355 engine out

[red_slr]

My engine is coming out for belts in a few weeks. Is there anything else I should look at / inspect whilst its out?

I am going to do the plugs at the same time. Other than that anything?

[ANOpax]

I’m no mechanical expert on the F355 but having owned one, I believe that an inspection of the manifolds for cracks should be high on your list.

A valve guide wear check is going to require a compression test and/or head removal so I suspect you either have the problem or you don’t and you’ll know about it - irrespective of whether the engine is coming out or not.

[F355GTS]

Simon check the fuel tank hoses also the various coolant/ Aircon flexible connections.

[red_slr]

Cheers Ano / Mark. I will be going down to inspect it myself once its out, I have no doubt the gents doing the work will have a little list too, but just wanted an idea for myself.

[FezSpider]

Engine mounts, they go soft and crack living under the manifolds.
Also check the throttle cable were it joins the throttle bodys for any fraying .
Then once the engine is back in, check that the water hose clamps are positioned correctly under the fuel hoses. It does not matter how experienced the service centre is, check it. Also check that the fuel hoses are correctly tightened and not over tightened that may cause the distribution block to crack. The most common thing about 355s that catching fire is that they have not long been out from a major service.
Here one of my videos indicating the potential jubilee clip/ fuel hose problem..
https://youtu.be/4wXPvzvHrEs

Edited by FezSpider on Monday 10th February 19:35

[red_slr]

Thanks very helpful.

[larrylamb11]

Its worth inspecting the catalytic converters, looking for any deterioration in the matrix. Catching a failing cat early can save a big future bill!

[F1Sean]

The water pump needed replacement (due to excessive play) during my recent engine out service. Worth checking as it's an engine out job to change it anyway (should the need arise in, say, a year or so).

[FezSpider]

F1Sean said:

The water pump needed replacement (due to excessive play) during my recent engine out service. Worth checking as it's an engine out job to change it anyway (should the need arise in, say, a year or so).

Correct about checking the water pump.
However they can be changed without removing the engine. But yes, check it while the lumps out.

[R36vw]

Fuel pipes, pirtek make these up at a fraction of ferrari money. Check these carefully, theyre prone to hairline cracking on the nut. Oil pipes and coolant pipes will no doubt have started to perish, unless theyve been replaced. Waterpump. They do fail and need checking.
Key is do what you think will not last until next time.

[red_slr]

Thanks great info. Will be making a list!

[Caddyshack]

Would whoever you trust to take the engine out not know exactly what to check and change? If not I would personally find someone who does given the value of the car and cost of a rebuild....don’t mean to be chippy, I just try to use people who know the cars inside out.

[F1Sean]

FezSpider said:

However they can be changed without removing the engine.

Didn't realise - I guess I misunderstood, but would assume that it's far harder to do whilst the lump is in place.

[red_slr]

Caddyshack said:

Would whoever you trust to take the engine out not know exactly what to check and change? If not I would personally find someone who does given the value of the car and cost of a rebuild....don’t mean to be chippy, I just try to use people who know the cars inside out.

Yeah, its more for me and just for fun really...

[Caddyshack]

red_slr said:

Caddyshack said:

Would whoever you trust to take the engine out not know exactly what to check and change? If not I would personally find someone who does given the value of the car and cost of a rebuild....don’t mean to be chippy, I just try to use people who know the cars inside out.

Yeah, its more for me and just for fun really...

Gotcha.

I have done many engine out jobs, 355 should be no different but I think I would still use a pro myself.

[FezSpider]

F1Sean said:

Didn't realise - I guess I misunderstood, but would assume that it's far harder to do whilst the lump is in place.

It's just a case of draining the fuel tank and dropping it. Along with the gear selector rod if a manual.
Its standard practice if it's only a water pump change. Which is great if your a customer, far cheaper option. A few hundred quid in labour v a couple of grand for an engine removal.
Water pumps can go at any time, even a few months after an engine out. Some are just bad. I had one go bad about 8 years back in very short order after an engine out.
Once I got the replacement pump, it was done in about 6 hours.

Edited by FezSpider on Thursday 13th February 19:11

[red_slr]

Caddyshack said:

red_slr said:

Caddyshack said:

Would whoever you trust to take the engine out not know exactly what to check and change? If not I would personally find someone who does given the value of the car and cost of a rebuild....don’t mean to be chippy, I just try to use people who know the cars inside out.

Yeah, its more for me and just for fun really...

Gotcha.

I have done many engine out jobs, 355 should be no different but I think I would still use a pro myself.[/quote

Sorry no I am not doing the job myself, good lord no! Brake pads or perhaps a basic service is about my limit!
Its being done by a reputable specialist. I am sure its in safe hands with them, when I said for fun I meant more having a poke over the engine once its out myself.

[Cerberaherts]

As mentioned, check the throttle cable for fraying. Also the throttle pedestal bearings can seize so it’s worth checking those too. Check the pipe hasn’t corroded through that feeds the solenoid operating the bypass valve. Smoke test the manifolds and definitely a leak down test. I’m doing one at the moment with good compression but high leak off so it’s heads are coming off, it’s a much cheaper job if you have it checked while the engine is out.

Edited by Cerberaherts on Monday 17th February 19:03

[red_slr]

Just an update the car is now in the workshop and the engine is out. Everything looks ok. A few minor perished hoses, couple of other minor age related things. Hopefully engine going back in for next week

Thanks for the advice. I took the opportunity to get a good few photos of everything too so can keep a record of the overall condition of things in the future.

[4rephill]

red_slr said:

Just an update the car is now in the workshop and the engine is out. Everything looks ok. A few minor perished hoses, couple of other minor age related things. Hopefully engine going back in for next week

Thanks for the advice. I took the opportunity to get a good few photos of everything too so can keep a record of the overall condition of things in the future.

Sounds good!

The fact is, with the 348 and the 355, Ferrari made dropping the engine and gearbox out, about as easy as anyone could, and for the independent Ferrari specialists, the job is so routine, they don't really bat an eyelid at it.

Personally, I'd much rather have the engine sub-frame dropped out to service the car, than have the fuel tank dropped out because:

1) The engine sub-frame was designed to be dropped out on a regular basis - The fuel tank wasn't.

2) With the subframe out, a full inspection of the engine can be carried out, including checking for belt tensioner issues and replacing them if required, water-pump issues, leaks from seals and gaskets, checking for odd noises, checking for cracks in manifolds, and other possible damage, plus if required, the cam covers can get a fresh coat of crackle red paint.

3) The subframe can be checked fully for signs of corrosion, and rectification work can be carried out more easily.

4) You know the coolant has to have been changed, because it all has to be drained out to remove the engine.

5) It's the way Ferrari designed the car to be serviced.