Need opinions on a leak | FerrariChat

Need opinions on a leak

Discussion in '348/355' started by captglen, Apr 19, 2011.

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  1. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,790
    West Palm Beach, Fl
    Full Name:
    Glenn L.
    Thanks for looking, I have a friend who seems to have a clutch issue but I wanted to get some thoughts on what you think it could be.
    Please read below and let me know what you think:
    Thanks,
    Guys

    Car has had major service, engine out, i.e. timing belt, cam seals etc performed twice.
    I purchased 11/09 w/ 15,280 miles. Have complete maintenance records and no clutch work has ever been done.
    Since purchase, I noticed a few drops periodically under clutch perforated inspection plate....did not pay much attention.
    During storage this winter I did not see any drops....GREAT just what I always wanted a self-healing Ferrari.
    Clutch / Brake Fluid reservoir always full and I never had to add any.
    When I started the car a few day ago and was letting it warm up I noticed a spinning, whirring sound coming from the rear.
    When I press the clutch in, the noise stops....release clutch and I can hear the noise again. Noise changes pitch w/ engine RPMs.
    So I checked the transaxle fluid and it was very low...barely on dipstick.
    I removed magnetic drain plug and had about 3 quarts in transaxle. Drained fluid through nylon sock and no metal chunks whatsoever or anything of any significance on magnet. Refilled transaxle.
    Drove car approximately 1/2 mile, parked car in garage and looked underneath and saw approx 2 - 3 shot glasses of the new clean 75W90 oil on floor.
    From what I saw happen I think it could be a seal bad as when I drove it the oil splashed inside transaxle for lubrication ( as it should ) and must be leaking out the rear.
    Now that the car has been parked again, the leaking has stopped.

    My question(s):

    What seal(s) would be bad that would allow the 75W90 gear oil to leak through the perforated inspection plate after driving?
    I assume the spinning / whirring noise that changes pitch with the engine RPMs when the clutch is let out is the Throw out Bearing and will need to be replaced
    Also,
    What additional clutch maintenance should be performed at this time: clutch, seals, flywheel re-packed, flywheel re-surfaced....

    Any input for a 348 novice would be GREATLY appreciated.
     
  2. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,234
    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    Triple seals are ****ed mate. :):)
     
  3. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

    Jun 18, 2008
    2,793
    Henderson, NV
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    Roberto Bellezza
    I say the triple seals too
     
  4. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,789
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    Glen - is your colleague certain it is gear oil and not clutch/brake fluid?

    Have your friend go through this thread...it has all the seals (including the triple seals) in the clutch area that I replaced, with diagrams and part #'s...also have him consult with Daniel at Ricambi, Daniel will give him the list of seals that he will need.

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296614

    Regardless of whatever we think the problem is, he will have to tear the clutch apart to determine the issue.
     
  5. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 19, 2001
    22,620
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    Ata boy Mikey!

    Good lookin out.
     
  6. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    Mike
    Thanks Ernie - I learned from the best ;)
     
  7. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,234
    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    Thankyou, thankyou. :):)

    *Pap takes a bow* :eek::eek:

    Oh, WAIT! :cool::cool:
     
  8. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    Mike
    LOL!!
     
  9. Chris Honeywell

    Chris Honeywell Karting

    Nov 11, 2007
    98
    Trowbridge UK
    Full Name:
    Chris Honeywell
    Get the clutch housing off and have a look at the clutch flange there should be a small hole in the bottom of it , when the seal behind it goes bad oil drips through that hole,

    this happened to mine i assumed it was the triple seals but i was not the case in the end.
     
  10. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
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    Nov 25, 2007
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    Glenn L.
    #10 captglen, Apr 20, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2011
    Thanks for the great info, He says he thinks its the Trans fluid as he checked it when it was low, refillied it and it started to drip again and the fluid looks the same as what he filled it with. I guess the only way he will know is if he pulls it. I will keep everyone posted on what he finds. You guys are the best, but you all know that already
     
  11. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    #11 AceMaster, Apr 20, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    That would be this unit in pic # 1

    In pic # 2, we are looking at the back of the unit, and the red arrow is pointing to the seal that Chris Honeywell is referring to. It is approx $35, mine was in great shape but I replaced it anyways because I had everything apart.

    Pic # 3, the red arrow is pointing to the weep-hole where fluid leaks through when a seal goes bad, however I am not qualified to assert whether said fluid that leaks is gear oil or brake/clutch fluid.

    --
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  12. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Hahahahaaaa!!!

    Ah Pap ol' boy, it's too bad you don't live on this side of the pond. The goofing off we would do.
     
