Cam variator and Tensioner Wheel
As we all know, the 155 Tspark 16v's suffer from a cam variator which wears out quickly. Graham Williams has kindly sent me these samples of what the variator sounds like when it is knackered and when it is running right. It should give you an idea of what to look out for so you know when it needs changing.
Click on the links below to download the samples.
Variator needs replacing Variator is ok
Click on these links to download the PDF documents of the service solution to replacing a variator.
The cam belt tensioner wheel is also another problem associated with the 155 16v engines. The originals were black, but Alfa have since changed this to a white wheel which is a lot stronger. A worn tensioner wheel causes the cam belt to slip and bent valved as they hit the piston; a costly repair!!
Here are a couple of images I got from Julian Chia of what a worn one looks like via www.alfa155.com
