I have the variator, but not the car as yet.

More problems with tappety type noises when the engine runs down from high revs. Mechanic reckons the variator that he got from Fiat is a bit dodge so still carless.

Well the variator is okay for sure. We are thinking that its possibly the phase solenoid, which is the bit that allows the oil into the cam to change the timing on the inlet cam.

Its item 7 on the diagram below.



The problem is that when you power the solenoid, the pin comes out okay but doesnt return on its own if you do anything but pulse it, which isnt what happens on the car. The thing is that when the power is removed you can very easily push the pin back in so I would have thought that the spring at the bottom would have pushed the pin back in the solenoid.

Im trying to source a second hand one but its proving a bit tricky. The fiat parts place in Leeds (very good and cheap btw) has one still in the manifold but its smashed and Ive emailed a few ebay sellers so I shall have to see how that goes.

What makes it difficult is that when stuff is being tried the battery is drained in no time with all so I really had better invest in a new one when shes back on the road.

Still, im saving money on petrol lol

Dan

Yeah mate, new one.... £137quid.. ish. None of the discount places stock them either so its practically retail price.

Ive only found three abarths being broken on the 'bay, and only one has come back to me so far and said he doesnt have the part.

The search continues...

Right got one from a Bravo HGT, £20 Bargain!!!!!

Need to pick it up its the other side of leeds, fingers crossed this sorts it. The part is the same as used on all the 5pot 20v engines

Bit of an update. New phase solenoid fitted, variator still rattles like hell. So the garage had an alfa specialist have a look at it - seems that there is a blocked oil pickup thats starving the variator of oil, so sump off and clean up over the next few days and fingers crossed it cures it.

We shall see.......