Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Problem with the 308 GTSi

[georgedodson (georgedodson]

Clyde, Doug and Everyone Else,

Thanks for the advice. A Compression test was next on the list, somewhat 
hampered by my difficulty in getting the tester to screw into the 5-8 bank 
spark plug ports which means the cable has to bend back at well over 90 
degrees. It turned out that I had an adapter that had a centering extension, 
so I ran the test. Bad news! Bank 1-4 had 160-180 PSI (wet) and 5-8 read 0. 
I did not do the intake vacuum test yet, but I will likely do it for 
"completeness" as my thesis advisor used to say.



I'll proceed to take off the timing belt covers, I assume by removing the 
wheel and going through the wheel-well. There is a fiberglass (I think) 
shroud attached to the body between the wheel and the engine that looks like 
it comes off easily.



Two more questions:

A)    Does the engine turn easily by hand with the plugs out? I am used to 
cars with a handy fan or crankshaft nut to turn the engine with.

B)    If, as I now suspect, I crashed the valves, does this usually take out 
the pistons and will the front (5-8) bank head come off without pulling the 
engine? I do not own an engine hoist and would rather not pull the engine if 
I don't have to.



Thanks.



Regards.



> Yeah - a missed shift - the gift that keeps on giving.
>
> Good luck and keep us posted.
>
> DOUG