My local mechanic said I might have a faulty cam variator. Anyone has this problem? please advise?
Cam Variator
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msrt
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The M139A engines manufactured after September 2010, starting with Engine Number 148697 or 157854 (different sources say different things), has the factory variator upgrade. Engine number is located on a tag at the 9 o'clock position on the bell housing when looking forward.
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In the QP factory replacement parts catalog, the variator changes to a new part number starting at Engine Number 157855. That's not the only change required for a complete fix (check valves on the end caps), but I'm told that's when the variator changed at the factory.
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So for those of us with cars predating the fix (oil check valves & larger spring), such as my 2008 Granturismo, if / when our variators need doing, can these enhancements be added to prevent future failing?
And what was it that we can check 'through the oil cap' I didn't understand that bit
ETA, the cam cap needing machining, is that to add the check valve?
How about the clock spring too though
And can specialist Fez/Maz indi shops do the machining or does Maserti need to do it really?
And what was it that we can check 'through the oil cap' I didn't understand that bit
ETA, the cam cap needing machining, is that to add the check valve?
How about the clock spring too though
And can specialist Fez/Maz indi shops do the machining or does Maserti need to do it really?
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Jason says the newer part numbers on a QP engine (M139A) can be added for a fix. For a GranTurismo engine (M145), I can't comment. When you remove the oil cap and look forward of the cam, that round cylinder thing you see is the variator assembly. If it's smooth on the front (long fingers or a fiber optic flex cable), it's the old style variator design. Yes, machining each intake camshaft bearing cap to add the check valve. The clock spring is part of the new variator design. There is a Technical Bulletin indicating machining by MNA (meaning the variators had to go through MNA for routing to one of 2 machine shops authorized to make the modifications). Perhaps some independents have located other sources if they have done many variator jobs already. You may have to ask local to you.
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The M139 and M145 engines are the same...I actually have a 4.7 that has the newer style units and an older 4.2 that doesn`t in the shop right now, but I`m not sure I can take a good enough pic with a cell phone through the oil filler cap to help out.. I do have some used dry sump ones and wet sump as well as the newer unit in stock..I`ll try to post a pic next week...Jason
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Hey guys looking for some help here because im not sure what I need to do and a little confused. I have a 08 executive gt with 67k miles on it. Other than the rare chatter that i get when first started which id say happens once out of 30 starts and only when its been sitting a few days and it only happens for a second, maybe even less than a second, it runs great. Without going into boring details someone jumped my car and since then ive been getting a engine misfire code for cylinder number 3. Transferred plugs and coil to different locations but it still shows up on number 3. I also now notice that same chatter but a very low barely noticeable when rpms are in the 900-1300 range. Usually when im coming to a red light or stop sign with radio and hvac off. But the crazy thing is that when I do a reset by disconnecting battery for an hour, reconnect and let sit for 5 min, key on for 5, then let idle for 5 and then take for a aggressive ride for 15 min, after that process the noise goes away for about 20-30 miles then comes back.
Im thinking I have a bad sensor of some sort since it goes away after the reset procedure. I also have a brand new alternator,battery, fresh iridium plugs and B&M air filter.
Id appreciate and thoughts or opinions greatly. Im a mechanic and pretty good with European cars but this Maserati has me scratching my head.
Im thinking I have a bad sensor of some sort since it goes away after the reset procedure. I also have a brand new alternator,battery, fresh iridium plugs and B&M air filter.
Id appreciate and thoughts or opinions greatly. Im a mechanic and pretty good with European cars but this Maserati has me scratching my head.
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Yes I'm still getting the code but it takes almost 300 miles of driving to come back on. I don't remember the exact code number but it's always misfire cylinder 3.
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Checked that coil & plug?
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Plugs are due at 75K, so maybe just change all of them, even if only 1 is suspect at this point?
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Yes I checked the coil, switched a few around and it still pointed to number 3. Plugs are brand new but I also switched them around. Still number 3. Since I did a "reset" no codes are showing up yet so I can't get the exact trouble code number. Put 40 miles on it since last reset and no CEL yet. Just that tiny tiny chatter when rpms are between 900-1300 or so.
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Just got the call from the dealer. Needs cam variator solenoids. ??
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If it were me with that diagnosis, I would ask the shop for a quote to do the variator upgrade & check valves at the same time. When the covers for the cams and front of the engine are removed enough to expose the solenoids, the variator is right there also. So if the variators are not replaced then, all that same labor will have to be paid again if the variators have to be replaced later. The variator parts are not cheap, but the labor is what drives the total cost. Could also depend upon how long you wish to keep the car: it might go quite a way with only the solenoid work before the variators start acting up.
I have a pic of what this much disassembly looks like, if you are interested.
I have a pic of what this much disassembly looks like, if you are interested.
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I told them to just do the solenoids. I'm going to take a chance for now. Plus I doubt I'll have this car another 6 months anyway. I'm a autbody mechanic and do all my own service on my vehicles. Paying $2k in labor is like a barber paying $300 for a haircut. These cars aren't anymore complicated then a Mercedes or Bmw. Problem is there is barely any information out there. My computer can hook up to a 2016 Mercedes S class but not a 08 Maserati. I think I had enough. I'll get that engine number when I get the car back.
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