Timing belt article

11250 Views 8 Replies 0 Participants Last post by David Feinberg, Jan 3, 2004

Discussion Starter · Dec 12, 2003

This appeared in [url="http://

This appeared in www.VeloceToday.com yesterday. Comments?
"Great article on the 308 cam belt replacement job. It is always important to get the word out about something that could lead to catastrophic results if not attended to. In fact, after more than a decade of having an unwritten rule of changing timing belts at least every 5 years, Ferrari recently revised its timing belt replacement cycle to 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. This requirement has also been incorporated in Ferrari's new certified pre-owned warranty program which was recently released. The new program requires authorized dealers to replace cam belts if they have to be done according to this new timetable within the next 6 months. Therefore, a 360 that is more than 30 months old since its initial sale has to have new cam belts in order for Ferrari to allow the authorized dealer to sell the car as a certified pre-owned with a warranty.
Sincerely,
Werner Pfister"

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Dec 14, 2003

Interesting!

It does make s

Interesting!

It does make sense in the context of>

>>Therefore, a 360 that is more than 30 months old since its initial sale has to have new cam belts in order for Ferrari to allow the authorized dealer to sell the car as a certified pre-owned with a warranty. <<

Make the car owner pay for servicing the car so Dealers can warranty a over retail used car sale. Makes very good business sense for Ferrari & the Dealers.

Regards, JRV

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 15, 2003

Yes JRV I see your point and a

Yes JRV I see your point and agree totally. The 30 month belt change rule should only apply to cars sold since the date this policy was adopted. Any cars sold prior to the policy date should have the costs absorbed by FNA and not the owners regarding the 30 month rule, provided the owner has maintained the vehicle to the standards set forth to him at the time of purchase. What a crock to have the rules change in the middle of the game.

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 15, 2003

JRV, David Feinberg and Others

JRV, David Feinberg and Others,

On 308's and Boxers, cars that are driven most weekends, but not beat to death, say 3,000 to 4,000 miles per year.

You know, the ones like a lot of us have.

What are your feelings on timing belt replacement.

I was thinking around every 6 years.

Any thoughts?

Drew

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 15, 2003

Drew:

If you use your car s

Drew:

If you use your car several times a month and do not let the car sit, then 6 years MAY not be a problem. However, I would still change my belts every 3-5 years depending on mileage. Make sure that you replace the tensioner bearings too.

Also, it is important to verify that the belts are in good shape and that oil has not leaked on to them. If oil should come into contact with the belts, change them ASAP. Oil and rubber do not mix.

Ken

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 15, 2003

I usually suggest a 5 year/ 30

I usually suggest a 5 year/ 30K interval with my customers. If they recently brought the vehicle and we are unsure of the authenticity of the previous shop's credential, then we may just do belts alone for peace of mind. Having said that, I have seen 3x8's for PPI with cambelts so worn or loose that I will not even drive them! Wonder how they got to that state! Others have had failures within a couple of years when they have opted to not do an "insurance" belt change. I simply suggest that you pay now or later, conventional thinking is for the 5/30.
The later 355/360 cars are better design and parts, I think we should see them on a similar schedule for timing belt service.
My $0.02
Brian

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 3, 2004

Hi Drew,

To answer your que

Hi Drew,

To answer your question pertaining the BB belt changes, I have changed mine after 5-7 years of use. Mileage has never been the issue, as I drive the car between 600-2000 miles a year, with some years being more like a few hundred miles. Every year I do check the belt tension to ensure that the adjustment has not changed...I have never been concerned with oil leaking on to the belts, as due to the design (orienation) of the cam pulleys, the minor oil seepage that develops over time does not end up on the belts. I worry more about the tensioner bearing failing (seizure) that I do the belts failing. This time around, I switched over the the alu pulleys...which accomplish two things. 1) Finer cam timing adjustments and 2) Eliminate the rust forming, as they did on the original pulleys...(Less belt wear)

With my semi-erratic driving schedule, I always find it prudent to allow the car to fast idle for a few moments, before driving....and wait sufficient time for the oil temperature to rise before really getting into it.

FWIW, I do find that an engine out service (on a carbed BB) to be a fairly simple ordeal...though a bit time consuming!

Regards,
David

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 3, 2004

Thanks David,

That's pr

Thanks David,

That's pretty much what I was thinking. My driving schedule is similar to yours. My belts and tensioner bearing were done 3 years ago so I'm Ok for now.

However, I have beeen following the posts and your pictures about pulling the engine to see if I can work up the courage to pull the engine in a few years to do the belts, etc. This one, however, may be a little over my head though.

It looks like the weather up in your part of the country has been relatively warm. Hope it has allowed you to get the car out.

Drew

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 3, 2004

Drew,

Yep, I remember the f

Drew,

Yep, I remember the first time I pulled the BB motor. As I wasn't quite sure the of best sequence of parts removal, it was a daunting task, for sure! A lift and a cherry picker with a fairly long boom are a necessity. I find the worst part of the job is getting the exhaust manifolds off!

I did take the car out Christmas morning...but that was the last driving day for awhile. It's time for the valve adjustment/head re-torque service (1200 miles of the new engine). Besides, it was a good opportunity to get the engine warm and drain the fluids. Also, I'm replacing all the rear suspension bushings...and shocks all the way around. I'll be posting some photos and dialog along the way.

Regards,
David

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