Hi there

I've got a 2004 fiat barchetta that has a loud knocking noise coming from the under the rocker cover. It's had a new variator, new hydraulic tappits and a new cam in the intake side. The sound is like something mechanical and we've had it all in bits and can't find anything. Has anyone any suggestions

Thanks Will

Hi Will. Sorry I can't help you with this one but someone will suggest something! Hope you can sort it! Steve


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Are you sure the noise was from under the rocker/cam cover?

Only reason I suggest this is that if the cam belt tensioner was not correctly set at the midway position, hand cycled a few engine revs and rechecked then this "floating" tensioner can bang against the end stop, especially when the engine is cold and rough running, creating an often quite pronounced nocking.

Hi Will,
Last year I had a knocking noise which appeared to be coming through the rocker cover and I was concerned it was the variator or hydraulic lifters. However, it turned out to be the big end bearings as a result of the oil pump breaking down sending all sorts nasties around. if you can put your hand on top of the rocker cover and feel the knocking (I could), it may be lower down than the cam area. Noises are always difficult to diagnose unless you have experience of a similar problem and can see first hand. I certainly hope it's not the big ends and you find the problem and a solution.
Good luck
Steve D

Cheers for the suggestions I will have a look next time I'm with the car. It's not the cam belt tensioner because that was knocking in the first place when the engine was turned over by hand and we replaced it. The engine that is in it is from a doner car and it ran fine for the first 30 minutes until the knocking suddenly started. I've got a video I can post if that will help

I too had knocking noise seemingly from the rocker area late Sunday. I was en route from Spain to UK, 1000 miles into the journey with the engine really running terrific. A slight noise started to occur. I pressed on, performance still vg. I thought it the variator, which had groaned on start up for ages, soon quietening, it eventually became like a very bad diesel in sound. Eventually more noise then a loud bang, blue smoke & a hole in sump & seized engine. I've written the car off as too expensive to repair & just gotten home, by taxi, boat & train. My Barchetta is mort. 133k miles total. In my 7 years engine was always excellent as were emissions. Garage services are plus 50% late Sundays in France, had some blistering bills & 170 Euro Taxi fare.

Oh no, CasaPaulo - that's tragic. I can't imagine how bereft I would feel if I had to abandon my B in such circumstances. Such rotten luck for it to happen so far from home. We all feel for you.

Well Cases, that is bad news for you, sad to hear this����

Hi there!

I don't want to start a new thread, so I hope the author of this one will not mind if I post my question here.
As I mentioned in my thread related to the oil leak, I am looking for a B.
I have found one and during the visual inspection I made a video of what I think it was a strange noise coming from the engine.
More like a knocking sound.

From what I have read, the variator seems to be the main suspect.
Could anyone have a look into this and give an opinion?
Please ignore the voices.

It seems I am not allowed to post URLs, so if you don't mind please do a search on youtube with this string "Fiat Barchetta 2001, knocking engine noise"
Author: Tartor Styx

Thank you!

aurelian1 said:

Hi there!

It seems I am not allowed to post URLs, so if you don't mind please do a search on youtube with this string "Fiat Barchetta 2001, knocking engine noise"
Author: Tartor Styx

Thank you!

Click to expand...

Anyone? I would really appreciate an opinion. The car that I am looking into buying already has an oil leak. An additional cost to cover an engine issue might push the total cost way beyond my plans.

Thank you!

Look for (on Youtube) variator diesel noise

Your noise basically sounds the same/similar.

If the noise reduces / goes away at 1800rpm plus then it is almost certainly the variator.

Thanks for the reply! A bit annoying this rule of minimum 5 posts before posting a link.
So, I searched and found a site selling camshaft variators for Fiat/Afla.
Should I assume this is the needed piece?

Use ePER on this website:

http://eper.fiatforum.com

Enter your VIN number and then go to the engine/cam shaft page. You will find a part Advance Variator P/N: number, possibly 60666199.

This part number has been superceded several times due to the issues.

You Fiat dealer will be able to order the latest version/number for you.

All I can add is that in 2006 P/N:55202772 replaced the above P/N.

Since 2006 it could have been changed one or more times hence the need to check with your Fiat dealer to ensure you are buying the latest version of the variator.