Tractor noises on a 147

[johndoc2000]

My 2002 147 2.0TS is making a few not very nice noises. Its intermittent so I'm asking before the dealer tells me he couldn't find anything.
On starting, for no more than 2 seconds, it very occasionally sounds like its running on zero oil. Like tappets but not as high pitched and because its an '02, to me, more abrasive.
Like I say, it happens for no more than 2 seconds and only once in 10 starts. I had thought it was only when cold but its misbehaved on a warm start once or twice and I'm sure the frequency of occurrence is increasing.
Am I grinding the whole engine into little bits????:(

[pdV6]

Sounds like the cam variator's on its way out. nothing to worry about per se, but the noise will continue to get worse and fuel economy will suffer.

[johndoc2000]

Alfa mentioned it when I called to book the car in so your second opinion sounds spot on . Excuse my ignorance..... but the variator.... remind what that does.
What about £'s? or would it be covered under warranty?

[pdV6]

johndoc2000 said:

the variator.... remind what that does.

Switches the cam profile at the appropriate rpm.

johndoc2000 said:

What about £'s?

I hear figures of around £500 at main dealer hourly rates. Parts come to roughly £200 I think.

johndoc2000 said:

would it be covered under warranty?

pass

[pwig]

They are a covered idem under warranty, providing that all service history is up to scratch.

[johndoc2000]

Cheers lads.
History has the 12k service done at 10.5k and the 24k done at 18 so.. dandy! Didn't really fancy the £500 option

[johndoc2000]

Back on this one again. After the last post, went to have it looked at. The supplementary belt was making noises anyway. Dealer told me it was nothing to do with the variator, instead, it was low on oil. Now, I check that according to the book instructions (let it run then cool a little) and low on oil is not my style. Anyway the 147 is occasionally still making the noises.

Dealer reckons: Its oil pressure building-up (?)

Anyone else???

[jacobyte]

Get a second opinion. Remember, Alfa dealers are crap. (except pwig of course )

[pwig]

johndoc2000 said:

Back on this one again. After the last post, went to have it looked at. The supplementary belt was making noises anyway. Dealer told me it was nothing to do with the variator, instead, it was low on oil. Now, I check that according to the book instructions (let it run then cool a little) and low on oil is not my style. Anyway the 147 is occasionally still making the noises. Dealer reckons: Its oil pressure building-up (?) Anyone else???

A noisey variator is caused by the car being low on oil.

Second opinion deffo needed.