General Is this the variator?

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General Is this the variator?

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I start my car about once a week in winter and leave it running for about 5 mins. Well Saturday I started it up and it started to make a loud tappety sound, is this the deaded variator noise and once it has got noisy, is replacement the only answer?
It has only done 5k since last cambelt and variator replacementbut that was about 5 years ago. (it doesn't get used much)
 
The barchetta engine can make the variator sound if it has not been used for a long time. The oil may slowly drain to the oil sump, meaning you might not get full ois pressure instantly, especially if the car starts right away, without the need to turn the starter for long.
If it is the variator sound, just see if you hear it regularly or just every once in a while. Try topping up the oil to the max level or even just slightly above. Tappety sound can also come from the lifters, if they do not get enough oil.
If this doesn't help, try changing the oil.
Also, if you start to have constant problems with the variator, the problem may also be with the control solenoid that opens and closes the variator. See the pictures of how the system works.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's not likely that a variator with 5k on the clock would fail. And since it it recently replaced, it's most likely the new, revised type with brass gear instead of the old, nylon gear type that is prone to fail.
 

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Thanks ilkka. It was my intention to change oil and filter as a first option. Not on the road again until May so i'm not really in any rush. It does sound like a tappet that has not got oil pressure but I always thought that noise went as the oil pressure built (if it's not worn and mine were fine prior to this episode).

Thanks souixon also for the vid.
 
If you determine you need to fix the Variator... Ive seen rebuild kits and new ones How do you know if you can rebuild or you have to replace is it easier to replace. what else other than the variator part or rebuild kit would you need Would it make sense to do timing belt and water pump etc at the same time. What kind of engine gasket kits are required. I have the cam lock tool - I'm in Canada so I really need to order everything in advance of ripping into it as parts will come from a long way off..
 
Not sure when the brass gear variator was introduced, but if you do some digging you'll probably find some serial number or manufacturing date when the change was made and can compare it to your car.
If you need to change it, the cam belt need to come off so do use the opportunity to replace the belt, tensioner and water pump.
You can also replace the cam shaft seals if you take off the camshaft.
 
If you determine you need to fix the Variator... Ive seen rebuild kits and new ones How do you know if you can rebuild or you have to replace is it easier to replace. what else other than the variator part or rebuild kit would you need Would it make sense to do timing belt and water pump etc at the same time. What kind of engine gasket kits are required. I have the cam lock tool - I'm in Canada so I really need to order everything in advance of ripping into it as parts will come from a long way off..

Hi,:)

where have you seen rebuilt kits.. Alfa related stuff.?
is it the same unit as the Twin Spark varaitor..?? ,

any body know ?( ePER) part numbers I suppose,
Charlie
 
found rebuild kit on EBAY they say it's part # 571715450 looks like a spring and a washer - sure a lot cheaper than a entire unit... my car only has 46,000 KM so it should'nt be worn out...
 
based on a DEC 1995 build date and 1996 model car - I'd assume it's an early one - where would I find the correct part number to order the belt the tensioner and water pump. Car only has 46,000 KM but it's 20 years old... so should be done...

Do you need any gaskets - for the cam cover or etc... your not pulling the head just the cam cover gaskets so they should be rubber and reusable ?
 
Hi DM914,
I used Gates Powergrip belt. They do kits that include belt, 2 pulleys & waterpump. Part no KP35429XS. This is for engine code 183A100. There are a few variations so you would have to check against your engine number. Gates is a worldwide company but whether a Canadian dealer would import from Europe is anyone's guess. Ask, they can always say no! Also, don't E-bay offer worldwide shipping?
 
I've been told that I have to count the number of ribs on the belts or the pulleys to determine which one I order... I'm thinking they are talking about Cam pulleys as the others you replace.

For the Variator - the rebuild kit comes with a new spring and washer ( looks plastic ) is the spring the same for either ? again an early build car you'd think it would have the original style plastic washer - hate to rip it apart and then have to wait while parts arrived from Europe - don't want the car to be down that length of time...
 
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