Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Problem with the 308 GTSi

[Doug and Terri Anderson (dnt]

George - good job doing the elimination of problems instead of just jumping 
in.

I think cLYdE is on the right track - do a wet compressing check.  Remove 
spark plugs, prop butterfly open and spin it at least 3 to 4 times.  Got a 
strong battery?

OK the induction system feeds both sides and one side works - so that's low 
on the list in my book.

Therefore we are left with half the engine - what is special to that half? 
Belts and distributor.  But before you EVER jump in, you are on the right 
track - - - make sure you have a good air pump.  What?  Yeah.  Your engine 
is just that.  Stuff in, stuff out.  Air pump.

If you had vacuum gauge you could very quickly diagnosis the problem.  But I 
surmise you did jump a tooth or two.  Missed shift?  That motor went to 10 
grand before the tach could catch up with it.  I have broken fan belts in 
our race cars by doing just what you did.  No piece bigger than an inch. - 
and many pieces were plastered on the intake screens.  Thank goodness for 
those things.

See if you could get the vacuum gauge to work.  Should have about 18 inches 
of Hg at idle.  If not - follow the yellow brick road to Google and see 
what's what.  Not a very effective tool for carbed cars but with a plenum 
you may find a nipple to attach it too.

If not, eye ball the belts again.  Start at ground.

Yeah - a missed shift - the gift that keeps on giving.

Good luck and keep us posted.

DOUG