512BB engine out what next

I'm in the latter stages of preparing the engine of my 1978 512BB for removal, but with no clear plan as to what to do next. I'd be very grateful for some general advice on what should be done as a matter of course, and also some specific questions.

Prior to starting the project, she was running ok, albeit a bit rough, and with no obvious major defects other than a badly slipping clutch. Recorded mileage is a bit over 15,000. Service history is a bit sketchy, but I think it's been some time since she had a good one.

Specifically,

Which service tasks should definitely be done?

Should I remove the cylinder heads, and should I take the opportunity to prepare the valve seats for unleaded fuel?

Can I just disconnect the air-conditioning pipes or is there something nasty about the refrigerant? (sorry about my ignorance).

What is it like getting hold of things like gaskets and hoses?

Any suggestions on where to go for new manifolds?

Is there somone in the UK who can overhaul my webbers?

How the hell do I disconnect the water pipes from the front of the engine? If I cut the water pipes will I be able to replace them easily?

All suggestions gratefully received. No doubt more questions to come.

Thanks very much.

Hi Jeremy,

Welcome to Ferrari-Talk.

We have quite a knowledgable group of BB512 owners here so getting sound advice shoud be a snap.

For your Carbs, I recc. Simon Canbell for advice about the UK. For the exhaust either http://www.larinisystems.com/ or http://www.quicksilverexhausts.com/
both in the UK I believe.

On the AC, in this country it's supposed to be recovered as it's bad for the ozone. On the hoses, you loosen both clamps and slide them (forcibly if necc.) until they clear the pope lip. Since the engine comes back & out, this will give more room for clearance of the hoses.

SOP on a Boxer is all Belts, Tensioner Bearings, Seals, Gaskits, Water Pump Rebuild, Hoses, Filters, Head Torque, Valves Adjust, etc., etc., etc., until every single thing you can find to renew is done. If you had pre-checked Distrib operation you could have checked advance mechanism operation & condition for the need of a Distrib. rebuild while the other work is in progress. Worn Distrib Advance Mech's is common. On the carbs check the throttle shaft bearings for wear & or lack of grease, that causes leaks and poor idle. I would also remove the manifolds and clean the water jackets.

The valve seats are Stellite and don't need replacing for unleaded fuel imo. If you deciide to replace the seats or just renew the valves & guide seals, then by all mens replace the guides and seals and upgrade the exhaust valves to stainless.

Also a good idea to replace axle flange seals and even the shift rod seals as well as the shift rod bushing while it's out.

HTH's

Regards, JRV

Hi Jeremy

Welcome to Ferrari-Talk.

You will find a couple of long threads on the engine-out full service on the Boxer engines,and I'm sure that the guys concerned will be along shortly.

I'm a new Boxer owner myself, having bought a 365 in May 2003. I can certainly run through how to set up the carbs with you if you wish. Email me on simon@xmlondon.com or call me on 020 8201 0317 (home) or 020 7724 7228 (work, but only after 5th Jan 04 due to the holidays). For my sins I also run the Hertfordshire area group of the UK FOC, so I know a few other Boxer owners here in the UK. Where are you?

Good luck with the car and please do ask here if you need anything. This is, without doubt, the best board with the most number of Boxer owners on it in the World.

Simon
in NW London

Simon, Sorry I mispelled your name , I must have been speed typing, guess I need to slow down .

Agree we have a Great Bunch of Knowledgeable Boxer owners that don't mind helping out!

Happy Holidays!!

Regards, JRV

Thanks guys.

Simon, I'm in Cardiff. I was a member of the FOC for a while. I posted a similar question on the club forum but got no response so I gave up (this was some time ago). It's going to be a while before I'm ready to do any tuning but I'll probably be back with some more specific questions as the need arises. I'd certainly appreciate being in touch with other boxer owners so I might take you up on that.

Thanks again.