Cold Start Noise

[StuartW]

Electrical motor? Bit like a hair dryer or fan? Secondary air pump. I *think* 'they all do that, sir' Mine certainly does

C

Yep, I also think they all do

 

[philw696]

This was my Variator noise: -

http://www.goldenchariots.com/downloads/maserati_cold_start_020116.m4a

Here that on a regular basis for some reason always seems to be the 4.2 Blue top engine.
We have 3 on the go at the minute.
We have to send the caps to Aus for modification.

 

[Jkulin]

Started this morning and the noise is getting progressively worse: -

http://www.goldenchariots.com/downloads/maserati_cold_start_080316.m4a

 

[CatmanV2]

That's not a good noise I'm afraid. Sounds like valves / variators.

C

 

[Jkulin]

I know, all being fixed W/C 4/4/16

 

[CatmanV2]

I know, all being fixed W/C 4/4/16

Ah yes. I get confused easily

C

 

[Mr K]

Started this morning and the noise is getting progressively worse: -

http://www.goldenchariots.com/downloads/maserati_cold_start_080316.m4a

I'm looking to buy a 4.2 QP auto at the moment and this variator issue is my biggest concern. I've looked at a couple recently and asked to hear the engine start from cold. However I'm a bit concerned that even if the engine's cold, if it's been started and run for a few seconds it will start quietly for a while afterwards. If so, it would be easy to mask the issue by starting it briefly, then along comes muggins at the agreed time, checks the engine's cold and hears no clatter at startup.

Does the clatter happen only on the first startup after being left (say) overnight?

Must admit, it's disappointing to see this thread. I'd read elsewhere that it's fixed in 09-> cars. That must just apply to the 4.7.

 

[Contigo]

Buy my DS then and you won't have to worry

 

[Jkulin]

I'm looking to buy a 4.2 QP auto at the moment and this variator issue is my biggest concern. I've looked at a couple recently and asked to hear the engine start from cold. However I'm a bit concerned that even if the engine's cold, if it's been started and run for a few seconds it will start quietly for a while afterwards. If so, it would be easy to mask the issue by starting it briefly, then along comes muggins at the agreed time, checks the engine's cold and hears no clatter at startup.

Does the clatter happen only on the first startup after being left (say) overnight?

Must admit, it's disappointing to see this thread. I'd read elsewhere that it's fixed in 09-> cars. That must just apply to the 4.7.

I believe it is not a matter of finding a car produced after a certain year as Maserati could have used engines that were produced earlier.

Within this thread there is the US recall notice and that applies to engine numbers before 148697

If you find the right bargain then allow within it a budget of up to to £4K to have it fixed or check to see if the seller has proof that it has been fixed and how.

It has never happened after the engine has been started that day, only after at least 12 hours and always after a cold night with low temperatures.

 

[daverichardson]

I believe that the noise is apparent on a cold start up at first and as time goes by, the noise is on every start up hot or cold.
The only way to avoid it is to but a car that has had the remedial work carried out with proof in the service history, bills etc
Or as JKulin said set a budget in case, he is also correct about engine numbers too. I have also found 45000 miles is the danger area, but others have reported earlier miles too
Good luck

 

[safrane]

Buy my DS then and you won't have to worry

A Citroën now Phil...my how your collection grows; 0)

 

[Contigo]

A Citroën now Phil...my how your collection grows; 0)

Lol! I have an SM in the offer

 

[safrane]

Is that another typo Phil (S&M)?

 

[alfatwo]

I'm looking to buy a 4.2 QP auto at the moment and this variator issue is my biggest concern. I've looked at a couple recently and asked to hear the engine start from cold. However I'm a bit concerned that even if the engine's cold, if it's been started and run for a few seconds it will start quietly for a while afterwards. If so, it would be easy to mask the issue by starting it briefly, then along comes muggins at the agreed time, checks the engine's cold and hears no clatter at startup.

Does the clatter happen only on the first startup after being left (say) overnight?

Must admit, it's disappointing to see this thread. I'd read elsewhere that it's fixed in 09-> cars. That must just apply to the 4.7.

That problem's been around for years...I remember 17 years ago when the Alfa 156's first came out they had exactly the same thing..


Dave

 

[Mr K]

Interesting. Engine# on the car I'm interested in starts 154, so about 5,500 later than the recall. Checked with all the dealers who serviced it. Nothing done to variators. So is yours below 148697 John? Cost would be about £3k worst case at Autofficina by the way, and they know their stuff.

 

[GeoffCapes]

That problem's been around for years...I remember 17 years ago when the Alfa 156's first came out they had exactly the same thing..


Dave

My first 147 was the same. The variator needed doing after only 25-30k

 

[Mr K]

Buy my DS then and you won't have to worry

You know what, I prefer the DS - the quicker change in the Sport GT, that is (not tried the original). Dropping a couple of gears at 120mph plus to blast past dull mercs & beemers being driven flat out on the autobahns was great fun last year

 

[Jkulin]

Interesting. Engine# on the car I'm interested in starts 154, so about 5,500 later than the recall. Checked with all the dealers who serviced it. Nothing done to variators. So is yours below 148697 John? Cost would be about £3k worst case at Autofficina by the way, and they know their stuff.

Hi, Yes mine was below that engine number, so that was what first raised the alarm when I heard the noise.

Mines has worked out at £3,300, but I am not paying for it, and I'm sure if I were that I could have negotiated downwards.

 

[Mr K]

Hi, Yes mine was below that engine number, so that was what first raised the alarm when I heard the noise.

Mine has worked out at £3,300, but I am not paying for it, and I'm sure if I were that I could have negotiated downwards.

Thanks for confirming so quickly, this helps me a lot. Interesting that a 2010 registered car has an earlier-produced engine than a Dec 2009 registered car, but registration date is obviously not manufacturing date.

 

[roger102]

Hi GB do you still have the GT and did the thicker oil continue to resolve the issue?
Roge

Hi there,

My 4.2 GT sport did it infrequently around the 50k milage point, the noise down to the valve train bucket to cam clearence due to the hydraulic lifters not being fully pressurised / filled with oil.

Oil draining due to the accumulator / non return valves is one reason , or just leak down at the lifter .

I cured my symptom by changing to Mobil 1 10/60.. My car is now on 81k with no ill effects.( & going better than ever..)
I believe the thicker oil leaks down less from the hydraulic lifters & prevents the greater valve clearance developing / noise on start up.

Oil is relatively cheap although 9 litres is just under £80.00 worth a try I reckon.

Cheers