3200 Servicing Tips

[williamsmix]

My car is coming up for an interim service. I'm thinking about having a go at this myself but I could use a few tips, particularly regarding removal of the oil filter and draining the coolant, as I couldn't find much in the Workshop Manual.

Looking at the oil filter. Is this best removed from above or below?


To drain the coolant I usually take the bottom hose off but, on the Maserati, this appears to be about half way up the radiator so surely isn't going to drain everything out(?)


I'd be interested in hearing what you guys consider to be best DIY practice as I'm interested in doing some of the basics myself.

And, while I'm here, where is a good spot to put axle stands when I jack the front of the car? I haven't had a chance to have look at this yet so just thought I'd ask.

 

[Oneball]

Oil filter is easiest from above I think. If you’re going to change the drive belt do it at the same time as you need to undo one of the oil lines.

 

[Rex B]

OIl filter from above , best to either cover or remove the auxiliary belt so you don't get oil from the filter onto it. Its also easier to remove if you remove the 2 top turbo hoses . Removing the bottom hose will enable you to change most of the water, some garages also add a corrosion inhibitor in with the new antifreeze. Don't forget to put a new sump plug washer on you don'y want to have to change this later.

 

[MRichards]

There are jacking points for your axle stands. Don't attempt to put them anywhere else. The oil filter is easily removed from above without having to also remove hoses etc. Replace the coolant with the stuff which lasts the life of the car,job done. Be very careful removing the bottom hose so you don't crack the joint on the radiator. Instead of replacing sump plug washers,replace the plug with a smear of high temperature silicone on the washer,that way it will never leak. Anyway,old cars are supposed to leak oil,it's what everyone expects.

 

[williamsmix]

OIl filter from above , best to either cover or remove the auxiliary belt so you don't get oil from the filter onto it. Its also easier to remove if you remove the 2 top turbo hoses . Removing the bottom hose will enable you to change most of the water, some garages also add a corrosion inhibitor in with the new antifreeze. Don't forget to put a new sump plug washer on you don'y want to have to change this later.

Now you mention it, my turbo hoses have started to crack around the clamps so I may as well replace those whilst I’m doing this job.

 

[williamsmix]

There are jacking points for your axle stands. Don't attempt to put them anywhere else. The oil filter is easily removed from above without having to also remove hoses etc. Replace the coolant with the stuff which lasts the life of the car,job done. Be very careful removing the bottom hose so you don't crack the joint on the radiator. Instead of replacing sump plug washers,replace the plug with a smear of high temperature silicone on the washer,that way it will never leak. Anyway,old cars are supposed to leak oil,it's what everyone expects.

There are jacking points at the front and back of the sils. So, the only way for me to do what you suggest is to jack the rear jacking point high enough to be able to place an axle stand under the front one. Is that best practice? I was wondering if there are any other structurally strong points that could be used but from what you’ve said I guess not(?)!

 

[MRichards]

Don't attempt to use any other point for jacking the car. The chassis,such as it is, has been engineered for lightness and cannot take point loads anywhere else but the jacking points. If you can't get your axle stands under the car by jacking up the car,just put something such as a large chunk of wood under the wheels,that will give you enough clearance to work under the car. Better still buy some car ramps & drive the car up onto the ramps,that will give you heaps of clearance,also much safer than axle stands.