TR belts/cam

I have an '85 Testarossa. A mechanic, who is very qualified, once told me that in his opinion, it is not always necessary to time the cams when doing the routine major service (belt change). I'm coming up on that service soon and wonder if anyone thinks that I might could save the dough and merely change out the belts, i.e. not go through with the laborious dialing in of the cams. Any experience with this? Are there any indications when cam timing is or isn't needed? Thanks.

 

The engine-out service on a Testarossa is a big job. After doing all the other work that is part of the service, timing the cams doesn't take very long at all. IF the car is running great before the timing belts are changed, you "PROBABLY" can just change the belts and tensioners and be fine - the big "IF" here is that if things do get slightly out of time for whatever reason, you will only find this out after the engine is back in the car and running. The only way to fix things would be to pull the motor back out again. Most times you can use the factory timing marks for reference and be okay, but it really does not take much more time to verify things with a degree wheel and indicator - so I would still do it. This is just my opinion though.

 

do it properly, it's hurts to pay once but twice kills.

 

Do it once, do it right.

 

YES, the only time and first time! Do it right! I have done this on other engines and using the factory timing marks is usually OK, and all you need to do. Sometimes it's off enough to make you wonder what mistake you made? I have found defective cam belts and parts man errors on the parts. The timing will change as parts wear. You can detect the wear with the degree wheel, because of the accuracy and your calibrations and workmanship, that you are working with.

Take your time, spend ($) what you have to, and do it right. Your conscience will be clear, and you will sleep better.

MERRY CHRISTMAS...Paolo

 

Find a new mechanic.

 

I bet this is how all those Ferrari's Dave Helms has been telling us about got started.

 

Setting cam timing can sometimes be a pain but when the engine's out of the car it's a piece of cake. I can't imagine skipping this step.

 

Look. Without getting rediculous or insulting, your trying to cut corners. The main reason for doing the service in the first place, is really only to change the belts. Your very qualified mechanic is either trying to figure out a way to get the cost down to get the job, or is a hack. Well, I guess if he is willing to take your money and only do half the job, he IS a hack. A highley qualified mechanic wouldnt think of doing this, and if an owner suggested it, a good mechanic would (or should) turn down the job.

To answer your question, the difference may not be noticeable. The cam marks are usually pretty close, and if aligned to the index registers the engine will run "okay". But you bought an exotic car with a Formula One race bred engine. Dont you want it to perform at its greatest potential? There is a 4 degree valve timing difference between the early US and Euro 308, and possibly 15 HP. Whether that actual power is real or not is beside the point, the point is, its possible 4 degrees could give you better power. 4 degees out of 720, on the small one inch cam shaft, is just a few thousands of an inch. One of the cams on one of my cars, when degree wheeled, has its index mark nearly an 1/8 inch off the register. Thats over 20 degrees! If I simply aligned the index marks it would lack its best available performance.

But really. Your car is worth more than both my 308's put together, and your mechanic is trying to figure out how to cut corners on service to save you some money? It shouldnt even be a question. Your goal should be to return the car to like new performance, and cleaning it all up to match. Anything less is about the same as doing nothing at all, because your leaving out steps that cant be done without pulling the engine out all over again.