Too little use spells trouble??

All,

I am considering purchasing a 2000 360 manual with very low miles. The current owner used the car so little that the throwout bearing is sticking (my understanding is that this is due to a lack of lubrication that would normally be applied to bearings through use.) The dealership will address the throwout bearing as part of the deal.

But the fact of the known problem due to lack of use begs the question: What else on the car can/will go bad if it is not used with any regularity? I have certainly heard of seals drying out if not periodically bathed in oil. Should that be a concern on a 2000 360? About what else should I be concered?

Also, has anyone out there signed up for Ferrari's "Power" extended warrantee? Is anyone willing to share opinions about and experience with the program?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

 

What is low miles? I don't think that alone should be an issue, but that's only speculation on my part.

Mine is a 2000 6 speed which had 4,331 miles in February of this year when I purchased it, and it had been in Sausi arabia for 1.5 years!

Lubrication is certainly important but I doubt non-use would have affected the T/O bearing but again it's speculation on my part. I would think they are permanently sealed.

From what Rifledriver has told me, the 360 is a very reliable car, and so far that has proved itself to me. However, much of your reliability concerns would be well addressed directly to him.

As to extended warranties, I stay away from them. It's my understanding (at least in the electronics field) that there is a hefty sales commission up front, which can leave little $ in the policy that can actually go to the warranty protection. Then there is the issue of policy exclusions. So, it becomes a catch 22!

I would weigh the insurance cost against possible future expenses. The model is reliable, and maybe this is a good reference point.

 

GCrlo,

Thank you for your quick reply. The recorded mileage on the car is 2600. Service records indicate it was kept current with oil changes.

I'll look up Rifledriver and pick his brain on the subject of limited-use problems.

How many miles have you put on your car since February? Have you had any service issues with it? What were you driving before the 360 and how have you liked your Ferrari experience, so far?

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Whatever issues you may (or may not) have will be worth it given that you can drive it as much as you want and never worry about resale mileage. I would be happy with a car with few miles myself.

 

I have put about 600 miles. No major issues and it is very enjoyable. I did put all new Michelin PS 2's, and they are fabulous tires.

The clutch needs to be replaced, because prior owner was an older person who did not do well with a 6 speed! They are paying for the clutch replacement.

It is a fabulous car.

Not enough space here for all my prior cars. I do have a 2003 M-B CL500, 2002 M-B C320, and a 2006 BMW 530i. Recently sold a beautiful M-B SL500.

Have had a Dino before 30 years ago that I never should have sold.

I am looking at a few additional cars now to replace the SL500-348 or 355 spiders.

That's it for me. Go enjoy the car you mentioned.

 

As long as the car checks out and you give it regular exercise then things should be great. Cars really need to be exercised.

 

The Ferrari Power Warranty is a good deal because before they put it into operation they must do a series of updates/replacements to 'known issues' with the relevant year/model.

It's not an insurance policy underwritten by an insurance company, but is done by Ferrari themselves.

Well that's the way it is done over here in Europe, and I would assume it's the same stateside.

 

I am also looking for a 360 spider and low miles scare me. I recently saw a 2001 6-sp with very low mileage with the options and color I wanted. I noticed in the dealer's add that the belt service had just been done(about 1.5 years late) and clutch service also. Called the dealer, wtf with the clutch with less 2k miles. " Bad throwout bearing secondary to deteriorated seals from not being driven. " If dried out seals are the cause of the clutch problem what about the other seals? Ferrari extended warranty doen't seals.

Anyone else have similar situation?

Steve

 

That doesn't sound quite right to me. Lack of use usually doesn't affect the T/O bearing or make it stick to anything. If the clutch disc gets wet (such as steam cleaning the motor and then letting it sit), then the pressure plate pushing against the disc can sometimes fuse it to the flywheel. However, due to the design of the T/O bear and sleeve and what it does, it shouldn't get stuck due to lack of lubrication. In most cases, a T/O bearing doesn't need any lubrication (you'd have to double check the ferrari one, however, since I'm speaking in general terms).

On the 2000 models, they did have some transmission issues if I remember correctly. There was an update for the starter ring on the 99 and 2000's if I recall correctly.

Incidentally, just the other day I was at my friend's ferrari shop and they had a 2000 360 in there. They were replacing the T/O bearing sleeve, starter ring, pressure plate, etc. Something about the 6 speed manual vs. the F1 transmission and the T/O bearing sleeve not having something in there (sorry I don't have more accurate). I didn't quite get what it was, but it appeared to be a little slot and the arm which moves in it can over extend (I believe the F1 has a stop, whereas the 6 speed manual doesn't - not sure). Once that arm pops out, then the sleeve moves too far and the springs pop off the T/O bearing/sleeve (or something). On the car I saw, the springs had fallen down where that little vent plate is (on the bottom of the gear box) and then the flywheel and pressure plate assembly had been torn up around the edges because the assembly kept hitting the springs down there and everything was bouncing around being smashed.

It wasn't pretty, but didn't do any major damage that couldn't be repair. Just a lot of nicks and scaring. When I swing by the shop again, I'll try to get further details on what exactly caused the whole issue.

Anyway, you might want to check on your car to see if the issue is something to do with that sleeve and lever thing - since on the one I saw, it had damaged the sleeve (I think) where the T/O bearing mounts.

Also, keep in mind that the average throw out bearing is built like a tank. You would be hard pressed to mess one up and unless something breaks on the pressure plate, the T/O bearing itself rarely does anything wrong as far as sticking, breaking, etc.

Does the car have problems shifting and/or are you unable to get it into/out of gear when you push the clutch in? What exactly happens when you try to drive/shift?

Ray

 

I have a 2001 360 I bought in January with 4600 miles and my f1 doesn't

engage as quick as it should. I had it adjusted with the computer as much as

it would and FCF said the throwout bearings seals had dried up with lack of

use. If I want it to work right I will need to replace the seals and while I am

at it I might as well replace the clutch(20% wear). Jamesw