Mike in the UK writes:

"Hi Enrico,

Thanks for information about two red lights above steering column, but what is the red light on the right hand side above the three switches. Photo of my dashboard attached.

Thanks,

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak - Red hazard warning button 'light'.

"It’s the hazard warning light switch. If you push it, it will pop out and then start flashing!

Andrea."

Cornell in the USA writes:

"Hello Enrico, I have a 1977 Euro-spec Merak that has the Citroen Hydraulics. Since the car has not run for years, I'm using that as one of my excuses to replace the hydraulics with more modern brakes (and clutch).

I was thinking of using a Biturbo brake and clutch master cylinder because they are easy to come by, are for a Maserati, and (I think) would have the correct capacity. Maybe the front would be overbraked? I would also like to use the hydraulic's drive output for the dry sump pump (no other modifications except...).

The guys at MIE recommend just restoring the Citroen Hydraulics. Let's assume that they can't talk me out of the conversion.

What is the best (including economics) path for the brakes/clutch?

Could I use LHM fluid in the new half and half system? If I don't get going on this project, I'll start thinking again about putting a 6-71 supercharger on the thing that happens to be lying around. I need help.

Thanks,

Cornell."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"Removing the LHM system is sheer madness. It would involve a huge amount of work. Listen to the guys at MIE – they are right. Why not swap your Merak for one of the last ones that doesn’t have the LHM system if you don’t like it that much – it would be way cheaper. And if you fit the supercharger, prepare to rebuild a very expensive and rare engine!

Andrea."

More from Cornell:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"Ernico, Sheer madness would be the most sensible thing I've done in years. The interior is alread out. The engine and transaxle will be out shortly. The supercharger would be fun (I need to replace the pistons and liners anyway; it would be no big deal to drop it down to a 6 or 7 to 1 compression). However, to make room for the pulley would require modification to the forward bulkhead; at that point why not put in a V8, V10, V12, etc... Seriously, purchasing this car has been a nightmare. I'm not going through it again. I'm going to be buried in it, so I might as well have brakes I trust. I've seen the conversion done in pictures in Viale Ciro Menotti. Again, any tips you might have would be helpfull (other than don't do it...). Thanks again, Cornell."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"No comment!"."

Mike in the UK writes:

"Hi Enrico,

Hydraulic problem 1974 Merak (not SS).

Thanks for previous advice, about lack of reserve pressure, had three accumulators and regulator serviced by Pleiades who informed me that the system was contaminated with brake fluid and the system should be flushed twice and then drained and then filled with LHM, run car for two weeks then refill with fresh LHM.

Parts fitted, flushed out twice plenty of fluid (supplied by Pleiades), bleed out of front and rear brakes, light pods worked at same time as bleeding, pressure light switch goes out, reserve pressure OK.

Then I filled system with LHM, front brakes bleed OK but nothing out of rear, pressure light switch goes out, reserve pressure OK.

Any advise would be appreciated, could it be that the brake bias adjustment valve is blocked, or is there some ware else I should investigate.

Thanks again.

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"I think that the brake bias adjustment is controlled by the master cylinder (and is adjustable) but on some early Meraks I have a feeling that there may be a separate compensator – but have no real experience of this.

Andrea."

Mike in the UK writes:

"Hi,

Thanks Andresa for previous advise, further question.

Drive belt for alternator, this looked new, but melted and stuck to the drive pulley, I was only running engine to test electrics with lid open for about 5 minutes. Alternator was new, fitted by previous owner. Have checked alignment of pulleys OK, both pulleys have the same V groove, did not know if it was correct belt.

Have ordered new gates Polyflex 7M 775 belt, what tension should I apply to stop belt melt/breakage or slippage?

Regards,

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"There are no figures for tension of the belt – only tight! And make sure the pulleys are in line. And make sure that the battery is fully charged as the most common cause of belts melting is that the battery is too flat, the alternator is under greater load to charge the battery and the belt starts to slip…

Andrea."

