The project thread!

I already replaced the battery. I will look at the solenoid tomorrow, but the noise is kind of an erratic buzz and not a disengaged starter whir.

 

Not much progress to report because I seldom have much time to work on it. I'm still chasing the starter problem, but all I've really done is check fuses/connections and replace the battery. I'm hoping the starter itself isn't the problem, because it looks like a nightmare to remove.

Judging by some recent threads, it seems like the 400 starters are all going at the same time...

 

I hate to say it guys, but I'm getting nowhere fast on this project. I'm lucky to work on it for half an hour every third week. I've had it for over two years, and I'm not really that far along. Stuff is failing from lack of use faster than it is being fixed.

Here's what I think I want to do: Sell everything (Duetto, XK8, and -sorry- the 400) and just buy one nice Ferrari. Possibly another 400, possibly something else, but I think consolidation is the way to go. I think I can keep one easily, but I can't restore one while maintaining two others. I just don't have that kind of time these days.

The big question becomes, would anyone be willing to take on this project? I don't think it would be a problem getting it sold, but I think most people see it as a parts car. My hope is that it will be saved, even though that goes against the golden rule that a cheap Ferrari needing work is a lot more expensive than a nice one in the end.

I know I can count on everyone for honest input.

 

I suppose I'll keep plugging away. It's just discouraging that every time I go to work on it, something else has broken. I feel like Sysiphus.

I've done a few things to make the garage a better work area, so maybe that will help my motivation.

Perhaps I'll sell the other two cars and buy another 400 so that I have something to refer to as I try to re-assemble this one. It's been a while; I'm not sure I remember how it goes together!

 

So when I try to start this thing it rains fuel from the left pump. It comes from what looks like a return line fitting - Is the pump shot or is it some sort of relief valve telling me that there's a clog further up the line?

Last call for the rear clip from the donor body or it's going to the crusher - free or best offer.

 

Yes sir, first page of this thread, post # 15 or so. You just have to imagine it with no roof, which is now on my car.

The inner fenders, trunk floor, etc. are gone, so it's really only the outer panels that are of any use.


On another note, it is the accumulator that is leaking and not the fuel pump. If anyone can give me a quick lead on one, I'd appreciate it!

 

It is leaking from the fitting with no hose, and I came to the same conclusion. At first glance I thought the accumulator was the pump.

I'm in Grand Junction, Colorado, which is quite a way from...anywhere, really.

 

I should've listened to your advice! I only replaced the offending accumulator, thinking it was kind of an expensive part to replace just because, but I got it running and took it to the gas station so I could fill it up while fuel is cheap. (Yes, I drove it without windows, lights, mirrors, license plates, insurance, or an interior of any kind, but at least I had a chase vehicle.) The wind chill was some cold, and a box doesn't offer a lot of lateral support in cornering, but it was still fun. When I got it back I discovered another fuel leak. Roughly the same spot on the car front to back, but on the other side. Irony being what it is, I'm sure it's the other accumulator. Live and learn.

On a more positive note, the bodywork is progressing nicely. More photos soon.