145 Cloverleaf Variator

[Sea Demon]

I've bought a 145 Cloverleaf recently which has stood for 3 years & it seems that the variator needs fixing/replacing - anyone know the best way to deal with this? Im new to Alfas so dont know where to start!

It sounds Ok when it starts but when the engine warms up a little it starts to sound like diesel but if you rev it ever so slightly the noise goes away, its just there when idling.

The oil hasnt been changed yet but I dont suppose this would fix the prob would it?

[RicksAlfas]

Variator failure is common because of poor quality oil/infrequent changes.
It would be well worth giving it an oil and filter change first to see if it helps - presumably you would be doing that anyway after such a length of time?

If that doesn't cure it change the variator when you do the cambelt - it's about an extra £90 for the part:
http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Res...

[BussoV6]

The belts are due anyway - every three years or 36k.
Changing the oil wouldn't make it any better, once they are rattling they are shot.
Should be around £400 for belts, tensioners and variator at an Alfa specialist.

[robsco]

My specialist ran an engine flush through my 147 to quieten the variator down a little, the belts weren't due or anything but it rattled for a couple of seconds on start up. It helped for all of 2 days. I wouldn't expect it to do any damage, but if you're going to change the belts, tensioners etc, you may as well get the variator done at the same time.

[crostonian]

euroboy said:

Hmmm, variator usually gives the opposite symptoms - ie sounds diesely when cold, but good when warm...

If you do change the variator then the belts have to come off, which of course upps the price considerably.

Variators can make a noise when hot or cold it depends which part of it is worn. Try Alfashop for the parts and do belt and tensioner also, parts should cost £120 and 3 to 4 hours labour to fit.

[Sea Demon]

Thanks for the replies - I'll be doing the work myself, was going to be changing the belts as part of the service but I think I'll see what the variators like after an oil/filter change before I splash out on a new one