Do you hear new sounds coming from your Maserati engine, or does your car seem to lack power? If so, it may be a symptom of a faulty camshaft variator or just a general indicator that something is not quite right. A camshaft variator is a device that changes the degrees of freedom of the camshaft according to the driving conditions for the best performance.
When driving at low speeds, the camshaft variator helps increase fuel economy and drive smoothness. At higher speeds, this engine part changes to provide your Maserati with the power and acceleration for which it is famous. This system, referred to as variable valve timing, is one of the major factors that explains why Maserati engines respond well to a range of speeds.
How Does a Faulty Camshaft Variator Affect Your Maserati?
- Decreased Engine Performance: A defective camshaft variator also denies the engine the ability to change valve timing as desired. This results in low power, slow acceleration, and a significant decline in performance, especially under low or high rpm, where accurate timing is important.
- Rough Idling and Misfires: During variator failure, it becomes difficult for the engine to provide consistent valve timing at idle conditions. This leads to irregular rough running or shaking at idle and may even cause a misfire because combustion becomes erratic.
- Increased Emissions: A faulty variator that fails to properly time valves creates incomplete combustion, which generates elevated emissions. When the variator malfunctions, your Maserati can fail emissions standards and pollute the environment.
How to Repair a Faulty Camshaft Variator in Your Maserati
- Diagnose the Problem: The first step is to check whether the camshaft variator is truly faulty. Have a look at the error codes through an OBD-II scanner—these may include codes pertaining to VVT or camshaft position. After running your Maserati, listen for disruptive noises and watch for signs such as rough engine operation, reduced fuel economy, or poor performance output.
- Remove the Timing Components: To reach the camshaft variator, you must completely disassemble the timing belt or chain, timing covers, and camshaft sprockets. Make sure to label the timing positions well so that you can easily put everything back together.
- Remove Faulty Camshaft Variator: After the timing components are taken out, then unbolt the camshaft variator that has the problem from the camshaft. Take a look at the adjacent parts of the variator, such as the camshaft seals, for the presence of any kind of wear or damage, and then wash up the mating surfaces properly.
- Install New Camshaft Variator: When installing a new camshaft variator, you have to ensure it is correctly positioned. After placing it, it should be tightened to the correct torque setting so that over-tightening is avoided. When replacing worn parts, install new seals and gaskets to stop future leaks.
The above procedure doesn’t look much like a DIY job, so it is advisable that you consult a mechanic to have the job done properly.
Bring Your Maserati To Experts With The Right Tools
At Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc., we know how much you appreciate the performance and dependability of your Maserati. Based in Allentown, PA, our focus is to successfully provide maintenance to the more high-end luxury automobiles such as Maserati. When it comes to Camshaft Variator problems or any other car issues, you can be assured that our expert mechanics will have your car fixed in no time. Our team always starts with an inspection process to find the actual cause of the issue.
Should you need a camshaft variator repair or replacement, we source only genuine Maserati replacement parts. We will also look at any other associated problems like oil leaks or any timing chain complications to make sure your engine is working as it should. Not only do we solve the problem, but we also explain how you can take care of your Maserati to avoid facing such an ordeal again. If you are in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Macungie, PA, then let Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. provide you with the service that your Maserati needs and deserves. Call us now!
* Maserati Grecale GT Car image credit goes to: jetcityimage.