GTV 2.0TS - Engine Whistle @3000rpm

[andrewa]

Is it normal for there to be a noticable whistle at around 3000rpm. Usually fades at 3250 or so.
If not normal, what could it be?
Just not sure if it's a characteristic of car or not.

Thanks

[Ralf S.]

That's when the variator does it's thing. Make sure the oil is topped up to Max' and see what happens.


Ralf S.

[andrewa]

Thanks for the help Ralf.
Still getting used to all the noises (what should be and should not be there!).
I think my variator may be in need of replacement, as I'm getting that dieselly rattle on startup sometimes, which settles after a fraction of a second. With that wear present, does the variator still function OK at higher revs?

Thanks

It should be fine....your noise may just be the tappets settling down as well.

I would get the noise checked by a garage, could be one of the idlers or tensioners giving early signs of wear.

wrinx

[andrewa]

Originally Posted by wrinx

I would get the noise checked by a garage, could be one of the idlers or tensioners giving early signs of wear.
wrinx

Do you mean the whistle or the rattle?

[Ralf S.]

Rattle. If the variator fails it leaves the cam timing at the "advanced" position, so the diesel noise is at low revs as the engine isn't quite as efficient as it should be at those engine speeds.

It won't do any damage. It's like having a blown bulb - something that should be doing something isn't doing it.

It's worth checking the cam-belt tensioner... a whistle may be from the tensioner (or a pully) bearing and if that dies, the tensioner won't be doing it's thing and the belt will come off.

I don't think many cam-belt failures are actually the belt snapping. Usually they just slip or become derailed (lack of tension?).

So, if you get paranoid and get the cam-belt changed, also change the tensioner and pulleys too.

Ralf S.

[andrewa]

Thanks Ralf.

I'm currently hunting round for prices from local alfa specialists for getting cam belt etc done. Not quite paranoid yet but the more I read on the subject the more worried I get. Off on hols in a week or so but will get that done along with 48k service when I get back.

Cheers

[Gary Slegg]

Are you sure the whistle is from the engine? Mine whistles when the relays get hot...it can sound initially like its coming from the engine but in fact its from the boot by the battery.

[GTV4me]

what air filter/induction set up have you got. they can sometimes make a bit of a whistle type noise at certain revs?

does it make the same noise when stationary revving the engine or only on the move? check where the noise is comming from if you can ie bonnet up and locate which part of the engine or ancillaries the noise is comming from.

[johnhanrahanmgt]

hi did you ever get the whistle sorted i have the same situation and origionally thought it was a fan belt so changed that and the tensioner but its still there, and on start up their is a squek which is why i thought it was the fan belt. cam had been done 6 months ago.

cheers
john

[gezkc]

I get a whistle at 3000rpm as well. I'm not sure if it's just a characteristic of the engine, as it disappears when the revs rise above this.

[euroboy]

My car has got a very strong induction sound, very noticeable when off the power coming down through the rev band, and like others have said most prominent at around 3000prm. Just adds to the character of the car

[robf781]

Originally Posted by johnhanrahanmgt

hi did you ever get the whistle sorted i have the same situation and origionally thought it was a fan belt so changed that and the tensioner but its still there, and on start up their is a squek which is why i thought it was the fan belt. cam had been done 6 months ago.

cheers
john

Squeak will be the aux belt slipping a little on start up. Mine does this, as do lots of others. It's due to the initial load put on the alternator on startup, plus the belt is cold and won't grip as well. mine has been less noticeable since I changed the battery although it does still do it. Someone mentioned dusting it with talc to stop it but don't quote me on that and don't blame me if it does something nasty.

[ryan.grant]

My 156 2.0 y reg has a whistle all the time and a ocasioal rattle when cold. Went to start it and nothing this morning. Think its somthing to do with the alternator pully. Where can i find a diagram of the parts?
Cheers. Ryan

[Kentish]

Mine has a whistle noise at lower revs and mid range, at idle it usually goes.

Sounds a bit like the water pump or alternator bearings, no other adverse signs but I'll check it out soon.

[ryan.grant]

cheers