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VERY ANNOYING!!!

Discussion in '308/328' started by akimmel, Dec 9, 2009.

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  1. akimmel

    akimmel Karting

    Aug 13, 2009
    189
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Art Kimmel
    #1 akimmel, Dec 9, 2009
    I purchased a relatively expensive special Ferrari Head Nut Wrench from a "reputable" supplier only to find out that the height of the 15mm box end will not allow it to clear the top of the middle three nuts on the inside row of each 308QV head. The alternatives are to return said wrench at a 33% restocking fee or grind the wrench - possible removing the temper - to where it will probably break.
    I have it by good authority that this problem is common so I am asking all of you if you know of a wrench source that really fits. I am withholding the name of my wrench source until they have enough time/opportunity to withdraw the restocking fee for a custom tool that does not work. If they insist on charging I will post their name to prevent any of you following in my footsteps.
    Thanks
    Art
     
  2. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 22, 2002
    1,881
    NOLA/Covington
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    Wade
    #2 308nut, Dec 9, 2009


    I bought a head wrench from Baum, and had the same problem, I just ground the box end down some and it worked fine. Annoying yes but it worked and never broke. I have since made my own wrenches by bending and welding a Craftsman wrench and have used it many times. $120 for the custom wrench or $8 for one at sears with some customizing

    Wade
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Dec 9, 2009
    Wade,

    Can you post a picture of your "customized" Craftsman wrench when you have a chance?? I suspect I'll be needing to do a little customizing when I get into my 328 project this winter.

    Thanks,
    Steve
     
  4. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,448
    Winston Salem, NC
    #4 Ricambi America, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2009
    Art -

    Did you purchase 95971393 ? I have not heard of this issue before -- but sometimes customers don't necessarily call to advise of such problems.

    On a brighter note... I might have some super pro-strength ones from "my secret agent in London" in the coming year.
     
  5. akimmel

    akimmel Karting

    Aug 13, 2009
    189
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Art Kimmel
    #5 akimmel, Dec 9, 2009
    I did not buy the 95971393 Racambi part. A reply to my original post has mentioned my supplier's name - Baum. They insist that their specifications are correct. My wrench measures just over 11mm thick. I called Baum and they measured 11.3mm. The 95971393 from Racambi looks thinner so I fired off a message requesting their dimension.
    I'm not set up with a grinder or welding rig (blue wrench) so I am interested in getting the correct tool.
    I wouldn't mind so much if it was not referred to as a custom tool for this application with a price to match.
    Art
     
  6. speedy

    speedy Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
    625
    Plano, TX
    Full Name:
    James Gardner
    #6 speedy, Dec 9, 2009
    That's too bad, Art. Hopefully you can solve your problem with Baum withouth too much trouble.
     
  7. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 26, 2006
    3,664
    New England
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    David Feinberg
    #7 fastradio, Dec 9, 2009
    This tool is the real deal..that I have been using for about 25 years. It is an OEM Ferrari tool made by USAG. As the head of my tool is tapered; at it's thickest point it measures 10.34mm...and at its thinest point 8.84mm. Even with this thickness, I still will have trouble from time to time on the front bank of the QVs getting this wrench over the nut.

    So..if your tool is 11mm thick, likely you'll not be able to get on certain head nuts...as the castings "flash" seem to vary engine to engine.

    David
     
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,091
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #8 Rifledriver, Dec 9, 2009
    Modification of even the factory tool is required but that is pretty standard for them. Welcome to the world of Ferrari.

    Careful grinding will not harm the tool in any way.
     
  9. akimmel

    akimmel Karting

    Aug 13, 2009
    189
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Art Kimmel
    #9 akimmel, Dec 9, 2009
    Thanks so much David - I was looking for some confirmation that the Racambi 95971393 tool was a better fit. I'll get it ordered and submit to the Baum restocking fee. Again I really aprreciate the help.
    Art
     
  10. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
    Moderator

    Oct 1, 2008
    40,012
    Huntsville, AL., USA
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    Andrew
    #10 NeuroBeaker, Dec 9, 2009
    I'd order the tool from Ricambi, but I wouldn't submit to a Baum restocking fee. The tool is "not fit for purpose" and your consumer rights should protect you on this one. Normally, that phrase is somewhat loosely applied by various consumers who want to return items but in this specific case it's absolutely spot on.