Mike in the UK writes:

"FUSE BOX - Maserati Merak 1974, right hand drive.

Where is the fuse box situated? The manual said it was under the glove compartment, and has 16 fuses but not on my car.

Have searched along the whole of the wiring loom to no avail, is it possible that no fuses were fitted.

Thanks for your reply, two friends and myself have searched the loom and not found a fuse box. There are no signs of fixings eg holes or anything under dash but I have found signs of a small animal taking up residence in the car, lots of nuts and shells, so the car may have been rewired at some stage, the wiring colours in the manual do not correspond to loom, but there is also no signs that the loom has been replaced all looks original.

Everything works, with the exception of one of the stalk switches on steering column, having removed this I am about to mechanically repair it if I cannot get replacement.

So with out a fuse box I have installed a fire extinguisher and switch on battery.

Thanks for your advise, have another problem which I will e-mail you soon.

Regards,

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"Fusebox on a right hand drive car is on the right hand side of transmission tunnel (effectively beside the drivers left knee!) behind a small leather covered flap.

Andrea."

Reply from Mike:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"Many thanks, I now have a fuse box and can sleep at night. As you said it was beside the drivers left knee, but my car did not have a small leather covered flap, I hand to remove the whole of the panel including the foot rest. I will cut a small covering flap.

Thanks again, your advice, much appreciated.

Mike."

Mike in the UK writes:

"Hi,

Its me again!

Hydraulics problem, everything works OK when engine running, but when I stop engine, no hydraulic pressure, eg light pods will only half raise and no brakes, so my system is not maintaining reserve pressure.

I have read your previous reply about clutch problem and your advise to Lee on purchasing a Merak.

My pump appears to be fairly new, Pressure regulator/main accumulator looks original.

When standing at back of car there an almost continuous soft ‘whirr click noise’, which I put down to belt noise until I read about clutch hydraulic problem.

Hydraulic fluid clear and fluorescent, correct level in reservoir, no leaks, no bulging tubes that I can see.

Should I have the Pressure regulator/ main accumulator serviced, or is the problem some where else.

My manual only shows the dash board with the oval dial with the centre ‘STOP, surrounded by warning lights of which one is a red warning light insufficient pressure in the hydraulic circuit. I have the dash board with round dial, there are two red lights above steering column and one large one to right. What do these lights indicate?, which is water temp, oil pressure, and hydraulic pressure. None of which light up, oil pressure gauge reads 7 bar on startup cold.

Any help very gratefully received.

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak hydraulics.

"Hydraulics: All your info on the hydraulic problem points to a clutch slave cylinder fault (I presume this is an SS with a power assisted clutch?). The spool valve in the cylinder is allowing pressure to vent all the time causing the pump to run continuously to keep up with it. This will require a specialist overhaul. Read my article VINO VERDE on the Maserati Club UK web site!

Dashboard: One of the red lights is brake pad wear indicator, the other is for combined low hydraulic pressure warning light and also handbrake warning light (it comes on continuously on start up and stays on until working pressure reached then it flashes until the handbrake is released). There are no warning lights for water temp (but a lovely gauge!) and there warning light for oil pressure is in that gauge – Your 7 bar sounds very healthy!

Andrea."

Reply from Mike:

Re: Merak - RHD fuse box.

"No it's not an SS, 1974 Merak, does this make a difference to your reply?

Thanks for your time.

Mike."

Reply from Andrea:

Re: Merak hydraulics.

"Most unusual! But I would say get the pump and regulator overhauled as a starting point and then see what happens after that.

Andrea."

Julian in Australia writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I've been reading a series of questions regarding the manufacture of bigger 16" or 17" Merak wheels to better suit more modern tyre technology. I work in the automotive design industry and would like to make a set of these wheels for my Merak SS keeping the design of the wheels as close to the original style as possible.

