Alfa 147 2.0 TS - Loud noise from cambelt area

[SuperchargedVR6]

Hoping this might attract the attention of any Alfa gurus!

Recently my 123k old 147 2.0 (2001 plate) has started making what can only be described as a loud "shhhhhhhh / whoooshing" noise from the cambelt area. The noise changes pitch with rpm.

Oil level in the PAS resevoir is OK.

I tried to remove the belt cover to investigate but it seems I can't unless an idler pulley is removed first, but I was able to pry the top half of the cover out enough to see that everything was rotating nicely under there and the belt wasn't shredding.

I'm guessing it's not the cam variator as the engine light isn't on and it drives fine. The PAS feels fine too.

Could it be dry bearings in the belt tensioner?

It's a cheap daily hack and I don't want to spend much on it, but if it's something like a tensioner, I can order it and do it over the weekend.

I don't know anything about Alfas, so any pointers would be great!

Thanks

[kimducati]

Could be any or all of water pump, cambelt tensioner, balance shaft tensioner.
imho not worth scrimping on this - the belt change interval is 40K miles iirc, so it sounds like you may be overdue. These engines are renowned for sudden (and obviously catastrauphic) cambelt failure, so consider carefully before proceeding.
You do need the special cam locking tools to do the job, otherwise the timing goes wrong due to the variator, I think. Just had the same job done on my 156.

hth

Kim

[SuperchargedVR6]

Thanks for that. I'd better get it into the garage then!

[arguti]

For ballpark prices

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_timing_be...

Makes sense to do the water pump and variator at the same time otherwise not that uncommon for variator to go soon afterwards

[SuperchargedVR6]

That's quite a reasonable price, thanks. Only snag is they are miles from me!