    They said the tool would fit, it doesn't, and it should be refunded as a defective item.

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  11. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 22, 2002
    1,881
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    Wade
    #11 308nut, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017


    Here is the tool I made, I have been using it for about 3 years and no problems.

    This is a generic 3/8 drive 6" extension, with a Craftsman box end wrench, both cut and welded together for a perfect fit.



    Wade
    www.308qvregister.com
    www.sportclassiccomp.com
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  12. Helmut

    Helmut Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2004
    640
    #12 Helmut, Dec 9, 2009
    I bought 5 of the Baum tools and had the same problem with one of them not fitting, I never tried to return it so I never had the "customer service" issue instead I was looking all over to find the right size tool. Eventually I decided to grind it down and it worked fine.

    I am always amazed being a business owner myself how some companies get away with ridiculous "restocking fees" or whatever other names they come up with for being rude basically. I suppose its basically a rental fee as they would possibly have people buy the tool use it and return it but there should be some common sense applied to such rules and regulations.

    Helmut
     
  13. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
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    Fred Flynn
    #13 FF8929, Dec 9, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. tf308

    tf308 Formula 3

    Dec 14, 2003
    1,168
    Virginia Beach
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    Tim
    #14 tf308, Dec 9, 2009
    Mine did the same thing from Baum.

    Forward the Bastar$%s this thread!!!!!
     
  15. mustardfj40

    mustardfj40 Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2004
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    Ken
    #15 mustardfj40, Dec 9, 2009
    120 bucks for that??? Wow!
     
  16. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2005
    3,497
    #16 the_stig, Dec 9, 2009
    Somebody should change the thread title to make it easier to find for those who come along later. You know, something like "Baum head wrench doesn't fit worth spit" or similar.
     
  17. ramosel

    ramosel Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2004
    1,237
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    R Moseley
    #17 ramosel, Dec 9, 2009
    Good point!!!

    We all need to be more "correct" in our thread titles so as to make them more useful in the future!!
     
  18. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    #18 FF8929, Dec 9, 2009
    Addendum: I bought my head nut wrench from "Zdmak.com, for $46 bucks. As I said, "I still had to grind it", but for $60. less.
     
  19. spang308

    spang308 Formula Junior

    Jul 17, 2004
    893
    York, PA
    #19 spang308, Dec 9, 2009
    Me too. $45 delivered and whoever I spoke to on the phone was very helpful.

    Spang
     
  20. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
    6,689
    North shore, MA
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    THE Birdman
    #20 Birdman, Dec 9, 2009
    I've never bought the cylinder head wrench from Baum, but I have several of their Ferrari-specific ring nut sockets. They are exceptionally well made and fit perfect, for what its worth.
     
  21. akimmel

    akimmel Karting

    Aug 13, 2009
    189
    Dallas, TX
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    Art Kimmel
    #21 akimmel, Dec 9, 2009
    I will agree - along with the head wrench I bought a ring nut socket. Exceptional product! Not trying to bash Baum - just make it known that they have an issue with one of their tools in spite of their claim that there has never been a problem.
     
  22. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    Apr 26, 2006
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    David Feinberg
    #22 fastradio, Dec 10, 2009
    Art,

    Thank you, my pleasure.

    I have many, many "Factory-supplied" tools...and what Brian said is frequently true. Just part of the charm, I suspect.

    Way back when I started working on Ferrari's, we ordered the special wrench required (from FNA) to torque the engine case halfs on a BB/TR. The tool fit so badly that we had to grind approximately 5mm of material off the end of the wrench just to clear the case casting....

    I do have a few Baum tools, as well...although their primarily for BMW's. No fittment problems, as I recall.

    Best,
    David
     
  23. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 22, 2002
    1,881
    NOLA/Covington
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    Wade
    #23 308nut, Dec 10, 2009
    Same here, have several of the ring nut sockets and they are exceptional.



    Wade
    www.308qvregister.com
    www.sportclassiccomp.com
     
  24. akimmel

    akimmel Karting

    Aug 13, 2009
    189
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Art Kimmel
    #24 akimmel, Dec 15, 2009
    The OEM Ferrari tool made by USAG, which I purchased from Racambi, WORKS!
    As for the other supplier, I will continue to ask for a full refund.
    Thanks for your inputs on this thread.
    Art
     

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