I know this is discussed at length about major services but I had a couple of questions regarding the process. Do you have to do a valve adjustment on these cars. I have a 1995 348 Spider. My mechanic isn't including a valve adjustment. Not sure if I should ask him to do it. The car has 23,xxx miles. I understand all majors' are not created equal. Also, Will I notice any improved performance after the major? I have read some posts that claim the car drives faster. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for your input.
In my opinion, dropping the engine to replace the belts/tensioner bearings and not checking the valve adjustment is ridiculous. I'm guessing he's also going to install fresh belts and not measure/set the camshaft timing? If you're simply getting some parts changed and nothing adjusted/corrected you'll notice no difference at all. If your valve adjustment and cam timing is off and they're corrected you should notice some improvement. If they're all off significantly you'll notice a great improvement. Make sure you know what you're paying for.
I am doing the same service for my 1995 348 Spider Get the Hill Engineering Bearings--get it from Daniel at Ricambi
I thought that was odd he wasn't going to adjust the valves. Im sure they can use an adjustment? I'll make sure they are done with the major. Thank for the info. Much appreciated.
That's the weird thing about it. He does a lot of challenge cars, 355,360, & 430's. Not sure why he didn't mention the valves.
Valve adjustments have to be carried out at 20.000 km intervals. I.e at 20.000-40.000-60.000 etc. See the instruction manual. My 348 goes in for a major next week for changing the timing belt (50.000 km) among other things. I was already warned for the 60.000 km major, when the valves have to be adjusted. This service interval will cost major $$$$. wijnand
I would at least check the valve clearance ... At 27Kmiles, my 348 challenge needed 12 new valve shims
The valve shimming is part of the normal service, so I would think the mechanic is going to so this without even mentioning it. If not, find someone else, or casually remind him that they should be checked. Those little thin plates get hammered thinnner and thinner as time goes on so they do need to be "adjusted" periodically. BTW, adjustment means they just swap the old ones around and add new ones where they have to to get the spacing right. Not a big deal, just a little bit of time.
Except that if you have more than a couple to swap, it is much easier to remove the cams, change the shims, and then install the cams again,. That also means you should replace the seals, do the cam timing, etc. Then it is a bigger project.
My mechanic did valve adjustment on my 348 during last month major at 24400 miles and found 2 valves (exhausts) to be added .05, pretty minor I think.
