rickp101 wrote:

> I have just taken my 3 year and 2 month old (yep just out of warranty
> ) 147 into my local dealer because the air bag warning light was on.
>
> That wasn’t too pricey, just a wiring problem but they have also told
> me that I need new front brake pads, a new handbrake cable and the cam
> variator replacing.
>
> The pads and handbrake cable is fair enough but I am not sure about
> the cam variator. As they quoted me £540 I rang a private Alfa
> specialist garage in Leeds who are going to look at it and if it needs
> doing will do it for £365 + vat which is a bit better.

What's the labour rate of the private garage?

> Basically before I fork out all this cash is there any way I can tell
> myself if it actually needs doing. Both garages have mentioned that it
> is a big job as you have to remove this and that (I’m no car
> mechanic!) but basically they just said that it is making a noise and
> that is how they can tell it needs replacing.
>
> Can I check this noise for myself? What am I listening for and when?
> The 2nd garage said the engine needed to be cold for them to tell how
> long it makes a noise for.

From a cold start, it will sound like a diesel for several seconds. The
longer it does, the worse it is. OTOH it doesn't acutally appear to cause
many issues with the drivability. Bit of low down power loss and some flat
spots IME

> Also assuming it does need replacing does this price seem fair for the
> work involved? Is there a cheaper option, bearing in mind I know
> nothing about engines so would only consider doing it myself if it
> really is a simple job that I couldn’t mess up.

Well, I was quoted by the man what does my cars a 'couple of hundred' to do
it on my 156. I can't really see that the 147 would be much more involved
or take longer. OTOH Jamie is not exaclty world famous for giving accurate
pre-work prices. OTOOH he may just have been quoting me a good price.

> If there is anyone out there who knows about these sort of things I
> would be very grateful for your help.
>
We aim to please.

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