All, In hopes that this can help our group, finally brought my car into the Exotic service center in Naples, FL. Below was the description of my challenges presented to F1 (created a long thread before). 1999 355 F1 Spider 1. Shifting problems: Symptoms: a. When shifting with the paddles, the clutch does not always engage when cold. The RPMs would go higher and then suddenly drop when the clutch engages with a thud. Sometimes, it works fine, when fully warmed up but until then, it does not and it seems to be getting progressively worse. One other note, when warmed up, stopped at a light, I take my foot off the brake; the clutch seems to already be pushing the car forward, not always but sometimes. Not sure if that is normal. I have also looked under the car and see some grease in the Bellhousing access cover or vent. b. Have twice been stuck when neither the paddle nor the Automatic would go into gear. I can hear the actuator thumping when holding the paddle (Up, down and reverse) but it would not go into gear. Car would cool off and I would push the car and eventually get a gear. Another other symptom I think may be related, I also hear a frame clunk when making a left turn at speed. Similar to a transmission or engine mount failure noise. c. Some work has been done on the F1 system, electric motor was replaced Part number: 404.380.12V 21.502. That was replaced when I lost the ability to select any gear. No actuator engagement. Believe it is not causing any issues but wanted you to know. Verdict: - Engine Mounts needed - Clutch at 40 % life - Triple seals may be leaking, May need throw out bearing and flywheel seal. Will know shortly as the clutch cover is separated. Also getting a set of Pirelli P-Zero's installed. First set of Pirelli's I have had. Thanks to all that helped. Boaf
