I just got a 00 barchetta.. When the car is cold the engine sounds like a diesel for a minute but later the sound becomes ok... I dont know if i have variator problems as the engine sounds normal but feels short of power.. The engine needs new mounts & balancing..

Welcome to the forum!
I think the noise on startup is normal, from what I've read. But you will need to find out if the cam belt and variator have been changed anyway as I've been recommended every 3 years for a change and I think they are generally done at the same time.
How about some pix of your car?
xS

So every 3 years the variator & cambelt should be replaced? Sounds costy.. My mechanic said i should balance the engine... As car have not been driven for a while by the previous owner...

Hi Roj, welcome to the forum. Rattle on startup is not an issue, if the car has been left for a length of time the oil runs from the variator and takes a couple of seconds for the oil pressure to build up when you first start it. If you are getting poor mpg or poor performance (don't notice a bit of 'oomph' at 3.5k rpm) and have a bearing sound then the variator is in need of attention.

Give the garages on the service stamps a call, they should be able to tell you what work has been carried out in the past. As long as you change the oil regularly and keep the car serviced the variator should not be an issue.

So taking good care of the engine is the case then...
My driving usually involves instant & violent revs & kickdowns... but im careful in such things a i never redline it...

I drive mine enthusiastically most of the time, I change the oil about every 5k. Achilles heal of the b is the variator, as long as you keep her well serviced and don't use cheap oil you should be ok!

"Cheap Oil" as?

I use 5-40 Shell Helix ultra, slightly more expensive than the Halfrauds own stuff but it tends to stay cleaner and thinner for longer.

Bearing whine noise is coming from the engine! What is the price of a variator & cambelt anyways?

Depends if you are using a dealer, specialist, back street garage, a mate, or yourself. The variator itself is about £100 for the part unless you find one going on ebay.

ROJ,

I got my Variator and CAM belt changed on my 00 Barchetta last week at 68k miles or thereabouts (actually due at 72k). The engine is loads smoother, more powerful and doesn't stall easily at low revs any more. Plus I am no longer paranoid about the cam belt snapping and lunching the top end of the engine.

My advice to you would be to bite the bullet and get the job done. Incidentally MGC in Nottingham sourced my Variator for a few quid less than a ton. More like £70 or £80 I think.

MattB2k said:

My advice to you would be to bite the bullet and get the job done. Incidentally MGC in Nottingham sourced my Variator for a few quid less than a ton. More like £70 or £80 I think.

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Well, I live in dubai so Nottingham is pretty far for me... I still could exchange variators from other engines?? Alfas? or maybe some japanese brand if anyone knows?

Im in the process of replacing the fuel pump with that of a nissan maxima; saved me a 10 day waiting period & lots of money from importing an original one from outside the country...

ROJ said:

Well, I live in dubai so Nottingham is pretty far for me... I still could exchange variators from other engines?? Alfas?

Click to expand...

Its the same Alfas use.

Posting hear instead of making a new topic..

Is it usual to hear a trrrcckking noise when driving. I hear that in my b since i 1st got it.. Checked others & they dont sound like that... when driving and applying gas you will hear a constant trrrrcckkk from the engine like valve noises of some kind.. Hope you get what i mean..

If it sounds like a diesel then its probably the variator, any idea where abouts in the engine its coming from?

it sounds like trrrrcking metal i hear it echo from the side of the road as i drive by.. probably from the engine head where the valves & all those little moving metal parts are... of some kind...
Right now im waiting to get on vacation & save enough cash before taking action & buying a variator in the mean time.. I have lots to fix in the car, as the battery & splugs need removal, need to check the alternator, plus have to examine gearbox & clutch, new brake hoses, power steering hose & a long list of minor problems...

Difficult to say without hearing it but it could be the clutch plate or release bearing, if its more of a ticking sound from the top of the engine probably a sticky valve or similar................

Sounds like you need to change the:

This is how my car is starting to sound gradually:


Expensive fix.. Im thinking of an engine swap.. Thanks alot for you help people, appreciate it...

Classic variator noise.