MaseratiGent
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I found out today my engine number is just below the magic 148697, after which Maserati fixed the problem.
4.2L (Cold) Rough Start/Cam Shaft Variators
- Thread starter MaseratiGent
- Start date
The more I listen to other variator issues, the less this sounds like one... they all appear to be an immediate noise on firing, but mine is heard around a second after start up... am I being over concerned that this is a variator issue and is it likely something else entirely?
Wanderer
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Heat shield for me. But get the engine number and check it and listen for yourself on cold start.
I was under the impression the fix didn't come until 2011, this is a 2009 so would have thought it does have the potential for the failure?
Problem is they're a 6 hour drive away! Next time I went was due to be when I collected, but dont want to release funds before I'm happy. Worst comes to worst it'll have to be rejected on consumer rights act within 30 days I guess... IF it's a problem!
dickygrace
www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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Engine no. 148697, August 2009 build onwards are fine. You can’t hear variators from the exhaust noise. It needs to be engine bay from cold. The metallic scraping noise is the exhaust baffles opening and closing again for start up.
ChrisQP09
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Update: Before I bought a new house the car lived outside and I often got rattling on start-up for a second, especially when it was cold ( <5c). However I got new insulated roller doors fitted to the new house garage, the car now lives indoors.
So after 2 nights in relative warmth, I am pleased to say there has been no rattling whatsoever from the car despite the cold stormy weather in Co. Fermanagh. There is definitely a connection between the so-called variatior rattle and temperature. I have also purchased a new digital thermometer/humidity scale to be fitted in the garage so I can track things.
PS: Some pictures for those interested, interior garage build in progress.
So after 2 nights in relative warmth, I am pleased to say there has been no rattling whatsoever from the car despite the cold stormy weather in Co. Fermanagh. There is definitely a connection between the so-called variatior rattle and temperature. I have also purchased a new digital thermometer/humidity scale to be fitted in the garage so I can track things.
PS: Some pictures for those interested, interior garage build in progress.
ChrisQP09
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Experience tells us that Maserati have problems with consistency of parts used. The engine number may well be outside of the problem range BUT an engine is not one part. Maseratis, especially QPs from 2007-2011 appear to be built with a blend of old and new components. I liken this to whatever was left in the parts bin on a given day!
Ive seen so called 2010 components and parts fitted to a 2007 registered car and vice versa. My own 2009 4.7s is meant to have been fitted with exhaust valves but this isnt the case. There are severe inconsistencies in the brand and I would say engine numbers outside the rattle engine range will soon start to show similar signs, perhaps not to the same extent.
Zep
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It could still be an issue, but it is much less likely. Is it both banks? How long does it last?
Ewan
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I’ve chatted with experienced Maserati mechanics about this and been told it can be ignored for years and tens of thousands of miles, and this is exactly what thousands of Maser owners have done (and continue to do). If its just a rattle on cold start up that lasts a couple of seconds it’s of no consequence other than aural annoyance. But if it progresses to happen all the time and last longer, then it would be a concern.
ChrisQP09
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Ok mine lasts a few seconds and stops! The reason i ask is because car is booked with MD for suspected coolant leak diagnosis and Im wondering whether to have this looked at too!
Could be an epic waste of money to do so! Question is why do people get the variator fix done if its not critical? Resale and peace of mind comes to mind.
Ewan
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Approximately it is a £3k repair. For no real benefit other than at resale. And let’s face it, these cars get sold all the time without being repaired. So would you see your full £3k returned on resale value? No.
The reality is that most owners don’t bother.
Wanderer
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Says something went wrong....