Do I have a variator problem?

[Wanderer]

Sometimes, usually, but not always on first startup when cold I get I noise from the engine, sort of a thrappy rattle but to me sounds like something hitting plastic, doesn't sound metallic. Lasts literally one sec or less. It only ever happens on first cold start, but not always, like today, not started for two days and no noise. and never happens on second cold start like if I nip to shop cos I'm lazy!

Obvs mines dry sump and I've recently replaced the none return oil valve on back of cyl head to no effect.

 

[doodlebug]

I was told by an indie that they all do that. Your engine is dry sump like mine and I too had the up-rated non-return valve spring fitted. It did seem to improve a little but still happens occasionally. Mine's made that noise since I got it 90,000 miles ago, so hopefully it won't get any worse...

 

[zagatoes30]

You can get a rattle at start up on 4200s from the dual skinned manifolds, the inner becomes detached but once they warm the expansion takes up the slack.

 

[doodlebug]

What Andy said. I have that manifold noise too, but it only happens once or twice a year. The rattle from the top end happens about once or twice a week, depending how frequently the car is driven.

 

[Wanderer]

Good to know I'm not alone, but it does sound like something hitting plastic, rather than metal, engine seems spot on, no leaks, no oil use for perhaps I've just picked on something to worry about....

 

[TimR]

My 4200 does it relentlessly. It blows smoke too, when the stars are aligned...

 

[safrane]

It is a characteristic of the engine to have a moment of slight tappet tap when started esp when cold or left for some time... same with an occasional puff of smoke.

Vairiaitor rattel is like a bucket of nails when left untreated and lasts for a few seconds and can sound very unnerving.

 

[philw696]

I posted a video of variator rattle on a 4.2 blue top motor when I was working at Maserati.
I will see if I can find it again.

 

[Ebenezer]

But is it really a problem if it stops after a second or so, and only when cold and not having been started for a reasonable time (eg > 8 hours)?
Eb

 

[TimR]

It will be taking a toll regardless of whether this culminates in a problem...!
The time between episodes is likely just a symptom of the state of the one way sprung oil valve...
Mine does after a couple hours stood up, warm !
Or not. If its facing east after 4pm then it fine..!