That sounds like a variator issue, but I wouldn't worry about it if it has only happened twice....The correct repair is check valves and the updated variators...Several places sell parts online, but I wouldn't consider that repair a DIYer project in the least...Jason

 

( J ) Any chance that clicking could be lifters noise ? Or that’s not an issue with GTs..?

 

It could be anything...You know how I am about internet noises...Jason

 

Yup, the “haircuts by phone“ analogy

 

Thanks for the input Jason, yes I appreciate diagnosing by internet is near futile, but as this is a common problem I wanted to mow if variators is a clicking sound or a different sound. Its better than my wife who says the car isn't working right.
Why not a DIY task? I have rebuild and modified engines, rebuilt transmissions etc. I have the whole winter to do the job.
Thanks again

 

Sounds like you are not really a normal DIYer...J

 

I have a 08 GT with 15k miles and preparing for this almost inevitable $$$$ problem. (According to Maserati Mechanics). I researched it as if I was writing a dissertation for a PHD..LOL. Forums, You-Tube, ..et.c I'm told if the rattle continues without repair, it could wear the cam lobes down or some other catastrophic engine problems????? I pray I'm wrong and never get a concise answer when I could expect this dreaded cold start cam variator rattle (oil isn't getting to the cams)?...i.e mileage, what percentage have this issue e.t.c.I love my GT and hope I don't have this issue???????

 

Thanks for the input, I felt that Jason was being a bit polite and that although I may very well able to do it, the risk of a screw up is valve meets piston type of event. I wasn't sure if changing variators risked screwing up the cam timing.
Another question before I let common sense win over my ego, if I just put the check valves in the cam shaft caps, will I delay the onset of this issue?
I will research the dealer vs a competent independent shop so when the time comes....

 

I just asked two exotic import shops here in Vermont regarding the variator issue and they didn't want to take it task because the parts have to be shipped out to get milled and Maserati has some special OEM tool you use?. I;m taking mine to Brighton Mass. Maserati Dealership because Montreal is closed at the border which would have been the closest Maserati Dealership. I'm not getting the rattle yet and perhaps I never will? Good Luck and keep us posted but it does appear to be a common problem.

 

Attached the official statement about the variator issue.It's engine number dependent.
I have an mp3 of what it sounds like but this forum doesn't allow to post mp3 files.
Good luck
Alan

 

I just had the same issue but on my 07 Quattroporte Sport GT automatic it would rattle on each start...so while replacing the common busted 4" hose behind the engine above the transmission I removed the cam caps and send to Rich Olivier at TEM Performance in Napa California to add check valves and in 2 days I had my parts back and ready to install (I live in Tennessee). It cost me $110 to UPS the part to Napa California that included a $2k insurance incase something happened.
He's the right man for this job since he has done this job for other Ferrari and Maserati with the same issue...so that took care of it. While removing the cam caps I noticed I had a bad solenoid so I think that was part of my rattling issue but since I was there I went ahead and sent the caps to add the check valves since this was listed as being part of the rattling problem...I also put new rubber gaskets all the way and new original NGK Maserati spark plugs I ordered from the Maserati dealer in Atl just to make sure I wouldn't get burned with fake ones online...but that's just me playing safe buying online! I normally buy my parts from Scuderia parts in the UK and haven't had any issues with them
See attached picture about rattling problem bulletin from Maserati. Please tell Rich at TEM Performance Don Rosellini sent you!

2009 GT, on cold start up (left for a few days) I have had a clicking sound that lasts for about 1 second coming from the engine. It has only happened twice.


My questions are:
Is this the variator issue?
Do I need updated variators or just the check valve modification?
Where can I source the check valves and variators if required?

