Variator + Cambelt?

[lewis100985]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me if I need to get these both done at the same time or can they be seperate?

The cambelt does need replacing, but I didn't want to get one done then have to replace the other at a later date...

Also, can anybody recommend a good garage for having this done local(ish) to me?

I live in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Right on the East coast!

Thanks in advance,

Lewis

 

[s130]

You don't say what year your car is and what mileage.

MkII Bachettas have completely revised variators (there have been several revisions over the years for MkI and MkII cars)

Last change was in 1/2006. Prior to that was 6/2003.

If your car is 2003 and older then unless your variator is showing the classic signs of wear or you have excessive mileage then if I were doing the work myself I might skip the variator change. However if you are paying for the work to be done then I would probably opt for doing the variator at the same time.

Full retail price for the latest variator is £162.

 

[lewis100985]

Sorry, I had said in the newbie section.

I have an X-reg 2001 Punto HGT with 51k.

It is due for a cambelt change, which I cannot do myself. So I wondered if it would be better for me to have them both done at the same time? I am fairly clued up on cars, I generally service, do brakes, electrical and various other bits. The cambelt is so important I would rather not try that myself!

Also, my car has the classic diesel sound for about 5-10 seconds upon start up, so would rather replace it now.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[dave]

do both at same time its false economy not too

 

[s130]

Given what you have said then replace the variator. Don't risk it.

I would like to add for general consumption that:

a) 2003 onwards variators are well improved from older versions

b) we have a 2005 'B' with 28K miles on the clock and yes for a couple (max 5) seconds at some (not all) start-ups the variator rattles

c) once up ad running the variator is dead quiet

d) based on just 28K miles (which even MkI 'B's easily survived) then MkII at 30K miles is, despite any initial cold start rattles, very much well within current variator life expectations.

What I'm trying to suggest/elude to is that because of the old MkI variator problems there is still, despite several new variator designs, a tendancy to mark the much later and improved variators with the faults and woes of the earlier ones.

Past poor performance of variators has lead to the 'replace all' attitude. This now also drags in water pumps as well.

A point to note is that when a variator fails there is NO engine damage done. Just a permanent rattling sound.

The line between false economy and perfect economy is very subjective to your own car's personal data (i.e. production date, mileage, service record wrt belts & variators etc.)

If in doubt do everything and reset the record/time line.

 

[lewis100985]

Thanks for your info, much appreciated.

I have read about reducing fuel economy etc, but mainly it is for my own piece of mind and getting rid of that awful sound when starting!

Have you any idea how much I should be expecting to pay to have these jobs done?

Like I said, the mechanic I normally use didn't know what a variator was, and with him I was quoted £120 for cambelt kit replacement. Bearing that price in mind, is the variator much more work?

I assume that I cannot do it myself without taking belts off?

Thanks

 

[s130]

If your mechanic if not familiar with variator and variable inlet cam timing on Fiats/Alfas then I personally would seek someone who is. Maybe this guy is but is just not familiar with Fiats variable timing system.

On this website there is Barchetta workshop manual that can be downloaded. Grab it and read it re: cam belt changes. You will see that special tools are required. To replace the variator the cam belt has to come off and the inlet camshaft removed and dissasembled on the bench.

 

[lewis100985]

Thanks again, I have seen that now.

I have to agree with you that I shall be searching for a mechanic with previous experience working on Fiats!

How much am I likely to pay for the cambelt, water pump and variator? Ball park figure...

 

[s130]

Pass! If I were you I would phone a couple of Fiat dealers and ask them to quote you for the work including parts. Some dealers can be very competitive on price especially if they know you are looking at going to an independent Fiat specialist to have the work done but are giving them a chance of the work.

 

[lewis100985]

You mean dealers can be nice...

I shall have a ring round anyway and report my findings.

Thanks