New 308, need advice on what to include in major service | FerrariChat

New 308, need advice on what to include in major service

Discussion in '308/328' started by ztarum, Dec 5, 2009.

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  1. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    I just bought a Euro 308 GTB QV and will be taking delivery in the next week or so. It has 23,000 miles and was maintained/driven regularly until the late 1990's. Since then it has only been driven 3000 miles or so. The 15K service was done in 1988. Belts were last done in 2001 at 19,800 miles. The ignition was gone through recently with caps, rotor, and plugs replaced.

    The car runs very well currently, but the belts are getting pretty old so I've decided to change them to be safe. While I'm at it, what else should I consider doing? This will be a DIY job by the way. I've got some time off over the Holidays, so this should be a good project.

    Here's my list so far:
    timing belts and tensioners
    check valve clearance
    degree cams
    inspect/replace fuel lines

    Some of the things I'm not sure about:
    outer cam drive bearings - should these be done preemptively, or only if there is a problem?
    Water pump - it was replaced in 1999 at 19,250. I'm thinking of leaving it alone if there is no weeping or shaft play since it only has 4000 miles on it. Any thoughts?

    That's about it. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

    Zach
     
  2. blainewest

    blainewest Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2005
    729
    Kelowna, BC
    Full Name:
    Blaine W
    I would do water pump also unless you can get it off without removing the t-belt covers. That is the situation on my car as some previous owner has cut one of the t-belt covers such that I can replace the water pump without removing the cover.
     
  3. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
    2,150
    way north california
    Full Name:
    chris morse
    Were there any service records with the car?

    A few things that come to mind:
    Front wheel bearing pack, coolant hoses, thermostat, all fuel and emission hoses, flush out the brake hydraulics well. Oil, gear oil. alt and ac belts. cam seals. Maybe vacuum booster hose.

    Obvious stuff like brake pads, cv boots, any suspension bushings looking tired. Have a look at stuff like motor mounts, shift linkage, shock eye bushings, steering rack gaiters.

    Good luck,
    chris
     
  4. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

    Apr 3, 2005
    2,198
    Seattle, Washington
    Full Name:
    Cliff
    Zach, that'll all keep you plenty busy! To do a nice detailed and complete job of replacing the fuel lines for example is a day or two in itself for most DIY guys, particularly if you haven't worked on a 308 before. Setting the valve clearance can be a lengthy process to do it right also - sometimes the cams have to come out more than once (after the initial check of clearances and re-set).

    You might also give the electrics a look over - check the fuse box and clean all ground connections you can find. New ground strap on the engine is probably wise. If the fuse box is corroded then it might be a good move to go with one of Birdman's upgraded fuse boxes. I'd probably also flush the brake lines and change the coolant, along with replacing the gearbox oil with something of quality (redline, pick your favorite gbox oil). Most ferrari leather seats could use some rejuvination too - I use Lexol and it seems to work well. Perhaps also lubricate the window mechanism and all hinges and locks, and make sure the drain holes are open/clear.

    That's lots to keep anyone busy!
     
  5. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,320
    UK
    #5 Iain, Dec 5, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2009
    I wouldn't touch the water pump unless it looks like its leaking. Its not that difficult to come back & do later if you had to.

    Now you actually own it I also wouldn't start it again till you have changed the belts & bearings.

    If you are going as far as the valve clearances then consider the camshaft oil seals - but see if you can see in the service history when the valves were last checked & whether you really need to do them yet.

    Fuel lines is very sensible, the more you change the better (don't forget the braided lines that go to & from the FI metering head, the vapour lines, the two connectors in the tank link pipe underneath and the filler neck hose). You might have a look at some of the coolant lines as well since you will have it drained. Check all the breather hoses and the air lines surrounding FI system.

    It would be a good time to replace the fuel injectors - especially if you have the older steel ones. If you do this follow up with a session with a gas analyser to check the mixture setting (via the CO reading)

    New filters & spark plugs, change the transmission oil for some Redline, flush the cooling system.

    Change the flexible brake hoses & flush & change the brake fluid, adjust the handbrake & clutch.

    Check for things like leaking shift shaft seals. Change the tires if they are more than 5 years old. If you have metric wheels & are changing tires then consider swapping over to standard sizes (Superformance or QV in the UK sell 'em). Get the wheels balanced anyway.

    Clean/feed the leather, treat the paintwork as appropriate. - anything from wash & wax to paint correction depending on what condition its in.

    As you can see the list could be virtually never ending!

    Enjoy!

    I.
     
  6. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
    33,571
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Rich
    Post a pic of her!
     
  7. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    Pics in a week or two.

    I do have service history. I only mentioned the major engine related stuff that had been done. Fluids and filters are fresh. Brakes have been gone through with master and booster replaced. Spark plugs are new.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a good look at the fuse block, and the front wheel bearing repack sounds like a good idea as well.

    Tires are metric. Looking for a set of OEM 16" wheels to replace them with.
     
  8. Brian Harper

    Brian Harper F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 17, 2006
    4,078
    San Jose area
    Full Name:
    Brian Harper
    My water pump didn't appear to be leaking, but when I turned it by hand it felt just a little tiny bit stiff for the first 1/2 turn and then felt better. I almost didn't refurb it, but I was right there doing belts and stuff. The inboard bearing was totally rusty when I took it apart. So if if you suspect _anything_, do it with the belts. If not, let it go 'till later.

    +1 to both!
     
  9. jcinflorida

    jcinflorida Formula Junior

    Oct 24, 2009
    331
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    John
    Was this the 308 listed on eBay in Salem VA? Just wondering - it looked nice.
     
  10. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    No, not the ebay car.
     
  11. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    Based upon my (painful) experience, I'd replace the cam belt outer drive bearings. One of mine went bad, a month after I replaced the belts and tensioner bearings. Not pretty.
     
  12. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    Do you recall what the bearings cost? Looks like they are $291 each from Ricambi. That seems like a lot. I wonder why they are so much.

    Looks like it will be about $800 to do them including needed parts and tools. I'm not sure I can justify it unless I can find the bearing for a more reasonable price.
     
  13. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    #13 FF8929, Dec 6, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2009

    You'll find Dennis McCann (allferrariparts.com) much cheaper. I bought those bearings from him, last July, for $38.00 ea! He's much cheaper on most parts, and ships fast. Am I "shilling" for him? Yes. Do I get anything out of it? No.
     
  14. ztarum

    ztarum Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,302
    South Jersey, USA
    Looks like they are $180 now. Better than $290, but a lot more than $38.
     

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