Replacing camshaft variator

From day one the engine has had the infamous “Diesel”noise caused by a problematic camshaft variator. Since I had not heard what it is supposed to sound like, I didn’t know it was abnormal till someone told me that.

The problem can happen very soon. In 5 years of the Alfa 156 was launch, the problem became well-known as indicated in the following discussion thread in 2003.

Camshaft variator noise

From Youtube, you can easily find video clips about it and listen to the exact “tapping” sound.

There are 2 resolutions:

• Replace the variator with a new one
• Repair the variator

When I was aware of the problem in 2016, a new camshaft variator costed about 100 sterling pounds. I bought a new one. Now it costs almost 3 times more. Hence, the 2nd option makes more sense now IF you find a mechanic who know how to do it and is willing to do it.

Replacing the variator isn’t a very complicated task, a mechanic should be able to finish the job in a morning. A proficient DIYer should be able to do it too.

To remove the variator, we need to remove the valve cover and one camshaft.

The replaced one doesn’t look back but it is the problem inside the housing.

When doing the replacement, must also prepare the valve cover gasket. A set of cam lock is needed to do the job.

I bought the new component here. It also sells the repair kits

Mar 2016

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