Variator knackered on my 156 twink??

[Wooderson]

Hi all,

Following a long drive down to Devon last weekend, the engine has developed a ticking noise. It's noticable at idle and also under load, only temporarily going away when changing up thu' the gears. Could this be a sign that the variator has packed up?

As background, I did do an oil change a few days before the trip (fully synthetic 10/40). Could this have anything to do with it. I'm concerned I should be using a thicker oil perhaps. Would a oil flush be worth a go?

A new cambelt is due in the next 5,000 miles, so I'm not too worried - I will just get the lot done then. Just wondering if it's something simpler.

Oh, and yes, it does (and has since I bought it) sound like a diesel on start up!

Thanks

[touching cloth]

Diesel on start noise does indicate variator could do with changing when you do the cambelt, as far as oil use, I think semi-synth is preferable on the TS rather than full - better cling or somesuch technical term, so it may be related.

[wadgebeast]

Could well be the variators - best to get them done at the same time as the cambelt. I wouldn't wait for the next 5000 miles either, but get it in as soon as I could afford it.... worn variators will put more pressure on the belt.

Nothing wrong with the oil choice. 10 W 40 is ideal for twin spark, 5 W 40 if you're more enthusiastic.

[Jimbo.]

as far as oil use, I think semi-synth is preferable on the TS rather than full...

The later TS engines were, IIRC, spec'd 10w/60 FS oil in a half-arsed attempt to reduce oil consumption. Prior to this they ran 10w/40 semi-synth. Nothing changed with the engines so you can run 'em on either.
I'm a tightwad and use Halfords own-brew 10w/40, and it seems to work jolly well, too

Edited by Jimbo. on Monday 6th October 14:32

[Wooderson]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

Well it’s definitely the death-rattle of fecked variator according to my local specialist (Gondella Brothers in Catford) and they have quoted me about £400 to do replace cambelts, waterpump and the variator. Seems reasonable enough.

There never just one problem with Alfas is there?! The bloody airbag warning light popped on out of the blue yesterday. I was wondering, has anyone actually pranged their Alfa while the airbag warning light has been on and not had the airbag inflate? Hard to get a definitive answer on this issue it seems

Now where did I put that roll of black electrical tape....

[wadgebeast]

Airbag light very very common. Dodgy connection under the seats I think. I've never heard of the bag not going off, but that's probably coz they're too dead to post on alfa forums......

[alfabadass]

the 156 is poor in crash tests so an airbag wont help much anyway. Well thats how I justify it.

[Bigdick]

alfabadass said:

the 156 is poor in crash tests so an airbag wont help much anyway. Well thats how I justify it.

Its nice to go in style though!!

a dam good looking car if i do say so myself!!

Regards

Richie

[nottyash]

I had a whining noise. After changing the power steering pp and tensioner pulley to no avail it was the alternator. The belt puts weight on at an angle. Very strange.

Air bag light was on to. It was the conecter under the passenger seat. Cut and solder together.

If the variator has gone it will sound like a diesel on start up.