End float

[Nick B]

Where can I find the engine number?

 

[allandwf]

I was led to believe the thrust washer may have been fitted incorrectly on some. I think it will be one of these stories that is lost in the mists of time. It's strange how only some engines succumed, while others didn't. Manuals seemed to exagerate the issue, but autos were not immune. Manufacture date doesn't seem to be a factor either as they are spread throughout. Mine is a 2001 and it had issues.

 

[conaero]

Mine was a 2001 too. The reason the manual goes is due to the heavy duty pull clutch.

Don't start your car with your foot on the clutch as this will accelerate the wear.

 

[Contigo]

Agreed despite the owners handbook saying the opposite ie dip the clutch I don't!

Matt, whilst I understand the heavy duty pull clutch thing I'm sure that this was exacerbated by poor thrust washer causing oil starvation too. Effectively for some reason it worked loose?

 

[StuartW]

Mine is a 2001 and the engine was rebuilt in 2010 using uprated thrust washers made from phosphor bronze. This was more precautionary than anything as whilst it had not failed, there was some excess play on the crank, and there have been no issues since.

 

[jluis]

Where did you source those washers, Stuart?

 

[StuartW]

It was done before I bought the car but David Askew who I bought the car from, used a company called Nuneaton Rebore

 

[Boomerang_GT]

Hi guys!
I just had the chance to look after the endfloat on my 99 3200 GT.
It has run 68.000km and the endfloat is 0.15mm
Regarding Maserati it is beyond the limit. Would you repair it now or may I still wait a bit.
The oil pressure is stable while pressing the clutch but the sensor seems to be insensitive.
I would love to enjoy the car a bit and plan an engine rebuild at 100.000km if possible.
Thanks!

 

[allandwf]

Hi guys!
I just had the chance to look after the endfloat on my 99 3200 GT.
It has run 68.000km and the endfloat is 0.15mm
Regarding Maserati it is beyond the limit. Would you repair it now or may I still wait a bit.
The oil pressure is stable while pressing the clutch but the sensor seems to be insensitive.
I would love to enjoy the car a bit and plan an engine rebuild at 100.000km if possible.
Thanks!

What did they say the tolerance was? I thought it was 0.006" to 0.008" which makes yours fine.

 

[Boomerang_GT]

Oh, that was Inch?
I just checked again and pulled it firmly to the front which adds additional 0,1mm so the total is now around 0.24mm
Anyway, if it was inch, I'm still closer to the limit.

 

[allandwf]

Oh, that was Inch?
I just checked again and pulled it firmly to the front which adds additional 0,1mm so the total is now around 0.24mm
Anyway, if it was inch, I'm still closer to the limit.

Yes out of tolerance now, 0.2mm. I'd be tempted to have it done now as when they start to wear the rate accelerates. Better caught early before any major damage done.

 

[conaero]

Get a second opinion before you do it. When mine was checked they 'pinged it' and the vibration from that would cause the dial to over read.

 

[greeny12]

I would recommend getting in touch with Mike Roberts at the Maserati Shed and having a chat with him.

 

[RW3200]

Was wondering if there was a forum consensus best practice for protection from end float and likewise definite don't dos (a few of which mentioned here). Combined with specialist contacts for diagnosis, repair where possible and availability or specialist reconditioners of relevant parts.
Thought it would be a good thing to have on the 3200 section. In an advisory no liability understanding of course.

As far as my understanding goes,

-I never start with the clutch depressed.
-Have regular oil changes and checks for degradation - especially at times of prolonged hot running ie long spells idling in hot temps.
-Cooling system checks, regular fluid changes. (In line with service schedule)
-Thrust washer change whenever new clutch fitted.* - *Should read Clutch Release Bearing NOT Thrust washers.
-Ask servicing garage to check tolerance every interval.
-Never rest on clutch in gear at junctions, traffic lights etc
-No burnouts....

If anyone has anything else to add or likewise thinks any are unnecessary I'd appreciate all comments.

I've run my 2001 AC for 5yrs but know there are a lot of guys here with far more time and miles under their belts who may be able to offer up some peace of mind to any newbies or any worried owners. I notice the end float comes up every few months so may help to have an advisory thread in place and all info in one place.

Cheers all,

R

 

[alfatwo]

Trouble is guys the standard thrust washers are no longer available, or the big end bearing you'll need to do the job properly

Dave

 

[allandwf]

I do most of those, end float checked every year, no resting on clutch, no starting with it depressed. I've not had clutch replaced in my five years of ownership, not sure which thrust washer you mention I certainly wouldn't want the crank one done if no need. I cant see how no burnouts would help as it is the act of depressing the clutch that wears the thrust washers, so I'm happy to thrash mine off the line if required

 

[highlander]

So excuse my stupidity and lack of mechanical knowledge but why is it apparently less likely in an auto given most auto drivers like me, will sit with foot on brake at,lights etc and leave in drive?

 

[alfatwo]

I do most of those, end float checked every year, no resting on clutch, no starting with it depressed. I've not had clutch replaced in my five years of ownership, not sure which thrust washer you mention I certainly wouldn't want the crank one done if no need. I cant see how no burnouts would help as it is the act of depressing the clutch that wears the thrust washers, so I'm happy to thrash mine off the line if required

You might want to think about replacing the clutch at some point Allan.. as the pressure plate wears the clutch gets heavier putting even more load on the thrust washers!

Dave

 

[RW3200]

I do most of those, end float checked every year, no resting on clutch, no starting with it depressed. I've not had clutch replaced in my five years of ownership, not sure which thrust washer you mention I certainly wouldn't want the crank one done if no need. I cant see how no burnouts would help as it is the act of depressing the clutch that wears the thrust washers, so I'm happy to thrash mine off the line if required

Sorry, is it the release bearing that wears? I'm just speaking of what I've read previously and have probably mixed my bearings up with my washers.
In the past I've just been the rider/driver and left everything else to techs and mechanics but have started to take an interest since getting the Maserati so this single distinction is helpful to me.

Point on the burnouts makes sense. I've always assumed the clutch (and associated parts) are heavily stressed so have always looked for a smooth transition getting it going.

Cheers,

R

 

[allandwf]

The washers, that may wear, are on the crank. It is the act of activating the clutch that puts pressure on them, in a horizontal plane. Once worn they allow excessive fore and aft movement of the crankshaft.