Hi all, been busy working like a nutter so not been on here much lately but got a week off now so time to see to getting the B fixed up...

I left my car ticking over just now for 20 mins to see how quickly the engine would reach the proper operating temperature. It takes ages but that's a long-standing problem. Anyway there was an intermittent squeaking sound coming from somewhere near/in the main engine block.

Imagine a hamster running round one of those exercise wheels; that's exactly what it's like. Fairly quiet too. You only notice it when the bonnet's up, but when you do notice it it's almost like it's all you can hear, it's really annoying.

At first I thought it was en electrical beep, as it's the same sort of tone as the one that goes off when you have the boot and the rooflid open at the same time. But it's too intermittent and is definitely irregular. There doesn't seem to be any noticeable rhythm. It's "on" and squeaking as much as it's not too, if that makes sense. Anyone experienced similar? Is it air escaping from somewhere? Maybe a hole in the engine? Some moving part just need oiling? I'll try and upload an mp3 of it at some point today if I get the chance...



Thanks

On the subject of strange noises, mine makes a spooky creaking noise, coming from the back near the aerial, that sounds a bit like a creaky floorboard. This happens when the car is not even running! I've learn't to accept it but if anyone has any ideas....?
xS

Maybe our Barchettas are haunted or something... like that Stephen King film, what was it called... Christine?

Could be your cambelt follower jiggy. If it's that the noise should be on the left hand side of the block if you look at the car from the front.

Shelxs said:

On the subject of strange noises, mine makes a spooky creaking noise, coming from the back near the aerial, that sounds a bit like a creaky floorboard. This happens when the car is not even running! I've learn't to accept it but if anyone has any ideas....?
xS

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i bet it doesn't do it when the hardtop is not installed

RnRollie said:

i bet it doesn't do it when the hardtop is not installed

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I would not be in the least suprised! In fact I'm starting to wonder about the value of a hardtop at all seeing as my b has been in the garage for the last week to see if they can find out where all the water is coming in! It has been appearing in the drivers footwell (nice on your feet on the drive into work) and where the soft top is stored. The top may be making an appearance on ebay very soon (i should keep quiet about the leaks!)...

xS

The noise coming from the rear is most likely to be a slightly dry shock absorber. Nothing unduly to worry about unless it starts leaking or starts to feel weak i.e. bouncy.

docorangepeel said:

Could be your cambelt follower jiggy. If it's that the noise should be on the left hand side of the block if you look at the car from the front.

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Hmm, it was quite hard to pinpoint exactly where it was coming from but I thought it was more likely coming from the left hand side than the right. I took a mechanics' stethascope and had a poke around but there was too many moving parts down on the left hand side so didn't want to get too close! I'll try and track down the sound a bit more accurately in an hour or two (assuming it'll still be there!)

In December, DTR did the variator and all the other bit and pieces that normally get sorted at the same time. Does the cambelt follower usually also get done? If so, I'd imagine I've got a good chance of getting them fix it for free...

Shelxs said:

I would not be in the least suprised! In fact I'm starting to wonder about the value of a hardtop at all seeing as my b has been in the garage for the last week to see if they can find out where all the water is coming in! It has been appearing in the drivers footwell (nice on your feet on the drive into work) and where the soft top is stored. The top may be making an appearance on ebay very soon (i should keep quiet about the leaks!)...

xS

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Did they figure out why the engine was loosing water in the end? Could be a heater matrix in which case no amount of poking around the hardtop will fix it!!

I must admit I didn't ask them. I assumed it was an airlock because once I started topping it up everday it started to lose less. Also the water in the car didn't smell of antifreeze but really I should ring them this afternoon and find out whats going on. I'm missing my car! Also I don't like getting used to driving rhd again when I'd just got to be 100% comfortable with the lhd. Switching between them isn't easy!
xS

Shelxs said:

On the subject of strange noises, mine makes a spooky creaking noise, coming from the back near the aerial, that sounds a bit like a creaky floorboard. This happens when the car is not even running! I've learn't to accept it but if anyone has any ideas....?
xS

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Mine does exactly that too. I've eventually worked out that it's gas entering or escaping from the fuel tank via the fuel cap to equilibrate the pressure. Kind of a farting noise. Worse in hot weather. It can sit there farting for hours after a long drive in the summer

silverbarchetta said:

Mine does exactly that too. I've eventually worked out that it's gas entering or escaping from the fuel tank via the fuel cap to equilibrate the pressure. Kind of a farting noise. Worse in hot weather. It can sit there farting for hours after a long drive in the summer

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LOL! That would explain it! By the way SB, were you driving around Woolleton Vale area around 2 - 3 years ago? I used to see a silver b on my way into the Uni. I assumed it was Doc but maybe it was you if you were at the Uni?
xS

Shelxs said:

LOL! That would explain it! By the way SB, were you driving around Woolleton Vale area around 2 - 3 years ago? I used to see a silver b on my way into the Uni. I assumed it was Doc but maybe it was you if you were at the Uni?
xS

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Could well have been. I drove between Derby and QMC/Uni a lot over the past few years. Only in the summer though. This is the first year I've used the b all year round.