I can produce a complete 3D engineering CAD model in iges or any other format, which could then be made by an appropriate manufacturer. I am willing to produce the CAD model in exchange for a set for me !!! I could even talk to our suppliers out in Australia to get costs on tooling a number of sets.

I could also take advice from our chassis engineers on the appropriate sizes for both wheels and tyre choices.

Is anyone else out there interested?

I work for these guys www.hsv.com.auwww.hsv.com.au Regards,www.hsv.com.au Julian."

Vivien in the UK writes:

"Hi,

I have a problem with the low and high beam not working. The pods come up but the headlamps do not light up. The side lights, tail lights and instrument panel lights work fine. I am led to believe there is a pressure switch under the transmission tunnel that has something to do with the lights.

Any advice you could give would be very welcome.

Thanks,

Vivien."

Reply from Abid:

Re: Merak - water pump access.

"Hi Vivien,

On Merak the light that work with any hydraulic sensors switch are hydraulic emergency warning lights and brake lights and you will find thison the hydraulic brake pressure line.

I recommend that you check the headlight relay that lies under the dash or sometimes in one of those compartments by the fan motor - behind the big panel that conceals the units.

Simple checks are priority before going further.

Please find attached parts book section on switches and you will find item 3 is the one that triggers off the lights relay ....a modification on later Meraks.

Sean in Wales writes:

"Hi,

Has anyone any idea where I can obtain a Merak Space Saver Spare Wheel?

Thanks,

Sean."

Femi in the USA writes:

"I have a 1974 Merak which is currently undergoing restorations and have the following concerns;

Exhaust System: Before acquiring the car, someone had installed a different muffler system on the car. My guess is that it is from a Porsche. My muffler people will fabricate another one for me if they have an example to go by. Is there anyone out there with a bad/replaced muffler/exhaust system? I'll pay you for the junk as well as for the shipping. My car is a European version, but that will not make any difference.

Brake System: How practical will it be to convert the Citroen hydraulic system to the conventional system found in the later version Merak SS? Has anyone ever done this before? Are there some economical aftermarket replacements/conversion parts out there rather than the expensive original equipment system parts? The same goes for the clutch system and the headlight lifters.

Also, I will like to convert my point ignition system to electronic ignition. I understand that some later versions came with Bosch electronic ignition system, are these systems out there made for some less expensive car models? Can I use these instead? I saw some reference on your website to a Volvo distributor cap, which Volvo? Will its distributor convert?

Were there any Meraks manufactured with Bosch alternators with built-in voltage regulators? If yes, what is the Bosch model, and if no, what is the model number of the Lucas version that fits, as indicated on your website?

One of the owners indicated that he will like to replace his airbox. I am missing an airbox and will like to purchase his or anyone else's for that matter at a reasonable price.

Femi - Atlanta Georgia."

Sean in Wales writes:

"I've recently purchased a '78 Merak SS, and need to replace a Valve Seal (Cylinder No. 6 Inlet).

Can this be done without removing the head? I've replaced valve seals on slightly less exotic vehicles (ford fiestas) in the past - is it a practical DIY'er job, or should I leave it to a professional. If I were to get a professional to sort it out, about how much should it cost (GBP)?

Thanks,

Sean."

Rich in the USA writes:

"Hello.

Does the engine need to be removed from the car to service the water pump or is there an interior panel in the rear seating area that gives access to it ? Thank you.

Rich."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - water pump access.

"You can access the pump housing through the inspection panel between the rear seats. However, be aware that the pump is not a normal type of water pump. The housing is part of the engine and the impellor is driven off the end of the engine jackshaft. You can pull out the central pump casing for access to the pump. If you look in the parts book, it will show the configuration.

Andy."

Julian in the UK writes:

"Hi Enrico,

My Merak SS seems to be suffering a few gremlins after being a Winter home for four families of mice. Fuel leaks meant that I had to replace all the fuel leads to and from the tanks and the clutch started slipping yesterday. I was wondering whether you could let me know which of the two highlighted nuts I need to adjust the clutch and which way to turn it since any strong application of power had it slipping badly.

