Thanks again.

 

The Shop is BCC Automotives in Bethesda.
What happen was I called "Flemings Ultimate Garage" asking about Ferrari service last year, they referred me to BCC as they take their exotics to get maintenance there.

I called BCC for a Major service quote on my 88 3.2, he said ~$2500 no engine out. I was going to ask for a detail major service list of items before I decide. They seem decent, but I have not had time to drive up there to check out the shop, but the guy got good reviews. Not alot of Ferrari people know them so its good for me, they won't keep my car for months with overbooking! Oops, I may have just let the cat outta da bag!

BCC Automotive, Inc. in Bethesda, MD

http://www.bccautomotive.com/FerrariCarMaintenance.html
Expert Car maintenance on These Ferraris:
250 GTO,
Dino 246 GT & GTS,
Mondial,
P4/5 by Pininfarina,
F355 Spyder,
360 Madena,
458 Italia models

 

Just wish you were close by to help out PV Dirk, I can pay you in beer, kabobs, and lots of Asian noodle soups ! LoL