Looking through my service history for the B I have recently purchased. I note the Variator was exchanged under warranty with DTR when the 1st cam belt was changed, then at each other cambelt services the variator has been serviced with service kit for them, being I believe https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255072112526 when I have checked the part number used on the itemised invoices. Is this the norm now with the variator?

I didn't realise there was a variator service/repair kit!

Looks like it's had some careful attention, which bodes well

gar074 said:

I didn't realise there was a variator service/repair kit!

Looks like it's had some careful attention, which bodes well

Click to expand...

Checked with my local Fiat & Alfa indie. These variator kits are popular instead of forking out for a complete variator every other cambelt change. They came about from the Alfa 147 and 156 models with twin spark 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines, lucky for us B owners.

We have a 2005 "B" with close to 50K on the clock. A mere baby compared to some earlier models.

I've done two cam belt and one water pump change but thus far have not changed or repaired the variator.

What I think/find interesting is that unlike the old and original details and videos with sound of early variator diesel clatter our "B" is more general valve/tappet clatter.

Neither variator clatter (not entirely sure) or valve clatter is bothering me too much. Nothing is going to catastrophically go bang so we'll take things as they come.

I used to get paranoid about any/all sounds etc. but now (aged 66 and 49 years of vehicle/Fiat maintenance from servicing to engine rebuilds) have a little more laid back outlook.

That said I do, and everyone else should, take note and stock of noises, vibrations, feel, etc. as these for a basic DNA of your vehicles health. Variations from your normal levels is where smart owners dig deeper etc.