Check engine light

Glad to see it was a quick fix.

I'm not familiar with variators in the California, are you referring to the 2 pairs of induction and exhaust phase variators?

So from what you say, there were operational symptoms like loss of power or roughness apart from the CE light. Can you elaborate a bit more?

 

Interesting experience, it's good that you share it with us.

I wonder which of the variators degraded and why. How many total miles vs. miles you put on the car since the last service?

FWIW, some E39 BMWs also had cam shaft position sensor failures. Maybe you can ask your SA for details. It might be useful to know for prevention purposes. If you only noticed problems at low revs, the problem may have more likely been with the exhaust variators.

 

The e39 cam shaft position sensor failures were completely different from Ferrari variator problems. On the e39 M5, a failed cam sensor (an inductive pickup, I think) would simply put the engine into a default timing map. The engine would continue to run and give modest power. You'd know from the reduced power and change in exhaust tone.

On Ferrari engines, the variator is mechanical and if it fails, it could damage other engine components. The original variator design on 360 engines was notorious for being failure-prone. The design was changed mid-production and the subject of a campaign for the older cars with the original design. I don't know if 430 or California engines use the same upgraded design from the 360 or not, or perhaps use a completely different design, though I do believe the Cali engine is basically a 430 engine.

 

I did a quick Google on "camshaft variator failure" and got a bunch of hits - many from FChat

Yes, you guys are right about the problem being more prevalent with the 360 which apparently has a different variator design. The Cali's variators do look similar to the F430's as the Cali's engine is derived from the F430's, just like the 458's.

MalibuGuy, judging by the healthy mileage on your car, it would seem to be just a sign of normal wear, caught well before any problems by your dealer. It may even be part of the maintenance schedule. Variator failure seems to be something to watch for in the F136 engine as Maseratis, 360 and F430 are all vulnerable to the same problem.

From what I've read, it appears the problem may stem from the inherent mechanical nature of the component as Need4Spd noted; possibly in combination with alignment issues from less-than-perfect installation and/or manufacture. Aside from loss of power, cold-start is when people report most symptoms with some people reporting a (diesel-like) ticking-sound that doesn't go away. It might be a very good idea to let the car warm up, oil flowing, parts properly lubricated, before attempting any full throttle maneuvers. Regular maintenance and regular use of the car would definitely help as the part gets properly lubricated.

The car should definitely be driven regularly.

 

I should have said "somewhat" failure-prone (for early 360s). I think the actual number of variator failures in the early 360s wasn't that high, though the car of a buddy of mine suffered that failure last year (major engine damage as a result). MalibuGuy's failure in his Cali was the first I've ever heard of any variator failure in that car, and from his description, there was no collateral damage to the valves or cams.

 

You will get the Do Gooders after you for that ... and I totally agree with you!

Rick

 

How's the car running though? I hope it's nothing serious but please keep us posted.

 

Thermostats have been W&T items for me in the past. Not extraordinary for 65k miles. Glad it wasn't anything more "interesting".