Technical sounds like tractor when idling

[Gotte]

Just tried to post this but don't think it went, so here we go again.
Got an 05 Multipla with 67000 miles on clock. Started this morning with fluttering tweeting from engine. Then, after about half hour, developed a tractor-like rumble from driver's side of engine. To me, sounds like it's down near the cam belt. Rumble goes when I apply revs, but still get the fluttering tweet. Coming back from holiday, so pulled into services and phoned greenflag. The man who came out said it sounded like cam bearings, and it had got worse. By the time he had showed up, there was a loud, slipping cambelt type squealing. He tried WD40 on it, and though it went for a minute or so, it soon came back.
I googled while waiting, and saw a few posts with similar symptom. Seemed to suggest it might be a knackered Variator. These were not Multiplas, though - not even sure a Multipla has a Variator. What so you guys think?

 

[turbo_pib]

Are you sure is not the crank pulley at bottom of engine? Is big and round with 4 screws, usual common fault with this.
If you turn wheels all way to the right you be able to see it from wheelarch

 

[Gotte]

Thanks for that. Not sure, as only just got back after recovery. Update, though -As I was revving it to get on the recovery truck, there was lots of black smoke and a screetching noise, then mysteriously, next time I turned it on, no screetch, but also no tractor noise. Am O right on suspecting something to do with cam belt (or what's the visible one called - the auxiliary belt?)

 

[widemouthfrog]

I wouldn't think it's the cambelt as that's toothed. If it slips, something more terminal sounding than just a screech will be heard (but not for very long.....)

It could be the cambelt tensioner going west, but I've not heard of that happening before.

More likely is the auxillary belt tensioner - if that gives up the ghost, its belt will start squealing. You can see that one as it's not got a cover on it, and quite often the tensioner looks on the p*ss if it's past its' best. Not too expensive to fix if that's the culprit - expect a bill of around £100-120 including parts, labour and VAT to replace the belt and tensioner.

 

[Gotte]

Thanks for that. I've booked it in with Fiat, as it needs a service, as well. Of course, they can't do it till Monday. I might have a word with the local garage, see if they can have a look at least.
Of course, it's not making any noise at all today. I don't really want to be driving it around, as I'm not sure what damage I may be doing, but might try the couple of miles to local garage to see what they say.
If it were the auxiliary belt or tensioner, what damage would I do by driving it?

Thanks

 

[widemouthfrog]

Unless it's in a really bad state, no. If the noise has stopped completely, check that you've still got an aux belt! You'd notice that anyway as the alternator would loose it's power so the battery warning light would flag up.

Just have a quick look to check things out - there's no need to remove any covers. BTW, if you ask a franchised Fiat dealer to do any work, my price guide will get blown away

 

[chr1s]

7 years old, 67000 miles and due for a service. Has the cambelt ever been changed ?
If not then I'd suggest that you get the cambelt changed (and the associated bits -tensioners, water pump, belts, etc).