I posted this over in the technical discussion area, but I probably should have put it here.

Aside from standard PPI items (compression, history, etc.) what are some things I should look for when considering a Countach? Any subtle things that can slip by unnoticed and cause big trouble down the road?

Also, I haven't been able to locate a definite maintenance schedule for a Countach. Barring any unforseen mechanical meltdowns, what intervals are typically used for uncatastrophic maintenance issues -- timing chain, seals, gaskets, fluids? Thanks!

The water pump should be replaced or rebuilt every two years. It is the weak link on the engine.

Make sure the clutch and it's components are in good shape. Huge $$$ to relpace that.

My 0.2 cents

Waterpump?

My car has now 20 years and never had issues with that pump, the carbs + ignition system is more to care about.

Clutch cannot be checked (unfortunately) the slave cylinder is Alfa 33 ($75).

__________________
RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

That’s what went on my car with the old owner. Water pump went bad, coolant mixed with the oil. They had to rip the whole engine apart and rebuild. The Countach tech said to me it should be checked every two years and just to be safe you should have the seals replaced. He referred to it as the weak spot on the engine. He said he has seen this happen on a few ct's he has worked on. That shop gave a two year parts and labor warrantee on the engine. It cost $40,000.00 for the job.

Thanks for the responses. I'm assuming the water pump is relatively inexpensive to replace, so that may be a right-off-the-bat preventative fix. I'm sure it's equal parts luck and which car you buy, but having to do a rebuild would definitely be a pain and a drain!

I'm already figuring an extra $10K into my purhase price to take care of the clutch if need be. I don't abuse my cars, so hopefully I'll find a car with a fresh clutch and get a good amount of fun out of it. Can't hurt to be prepared, though. Are there any tell tale signs of a bad clutch? I know in certain F cars the pedal starts to rise a bit as it wears out.

Any idea what a head job and a timing chain replacement will run? Anyone know where I can find some service manuals? Thanks again!

I know a girl here that will do a head job, around $20.00, that the kinda of head you talking about.
Timing chain is easy to change, you do not have to take engine apart.
Service manuals, you are a dreamer aren't you?????
No such thing, that is unless you have a 25th car, and that ain't much.
If you get the car and need parts, I stock Countach parts and have been for over 25 years.
You can email my address is: JaguarXJ_S@Yahoo.com
That is the best way to contact me anyway.
Chadbourn Bolles
803 798 3044

Hehe, I knew that was coming...thanks I can get those for free

I'm sure I'll be needing parts, so thanks for the info, Chad!

The problem is not the water pump itself, the special gasket which prevents water from entering into the oil is the big thing, since the piece Lamborghini delivers you doesn't fit!
We found the correct sealing in a washing machine (no joke!)...

http://www.countach.ch/HeadGasket/Step13/index.html

Anyway the water should not run into the engine since the seal is guarded by a 1mm whole through the housing, before the water enters the oil circuit it will drain down the engine block under the pump. When you see these traces you have to change the seals.

__________________
RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

Ah, excellent! I bookmarked the page. Thanks for the advice, this is great! The more idiosyncractic Countach things I learn about now, the better!

Raymond, I will never doubt you when it comes to the CT. You are the man. I'm just like most owners here that are trying to educate themselves about their cars with the help of owners like yourself. .