guys... any ideas...

got a bit of a rattle as the engine starts.... funny thing is it doesnt do it 1st thing in the AM when the engine is cold. Lunchtime and evening when I'm off home. ... don't think its the variator but i might be mistaken. doesnt fit the description on the barchetta owners page.

also noticed (very recently) a bit of a knock in the steering coming up thru colunm when switching locks... hitting roundabouts about 30-40mph?

checked the drive shafts/cv joints... and track rods and ball joints. no play in anything i can find.

cheers

dx

doc... love the turbo coupe engine idea... outrageous. whats the bhp on one of those?

As far as the steering goes have you checked the power steering belt or fluid?

Hi
I think the coupe engine will have to be the 16v turbo lump because of space, the BHP could be 200 +

I have just started looking into it, so next I need to have a good look round a 16v coupe and take some fitment measurements.

I take it the rattle happens when the car is still as well as when moving ? Open the bonnet when you start the car and see if you can pin-point the rattle a little more. Does the rattle last or does it go after a few mins ?
Doc Orange Peel

Alan... as far as the steering goes... havent checked the belt but the fluid level is fine. How often does it need to be changed?

doc... two kinds of rattle... fairly loud one that settles down within a few seconds or after revving the engine... another quieter knocking from rear left of lump... kinda from behind the oil filler cap. always keep a close eye on the oil btw... this quieter knocking is more persistent and doesn't go away when you run the revs up past 2000rpm. Fairly certain it wasn't doing it when i bought it 2000 miles ago... or maybe I'm just hearing things.

no loss of power... no other symptoms.

cheers,

d

As long as there is enough fluid it should be fine.

The power steering belt on my BMW got contaminated a while back and occasionally when turning the steering wheel would knock like hell as it slipped then caught again, I suppose if the belt was loose it would have the same effect.

Hi, have you checked your oil level recently, as mine does the same thing when it needs topping up, just a thought.