  13. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

    Feb 18, 2009
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    Todd Cannon
    Good going Mike! You tell them how it is done. ;) You have learned well grasshopper. :D
     
  14. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Lol...thanks...but all the credit goes to the Master Stooges who showed me the way :)
     
  15. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    Pap
    Lol, would be AWESOME! :D:D
     
  16. fibonacci

    fibonacci Rookie

    Sep 30, 2009
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    Indiana
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    Steve
    #16 fibonacci, Apr 23, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Greetings all,

    My name is Steve and I'm the friend of Captglen's that needed the advice on the 348 clutch.

    First and foremost I have to say all you guys in this Brotherhood are unbelieveably FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!

    Prior to me tearing into this issue I had read and re-read and re-read AceMaster's, Ernie's, PaP348's and everyone elses detailed threads and contributions on this issue and because of the photographed step by step detail I sorta felt I knew what I was getting into before the first wrench turn.
    I was right, this job went very well....Even though I just ordered the parts and don't have them from Daniel yet it should go back together with no problems.

    I will attempt to attach some photos ( excuse the first time ) of the findings but I ultimately found the seal inside of the Bearing Flange had a significant chunk missing which I feel was the cause of the leak.

    I know I did not need all of this but, to avoid tearing into it again any time soon, I have ordered a new Hill Engineering TO Bearing ( due to the whirring sound and stiff turning) and matching Flange, Clutch and Pressure Plate and all associated seals and O-rings.

    All the previous threads made this reapir possible and I could not have done it without eveyone's input.

    I want to thank everyone, especially captglen (BTW love the exhaust and cats!)
    who originally posted my issue for me.

    As I said earlier, this Brotherhood is FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Steve
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  17. fibonacci

    fibonacci Rookie

    Sep 30, 2009
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    Indiana
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    Steve
    One more question.

    Pic 1 is of my clutch ( Single disc type - 1992 348ts)

    Pic 2 is of AceMasters ( Single disc type???)

    If both are singler disc....why the difference?

    Differnt styles, vendors?

    I thought only Valeo made the OEM single disc type?

    Thanks
     
  18. fibonacci

    fibonacci Rookie

    Sep 30, 2009
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    Steve
    #18 fibonacci, Apr 23, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    One more question....One more time

    Pic 1 is of my clutch ( Single disc type - 1992 348ts)

    Pic 2 is of AceMasters ( Single disc type???)

    If both are singler disc....why the difference?

    Differnt styles, vendors?

    I thought only Valeo made the OEM single disc type?

    Thanks
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  19. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    Steve, I see that you have been a member for a few years now but welcome anyways and good job so far....and you are right, the Brotherhood rocks;) Without their guidance/assistance I wouldn't have been able to do my repair either. It was a frightful yet exciting experience for me, and ultimately a rewarding one, but I learned a lot and look back at it as a bonding experience between myself and my 348. :):)

    Steve, so was it actually gear/brake fluid as opposed to gear oil as you originally assessed?

    You are a VERY wise man for this decision, for obvious reasons :)

    My sentiments exactly when I went through mine.

    Again, +1 and in every different language worldwide :D


    I too notice the difference, but I am not sure why.
     
  20. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

    Feb 18, 2009
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    Todd Cannon
    Congrats on getting in there and finding the problem. ;) Like Mike said, welcome to the Brotherhood! This is a great group of guys that are willing to share their knowledge and give you support when you need help. Great stuff. :)
     
  21. Chris Honeywell

    Chris Honeywell Karting

    Nov 11, 2007
    98
    Trowbridge UK
    Full Name:
    Chris Honeywell
    Great glad you found the issue BTW my weeping seal had a very similar chunk missing as well..

    Good choice on the Hills bearing though:)
     
  22. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,620
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    The Bad Guy
    #22 ernie, Apr 23, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2011
    ATA boy Steve!

    Glad to know you got greasy.

    Yeah the 348 Brotherhood sure does kick ass, don't it. While you are at it, take pleanty of pics and post them up. They'll help out the next brother in need.
     
  23. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
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    Nov 25, 2007
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    West Palm Beach, Fl
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    Glenn L.
    Steve,
    Glad to hear you found the issue , Were you correct on which oil was leaking ?
    Now go drive the Viper so you'll be itching for the 348 when she is back up
    The Brothers are awsome !!
     
  24. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,234
    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    Either different suppliers at the time or somone has changed theirs over the years. :):)
     
  25. fibonacci

    fibonacci Rookie

    Sep 30, 2009
    22
    Indiana
    Full Name:
    Steve
    Yes it was 75w90 gear oil thatb was leaking as the shared breake / clutch reservoir was always full until now when I removed the slave cylinder o-ring.

    Can't wait to get the parts so I can get this 348 back on the road!!!

    Yes, I was forced to drive the Viper this weekend which does make me itch for sound and handling of the stallion.
     

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