Do you work yourself on your Ferrari/Lambo ?
Discussion
That is a question I have always wanted to ask Ferrari & Lamborghini owners : do you work on it yourself or do you bring it to the dealer for any given minor work (e.g. : oil change) ?
I can understand some work such as belts or clutch removal can require some 'specialist' skills but I only ask about basic work here.
I can understand some work such as belts or clutch removal can require some 'specialist' skills but I only ask about basic work here.
I do most stuff myself (e.g. regular servicing, electrical repairs, suspension, brakes etc) but chicken out when it comes to the likes of cambelts, tappets (shimmed), head gasket (in on Monday) and setting up the 4 carbs (tried once, failed miserably).
But there again, I've probably got one of the "simpler" (relative term) cars ....
But there again, I've probably got one of the "simpler" (relative term) cars ....
dave_s13 said:out the need for saving a few quid on DIY maintenance.
Actually I was thinking in terms of pleasure of working on one's car, not in terms of saving money.
I find interesting to work on mine and I believe it is an important part of the pleasure provided by owning a car : looking at how it is inside and take care of it myself.
I am just wondering if (some) Ferrari owners happen to think of it that way as well.
>> Edited by Thom on Thursday 10th April 12:07
Nev308
Head gasket??
I've never known one single GENUINE failure since I started working on 308's in 1987.
Have known several poor diagnoses of thermostat failure, water pump, radiator core blockages and if there's milky sludge in your oil it's probably just lack of sufficent running at a proper temperature. If the engine has been badly overheated for any of these reasons the heads can crack...then you've got problems.
It's possible the heads have not been suffiently tightened when rebuilt, or they may need a post rebuild pull down, but it's usually unnecessary and would indicate poor workmanship in the beginning.
I'd query the diagnosis and get a second opinion before wasting your money.
On the thread topic, there's loads of really satisfying jobs the average guy can do at home. Forums like this or ferrarichat on yahoo etc are good places for tips before you get stuck.
Head gasket??
I've never known one single GENUINE failure since I started working on 308's in 1987.
Have known several poor diagnoses of thermostat failure, water pump, radiator core blockages and if there's milky sludge in your oil it's probably just lack of sufficent running at a proper temperature. If the engine has been badly overheated for any of these reasons the heads can crack...then you've got problems.
It's possible the heads have not been suffiently tightened when rebuilt, or they may need a post rebuild pull down, but it's usually unnecessary and would indicate poor workmanship in the beginning.
I'd query the diagnosis and get a second opinion before wasting your money.
On the thread topic, there's loads of really satisfying jobs the average guy can do at home. Forums like this or ferrarichat on yahoo etc are good places for tips before you get stuck.
360N-GT .... I've no problems with the running at all (she runs like a dream actually) but the last time she was in at Shiltech (Loughborough) I asked them to investigate a small oil leak that I was having. Nothing much, just a drop or two per day.
They had a look, and said that the oil was coming from the headgasket on the forward bank. They said it wasn't urgent and could live for quite some while like that (it's leaked a tiny bit ever since I've had the car, in that spot) .... but I'm a perfectionist and like things spot on ! MY cars dont leak !
Also, it might concievably get worse with time, or if I ever take her abroad somewhere really hot ...
They had a look, and said that the oil was coming from the headgasket on the forward bank. They said it wasn't urgent and could live for quite some while like that (it's leaked a tiny bit ever since I've had the car, in that spot) .... but I'm a perfectionist and like things spot on ! MY cars dont leak !
Also, it might concievably get worse with time, or if I ever take her abroad somewhere really hot ...
Actually I was thinking in terms of pleasure of working on one's car, not in terms of saving money.
I find interesting to work on mine and I believe it is an important part of the pleasure provided by owning a car : looking at how it is inside and take care of it myself.
I am just wondering if (some) Ferrari owners happen to think of it that way as well.
I find my older (1975) Ferrari as rewarding to work on as it is to drive. My neighbours are certainly impressed that I do my own work
Although I haven't got the facilities for major works, I do minor things myself. I find it a lot easier to work on than modern cars, there so much less electrical stuff to deal with!
Fair enough Nev, but if it were my money I'd still just do a head retorque. I had the same problem on a 512BB once and that fixed it.
Good luck anyway, while the heads are off...If your car is not a QV, make sure you take the opportunity to replace the exhaust valves for non sodium filled ones. The valve heads can fall off at any time without any warning or visble sign even when examined.
Fit some aftermarket stainless ones available from many specialists.
Good luck anyway, while the heads are off...If your car is not a QV, make sure you take the opportunity to replace the exhaust valves for non sodium filled ones. The valve heads can fall off at any time without any warning or visble sign even when examined.
Fit some aftermarket stainless ones available from many specialists.
Have just spoken with a specialist. Apparently the 308 heads are known for being slightly thin in one or two key places where they bolt up, and frequently crack when attempts are made to retorque them on old head gaskets. Apparently the risk is so high, this guy wouldn't do it, even if I asked him to ...
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