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - clutch free play.

"Screw A. You need to achieve some free play.

Andy."

Paul in Australia writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I have a Maserati Merak SS that I have just bought. The wheels have gone very 'dull grey". All the Merak's on your site have beautiful shiny silver wheels.

What is used to make them come up like that? Do you polish them (they are really detailed), or are they painted or treated in some way?

Is someone producing a replica (which is perhaps a little wider or larger in diameter)?

They are in good nick but don't look that good - got any ideas?

Thanks and regards,

Paul."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - wheels!

"Curiously enough, dark grey is the original colour. The wheels were never bright silver when the cars were new. Most owners prefer them this way but they will have been painted or stove enamelled, rather than polished, to achieve this finish. I would always recommend painting the wheels to protect them from corrosion. To my knowledge there are no replica wheels available.

Andy."

Chris in the USA writes:

"Hi,

This is Chris from NY, USA I am trying to find out the correct bolt pattern and offset of the Merak wheels. I would like to perhaps go with 16" or 17" wheels, it is becoming hard to find proper tyres in the 70 series profile and we all need to keep our ground clearance!

Do you know this information or where I may find it?

Thank you."

Steve in the UK writes:

"Hi,

My '79 Merak SS has an 8mm spacer ring on the left drive shaft, it fits between the output flange on the transmission and the CV joint.

Just to be technically accurate, the ring in question is between the left hand inner CV joint and the rear brake disc, not the drive flange as I stated!

I'm wondering if the last person to strip the shafts off, omitted to replace the right hand side one, or maybe there is only one fitted on the left side as standard?

Also, I need the 10mm spiral drive pins for the CV joints. There seems to be no mention of them in the parts book, any idea where I might buy them?

Thanks,

Steve."

Ashley in Australia writes:

"I have discovered a hydraulic leak at the front headlight unit. I have removed the offending item which is the hydraulic unit that raises the headlight. I have examined this unit closely and cannot determine how to dissasemble it! (and get to the seals therein). Can you give me any advice on this and where to get the seals if this uniot can be overhauled?.

Thanks,

Ashley."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - wheels!

"Getting the headlamp pod rams apart was not on Bosch's original agenda. They can be overhauled but to my knowledge only by the Citroen specialists called Pleiades who have made special tools to disassemble them. I believe that there is a Pleiades in Australia but have no contact details. You could try the Australian Maserati Club or e-mail the UK company for details on: pleiades.automotive@virgin.net

Andy."

Mike in Canada writes:

"Thanks for the great information on your site. I currently own a 1980 Merak SS and am looking to replace a blown head gasket. I have all of the Citroen books specific to the engine, are you aware of any specific Maserati info that may help me in my huge undertaking. Any help or hints that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike."

? in ? writes:

"Hi!

I'm hoping to find some 17 or 18 inch wheels for my 77 Merak can you help me?

Thanks a lot."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Merak - wheels!

"If you can't be bothered to sign an e-mail or be courteous enough to address the recipient and give some indication of your location, don't be surprised if you fail to receive a reply.

Enrico."

Claudio in ? writes:

"Hi,

I have a Maserati Merak and I am thinking of converting the clutch to the same system as used on the Merak SS. The reason is that I having a bit of trouble with my knee. I have looked at the hydraulic diagrams and they seem to suggest that the clutch cylinder on the pedal and pedal itself are the same, but that the slave cylinder on the clutch itself is different.

Is this the case? It has also been suggested to me that the system on the Merak SS is unreliable and I should leave well alone, is this your opinion?

I would be grateful of any advice since my knee is still hurting from when I was caught in a 2 hour traffic jam last week!

Regards,

Claudio."

Reply from Richard:

Re: Merak - clutch!

"Enrico,

I think I can help with Claudio's Merak clutch slave cylinder question.

