Hi all: Hoping someone can give some direction . . . my father has a 328 GTS that hasn't been started in about six years. It's otherwise in great shape . . . what should I expect in terms of the what needs to be done and the cost in getting it up and running again?
I would not start it until a good mech has given you some advice. You might ruin your engine when with just a bit of time from a mechanic could save you thousands of dollars. Where do you live, we might be able to recommend someone.
Why hasnt it been run in 6 years ? Thats criminal to do that to a Ferrari Definately have a qualified mechanic look at it first
Bob, You might find this interesting: http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/216658.html It addresses some of the issues you will be concerned with, and there is a startup procedure for a car that has sat for a while. Hope you get her back on the road soon, you must be excited.
Float that thing to the nearest ferrari mechanic in your area and dont turn that key. I have heard and seen many f cars on a very cold start blow out oil filters , and you run a very high risk of snapping that timing belt. Dont crank it until it gets checked out.
Bob, Whether you start it or not, the car will need belts and possibly hoses, and all fluids flushed and of course changed. After that's done, have the shop start it. That way you won't have to worry about things snapping and breaking, and since it needs it anyway........
Hey dude call Luigi in montreal he would know exactly what to do.. he once saved a Testarossa that was never started with 1500 k's on it....all the engine was seased together... be carefull and good luck dude!
This is encouraging a disaster. A car that sits for a few months can be started without a lot of heartburn, believe me I know. Starting a ( Ferrari ) car that has sat for years requires some serious expertise. I would use an experienced mechanic if you are not certain of your capabilities. Otherwise the **** is going to hit the fan, and the cam belts are the least of the problem!
You don't need a damn mechanic to start the car, take the plugs out, squirt a little oil in the cylinders, and start it. If the belt is going to break it's going to happen whether you do it or he does it. Sure all the fluids need to be changed...ALL of them.
Add to this the inspection of ALL fuel and oil hoses (perhaps it is better to replace them...) and I agree with you. Ciao Eugenio
Rayman is right about the procedure, except for the belts. Change ALL of the fluids and squirt oil in the cylinders. I wouldn't risk the belts letting go after being in one position for so long. How long before the six years of storage were the belts changed? If you can afford a top-end rebuild (the result of the belts letting go) then you can easily afford to change the belts before you fire her up.