Update:
I ended up cleaning the tappets on the exhaust side as well. Being cheap and in the name of science I put everything back (same variator, same spring, same washer). I did an oil and filter change, but that made no difference for you
@Nodnolmick afaik.
I can confirm that the cam-tensioner on the b-95 was not under tension and the cam belt was thus too loose.
I reset the timing using after market cam blocks and the upper timing marks on the fly-wheel.
The cam-tensioner was tightened as per instructions and the cam belt is no longer floppy.
Three (>40°C & rpm >3000) runs with the variator actuator connected has resulted in no horrid (engine falling out
) noise.
With the reset timing, idle is now good, it's no longer hunting and threatening to stall at traffic lights etc.
I'd be very interested in hearing your conclusion/experiences
@Nodnolmick. Until then/further I'm writing off the b-95 mid-rpm-range, variator-active, rattle; as a loose cam belt/tensioner (probably in conjunction with jumped teeth/bad timing (hunting idle)) issue.