Variator Questions

Cquadphil

Junior Member
Messages
55
So I bought a 2008 GT 4.2 with 54k. Got a few things to sort at once, rear tyres and drop links. Been listening closely to the engine on start and occasionally there is a little bit of a rattle. I’ve read a lot about the variator problem of these motors and am factoring in getting them overhauled in a few months. In the meantime I’ve a couple of questions which I haven’t seen answered in the threads I’ve seen:
  • If the car has been sitting for a while would cranking it over without firing it up build up enough oil pressure to reload the variators.
  • Is there a independent machine shop you can send the cam covers to to get the check valve fitted.
Thanks in advance.
Philip
 

Cquadphil

Junior Member
Messages
55
Thanks for the vid, Its not every time, it’s a bit like that. Starter cranks engine catches 0.5 sec or less clatter and then ok. I’ve tried to record it but Sod’s law it hasn’t happened. Just trying to think of some preventative steps before I get time/money to sort it out.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,539
Doesn't sound like it's bad enough to worry about, or even that it is variators as opposed to a tappy engine on start.

C
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
Thanks for the vid, Its not every time, it’s a bit like that. Starter cranks engine catches 0.5 sec or less clatter and then ok. I’ve tried to record it but Sod’s law it hasn’t happened. Just trying to think of some preventative steps before I get time/money to sort it out.
If not happening much you could get machining done without have to replace them. All depends on wear. It is a <1k cost instead of close to 3k.
 

todea20

Junior Member
Messages
198
You need to also factor in the cold months/winter period when oil it's not as in the summer months so slight noise now could be big noise in hot weather
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
One of my old QP’s was the other way - always perfect on start up in the summer, but occasionally noisy for a second or so on start up in the winter.

Anyway, there’s no rush, as that slight and occasional rattle sound causes no damage. Just deal with it in due course if/when it becomes regular and annoying.
 
Last edited:

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
One of my old QP’s was the way - always perfect on start up in the summer, but occasionally noisy for a second or so on start up in the winter.

Anyway, there’s no rush, as that slight and occasional rattle sound causes no damage. Just deal with it in due course if/when it becomes regular and annoying.
Agreed. It's a nice early warning. I'd suggest that you get yours scheduled with Matt and Ashley at Sporstitalia. I did
 

Cquadphil

Junior Member
Messages
55
Let the car sit for 48hrs and noticed a classic variator rattle on start up just like the vids I’ve seen online. So anyone know where can I send the cam covers to get the non return valve fitted?
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,539
Let the car sit for 48hrs and noticed a classic variator rattle on start up just like the vids I’ve seen online. So anyone know where can I send the cam covers to get the non return valve fitted?

I'd have thought that was more likely a failed non-return valve. The variators (as I understand) won't need to be left standing for 48 hours to do it.

Could be wrong, though

C
 

Cquadphil

Junior Member
Messages
55
I'd have thought that was more likely a failed non-return valve. The variators (as I understand) won't need to be left standing for 48 hours to do it.

Could be wrong, though

C
That’s a good idea, I’ll Have a look at how I could test that
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,113
The thing I would try first if it's a very mild rattle on start up and then sweet is the solenoids and renew the rocker cover gaskets at the same time.
Without hearing in person it's all guesswork.
You really need to get it looked at properly.
 

Cquadphil

Junior Member
Messages
55
Thanks for all the input. Started no issues today after 24 hours. I’ll keep recording the starts until I get a good version.

I‘ve read a lot about this issue but one thing is not clear, what is the mechanism that deteriorates over time letting the oil drain and starts the rattling.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
Only a matter of time. I procrastinated for three months. She threw a hissy fit 70 miles from home. Ended up with Matt sending up a sufficiently low low loader to have her transported to SportsItalia and a lot of faff getting me and wife home after 9 hours standing in a cold car park.

It's an early warning.

Robin
 

Tamariini

Junior Member
Messages
102
My 2009 4.7S has also built up variator rattle now when weather is getting colder. Time to plan replacement for variators... Are those "new type" variators direct replacement for old versions? Any other "upgrades" which should be changed at the same time?
 

ChrisQP09

Member
Messages
2,994
My 2009 4.7S has also built up variator rattle now when weather is getting colder. Time to plan replacement for variators... Are those "new type" variators direct replacement for old versions? Any other "upgrades" which should be changed at the same time?

Remove stickers from solenoids
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
My 2009 4.7S has also built up variator rattle now when weather is getting colder. Time to plan replacement for variators... Are those "new type" variators direct replacement for old versions? Any other "upgrades" which should be changed at the same time?
Yeah. Put it on H&R springs, fit x-pipe, fit Zeps larger discs, get Ash to do the geo and spank it across Europe. When we are allowed obviously......
 
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