Thanks

I had same issue but was on a daily note every time I started my 07 Quattroporte Auto Sport GT w 70k miles.
4 weeks ago while replacing the famous busted 4" hose behind the engine above the transmission I removed the cam caps and sent to Rich Olivier/TEM Performance in Napa California. Tell him Don Rosellini from Tennessee sent you!
I sent the cam caps to him and had it back in 2 days. It cost me $110 to UPS it to him that included a $2k insurance in case something happened he then sent to me via FedEx for $75 dollars. He charges $550 for both plus you pay for shipping!
I installed the parts right away and put new gaskets all the way plus new solenoids (while removing I noticed one of my solenoids was bad and that could be my rattling issue, I could tell because one of the metal mesh was mising and tge little plastic was broken) so my QP has now new check valves added to the cam caps, new gaskets and new NGK spark plugs from Maserati of Atlanta just to make sure I wouldn't get burned online w fake ones.
This solved my problem. I've been driving it for about 4 weeks and no rattling!
See attached picture of the bulletin I found here on this site, this triggered me to go ahead and have it done right away! The other parts I bought from Scuderia Car Parts in the UK and had no issues I received in 2 days via DHL for about half price of what I was quoted at the dealer Maserati in Atlanta where I only bought the hose and the spark plugs.

 

I just had the same issue but on my 07 Quattroporte Sport GT automatic it would rattle on each start...so while replacing the common busted 4" hose behind the engine above the transmission I removed the cam caps and send to Rich Olivier at TEM Performance in Napa California to add check valves and in 2 days I had my parts back and ready to install (I live in Tennessee). It cost me $110 to UPS the part to Napa California that included a $2k insurance incase something happened.
He's the right man for this job since he has done this job for other Ferrari and Maserati with the same issue...so that took care of it. While removing the cam caps I noticed I had a bad solenoid so I think that was part of my rattling issue but since I was there I went ahead and sent the caps to add the check valves since this was listed as being part of the rattling problem...I also put new rubber gaskets all the way and new original NGK Maserati spark plugs I ordered from the Maserati dealer in Atl just to make sure I wouldn't get burned with fake ones online...but that's just me playing safe buying online! I normally buy my parts from Scuderia parts in the UK and haven't had any issues with them
See attached picture about rattling problem bulletin from Maserati. Please tell Rich at TEM Performance Don Rosellini sent you!


View attachment 134304


I had same issue but was on a daily note every time I started my 07 Quattroporte Auto Sport GT w 70k miles.
4 weeks ago while replacing the famous busted 4" hose behind the engine above the transmission I removed the cam caps and sent to Rich Olivier/TEM Performance in Napa California. Tell him Don Rosellini from Tennessee sent you!
I sent the cam caps to him and had it back in 2 days. It cost me $110 to UPS it to him that included a $2k insurance in case something happened he then sent to me via FedEx for $75 dollars. He charges $550 for both plus you pay for shipping!
I installed the parts right away and put new gaskets all the way plus new solenoids (while removing I noticed one of my solenoids was bad and that could be my rattling issue, I could tell because one of the metal mesh was mising and tge little plastic was broken) so my QP has now new check valves added to the cam caps, new gaskets and new NGK spark plugs from Maserati of Atlanta just to make sure I wouldn't get burned online w fake ones.
This solved my problem. I've been driving it for about 4 weeks and no rattling!
See attached picture of the bulletin I found here on this site, this triggered me to go ahead and have it done right away! The other parts I bought from Scuderia Car Parts in the UK and had no issues I received in 2 days via DHL for about half price of what I was quoted at the dealer Maserati in Atlanta where I only bought the hose and the spark plugs. View attachment 134305

Can the end caps be removed and reinstalled without messing up the timing?

 

Sorry I replied 2 different times since I thought I lost my first reply before posting it 😅

 

Compare your cold start noise to this example of the variator startup noise:

 

Very helpful to post a sound clip like that ... simply “describing“ noises on the internet is and expecting a diagnosis from just the interpretation of what anyone means by clicking, or tapping, or clonking, or grinding, etc.. is ( in most cases ) borderline ridiculous. At least something like this narrows down the guesswork, a bit .
A lot tougher if the noise happens when you’re driving, lol, but still can’t hurt to record it.. you never know.. someone might identify it .

 

Very helpful to post a sound clip like that ... simply “describing“ noises on the internet is and expecting a diagnosis from just the interpretation of what anyone means by clicking, or tapping, or clonking, or grinding, etc.. is ( in most cases ) borderline ridiculous. At least something like this narrows down the guesswork, a bit .
A lot tougher if the noise happens when you’re driving, lol, but still can’t hurt to record it.. you never know.. someone might identify it .

Well...mine sounded just like that before I had the check valves added to the cam caps...the add on took care of the rattling right away!