330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

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csullivan67
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2021 2:30 pm

330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by csullivan67 »

A 330 GTS had the engine rebuilt recently.  While the engine is removed from the car, the shop owner is preparing to add steel wedges to the front suspension per the Luigi Chinetti bulletin to strengthen the area and prevent cracks (thanks for the reminders, Tom).  

Are there any other "while you're in there" tasks that should be addressed before the engine is reinstalled?  Engine has been rebuilt, balanced and ran on the dynamometer successfully.  

Current list is as follows:

New yellow and brown coiled fuel lines
New heater control valve
New water hoses with flushed heater cores
New vacuum hoses
Lubricate the tach drive (FML Tech Tip 1.11.150)

Thanks in advance.
Steve Meltzer
Posts: 982
Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:31 am
Location: with Barney the Beagle boy and Enzo 8995

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by Steve Meltzer »

Jeez, Pandora's box has popped its top! The experts will add lots, but when I re-sealed the engine on my GTC I:

Pressure tested the radiator and painted
Get proper fasteners...i did the black oxide myself...always loved chemistry
All new hoses and belts
Correct clamps within reason
Repainted the bay and brake booster
R&R brake reservoir hoses
Check the clutch mechanism, esp the t/o bearing
I replaced and painted the AC compressor and of course new drier
Painted the steering column
Repainted horns, coils and overflow tank
Cleaned up the fuse box as access will never be better.
Bought umpteen cans of SEM semi-gloss black and many rolls of painter's tape
For masking stuff, using aluminum foil is a good trick
For the best rattle can results, i love the little, cheap spray handle instead of my index finger

Since the GTS is so valuable, I'd get a pro to do all of this...but I was cheap, wanted the experience, and my GTC will never see a straw hat or show field under my stewardship. Get a copy of the 8/21 edition of the "As built manual". I can send you a copy if you'd like. good luck. steve
steve meltzer,
"I've spent all of my money on wine, a beautiful woman, and stunning cars. Then, squandered the rest."
csullivan67
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2021 2:30 pm

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by csullivan67 »

Thanks for the list, Steve.

Fortunately this car is a low mileage survivor that was properly stored, so the cosmetics and plating are in great condition for being 50+ years old. The owner wants to keep it this way.

Agreed on clutch mechanism and T/O bearing, the bearing has been replaced.
Will check brake reservoir hoses.

The 8/21 as built manual has been referenced heavily, thanks. That document is an invaluable resource.
Steve Meltzer
Posts: 982
Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:31 am
Location: with Barney the Beagle boy and Enzo 8995

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by Steve Meltzer »

very cool and sounds like a great car. I too, would go that route...but my old girl had been around the block a time or two. Me being the 8th or so owner.

You are a great source to ask: does this car have a bezel/surround/escutcheon around the lever that lives on the rear shelf and opens the fuel lid?
The 8/21 guide says that some cars didn't have this.

thanx and good luck with the very cool project. steve
steve meltzer,
"I've spent all of my money on wine, a beautiful woman, and stunning cars. Then, squandered the rest."
enio45
Posts: 826
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 6:56 pm
Location: Gilbert, AZ

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by enio45 »

GTS does not have the bezel - no package tray - convertible car

possible very early cars had them, but our 8843 car had one installed - so had to be pretty early

personally i never seen a car without one (unless lost)
Ed Montini
330 GT 2+2 Series II - 8289
58 Ellena - 0855GT - orig drivetrain
87 El Camino SS
chris
Posts: 219
Joined: Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:52 am

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by chris »

Would be great to see some pictures of the details in the engine bay as it is a low mileage survivor.

Thanks a lot
Christopher
Jimmyr
Posts: 447
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:20 pm
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by Jimmyr »

Some things to think about while you are in there: mechanical fuel pump (Viaton diaphram), radiator flushed, motor mounts, flush brake fluids, grease all front zerks. These are very easy to do with the engine out.
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tyang
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Re: 330 Engine Bay- While You're In There Tasks

Post by tyang »

The one thing that is much easier to replace while the engine is out is the soft line to the clutch slave cylinder!

If I remember correctly, the steering box is the same as in the GTC, and if the bottom seal is leaking, the upper suspension arm has to come out. If it's seized in the sleeve, it'll be easier to work on this with the engine out.

Check to see if the mounting tabs for the lower radiator cover are still there. The break off or rust off, and now would be the time to weld in new ones while the engine is out!

Good luck!

Tom
'63 330 America #5053
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