On Thu, 28 Oct 2004 17:56:20 +0100, "redTed" >
wrote:

>A little friendly advice required please.
>A service is due on my 147 and we were aware that the cam belts would need
>replacing and the cost would be quite high. I dropped it off at the dealers
>today (Caledonia-Warrington) and when I called to find out when it would be
>ready, they said there was another problem that needed fixing. Something
>called a "variant" ??
>Now I know the basics of cars mechanics, but this is a new one for me. As
>it will increase the service price by approximately £300, to over £700 (!!)
>I would like to know exactly what this part is and why the hell it is so
>expensive. They told me it could be done when the cam belt is changed so I'm
>presuming it's to do with the timing.
>Any info will be much appreciated.
>

I got my cam belt changed under warranty by the dealer at its 36k mile
service, as the dealer told Alfa that the variator was on it way out,
so they kind of spun a little white lie and got the job done the other
way around.

Additional cost to me: Zero. Brownie points to dealer: Lots.

Maybe Caledonia could do something similar for you? I'm assuming your
147 is still under warranty of course.

Jake