The Merak and Merak SS clutch master cylinders are indeed the same. The only difference lies in the SS slave cylinder which is actuated by the master low pressure circuit and then power assisted by the high pressure circuit. The SS slave cylinder is the same as a Citroen CX Prestige and can be fitted in place of the standard cylinder with no modification to the mountings. To connect the high pressure circuit an additional high pressure input feed and a return pipe back to the hydraulic tank will be required.

The only tricky bit will be finding a decent clutch slave cylinder and ensuring that all the pipework and sealing washers are perfect before assembly. Once stablised the system is excellent and the clutch is much lighter than the modern Golf I drive!

If Claudio needs pictures then ask him to email me separately.

Richard."

Isaac in Hong Kong writes:

"Hi:

I am working on a 1983 Merak SS and I can't find the complete vacuum diagram in the manuals I obtained from MIE. How should I connect the vacuum lines?

Thanks,

Isaac."

Reply from Abid:

Re: Merak - vacuum system!

"As for your Isaac's mail to you about the vacuum system, could you ask him to be more specific? Does he mean the USA version of the Merak with vacuum, operated braking system that has the vacuum booster or does he mean the small vacuum cylinder under the boot fitted on the cross bracket that hold the coils, fuel filter and water reservoir? Following this I shall be able to make a drawing for him or advise him as need be.

Abid."

Follow-up from Isaac:

"Hi Enrico,

I am terribly sorry for the late reply, I didn't get a chance to see the car until last night.

The Merak we have here has small side markers and was described as the European Model when researching on the web. I can't find any canister on the cross bracket as described. However, when I look at the brake master cylinder, I did notice a piping connecting to the bottom right hand corner that appears similar to our usual vacuum assistance brakes. I hope these helps, please let me know if you would need any further clarification. We will try to have it clarified to you as soon as we can.

Once again, sorry for the delay.

Isaac."

"Hi Enrico,

We took a close look this morning comparing to the MIE manual, we are unable to locate either a canister nor a vacuum booster pump. It is more appearing to us that no vacuum boosted was installed because there is no excess groove on the extended belt wheel to drive another device.

Hope this helps.

Thank you very much,

Isaac."

Reply from Abid:

"Enrico,

I think it would be better if Isaac is sent a complete page, which I am attaching here, relating to braking system / pipes / hoses etc. of a European Merak.

I trust that this will solve his problem.

Many thanks,

Abid."

Charlie in the USA writes:

"Hello Enrico,

I have a 1980 Merak SS and have a belt problem. I have lost two belts so far. They seem to squeal a lot and then fly apart. It is the belt for the generator. It is a very thin belt. There is three belts total, but the one that seems to continue to give me problems is the generator belt. Any input would be appreciated. Also, your site is great, I just found it and look forward enjoying it.

Thanks,

Charlie from Ohio."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - Alternator belt!

"Presume you have checked the alignment of the pulleys is good and that you are using Polyflex belt 7M 775?

If so, you may have a charging fault. If the battery is low, when you start the car, the alternator tries to recharge it and this puts it under enough load to sometimes throw the belt. If the charging system is good and the battery is not allowed to loose charge too much while standing, you should not have any more problems.

Andy."

Charles in Australia writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I was using leaded fuel on my 1981 Maserati Merak. Now, with leaded fuel being phased out, I will be using the highest octane unleaded fuel I can buy (98 octane premium unleaded). I know that my engine can take unleaded fuel as well.

My question is, should I use unleaded fuel lead additive as well for better valve protection, or is not required?

I will appreciate your advice on this.

Thanks in advance,

Charles."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Merak - Brakes!

"The Merak engine has hardened valve seats and therefore does not need lead replacement petrol or an additive to combat valve seat recession. The only reason for using any kind of additive would be to increase the octane rating. However, if you use super unleaded of 97 or 98 octane, it will be perfectly happy.

Andy."