Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 512TR

[LS (lashdeep]

Great post Steve...how long have you had your car?

Total mileage?

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From: Steve Jenkins <steve [at] stevejenkins.com>
To: LS <lashdeep [at] yahoo.com>
Cc: ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com
Sent: Wed, December 22, 2010 1:27:03 AM
Subject: Re: [Ferrari] 512TR

I hate to sound like a fanboy, but I concur with my good friend Chairman Clydie McManpad. These cars are VERY reliable for a Ferrari of that vintage, plus a WHOLE lotta fun to drive.

 

During the major I did on mine when I got it in 2000, I discovered a warped spline shaft, which I replaced with the 512M version. I also changed to the the 512M T/O bearing at the same time for good measure while I had the engine out.

 

The only other chronic potential issue is a function of the way the starter and solenoid are combined in a single assembly. It generally happens after a very long period of time on oft-driven cars: the solenoid starts to fail due to heat exposure. This is what is referred to as the âhot startâ issue among TR owners. The solenoid (and starter) will operate fine first thing in the morning when the engine is cold (or after work if you parked your car all day). But after driving for a while (especially âproperâ driving near the rev limiterâ if you still have oneâ which I donâtâ) the solenoid can get heat soaked and the car doesnât even go âclickâ when you turn the key. This usually happens at gas stations for me.

 

This can be remedied by:

 

1)    Wiring a short, simple âhot wireâ from the solenoid with a rubber cap on the end to insulate. Then when this happens, you simply take the car out of gear, turn the key ON, pop the engine cover, expose the wire end (I have a spade connector on mine) and touch the hotwire to a certain bolt on the starter.

 

2)    Bolt an aftermarket solenoid (AC Delco works) near the starter and use it instead of the stock one until the starter dies, too. (Help me out here, Clyde â is the stock one a Nippon Denso or Bosch?)

 

 

As I said, I use the first method (although Iâve seen the second one done well, too). My plan a few years ago when this started happening was to just wait until the starter motor needed to be replaced, because that would CERTAINLY happen eventually, right? RIGHT? R I G H T?

 

Wrong. Iâm still waiting. I donât think that darn starter will EVER die. So now Iâm considering option 2.

 

I guess option 3 is to replace the entire solenoid/starter assembly â but thatâs a waste of money IMHO. You donât get rich WRITING checks.

 

Again â I consider all these corrections reasonable. So to answer your original question, no â I can think of no weaknesses that canât be reasonably corrected. J

 

You in the hunt, Dale?

 

SteveJ

 

P.S. Go for the 512TR. Donât let cLyDe talk you into a 550 instead. Thatâs basically a supermodel in a Laura Ashley dress, right Clyde? J

 

From: clyde romero [mailto:clyderomerof4 [at] bellsouth.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 5:14 AM
To: Steve Jenkins
Cc: ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com
Subject: Re: [Ferrari] 512TR

 

Actually there are no major weakness with the car that have been unveiled to me with the car.

I have over 90k on my 93 512R and have had no major issues with the car

Early TRâs have the tranaxle/diff problem but my car either has the improved transmission or I drive it right

The only problem I see is that the A/C system uses R-12 and I just bought a 30lb jug of the stuff that should last me 30yrs.

Hope this helps

 

 

 

 

 

"scars are tatoos with better storiesâ

 

CLYDE

 

Capt. Clyde Romero Jr.

MANPAD SME

Clyderomero [at] bellsouth.net

Mobile 678 641 9932

 

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From: dale sailors [mailto:sailorsdaleedward [at] yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 3:05 AM
To: clyderomerof4 [at] bellsouth.net
Cc: ferrari [at] ferrarilist.com
Subject: 512TR

 

Hi Clyde,

             What are weaknesss of the 512TR that can be reasonably corrected?

             Thanks

             Dale

 

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