My Panda has not been running quite right for a while, but I have seen switched to premium petrol and it is now running much better. I have not had any problems with the ECU light or stalling.

However I was listening to the engine just now (from cold) and it sounded extremely tappety but that might just be normal when cold but about 5 seconds after the engine is turned off something near the water pump side makes a rattling sound, what could that be?

My service is due in early May but I am thinking the tappety sound is just a sign it needs an oil change.

You might be getting some "pinking" or "pinging". (same thing, depends on who you ask)
It's a shock wave noise caused by an air/fuel ratio imbalance or incorrect timing (pre ingition knock)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking#Pre-ignition

I've had it myself, opening the throttle when cold under load (diving away) it can sound like rust rattling in the exhaust up front.
When my O2 heater went slow, it sounded like the alternator was rattling as well!

I still think your car has a fueling issue mate.

JD82 said:

My Panda has not been running quite right for a while, but I have seen switched to premium petrol and it is now running much better. I have not had any problems with the ECU light or stalling.

However I was listening to the engine just now (from cold) and it sounded extremely tappety but that might just be normal when cold but about 5 seconds after the engine is turned off something near the water pump side makes a rattling sound, what could that be?

My service is due in early May but I am thinking the tappety sound is just a sign it needs an oil change.

Click to expand...

To clarify, are you saying a noise occurs when the engine is stopped - about 5 seconds after it has stopped ???
Describe the sound in more detail please. ?

On the noise when running, it could be pinking, but it would tend to Illuminate the MIL form knock detect, - do you know anyone with a decent diag kit like MES ? - or ask fiat to check the ecu logs...
It could also be tappety - ie, worn followers / cam.

The noise when I turn the engine off is very hard to describe I will see if I can record it.

There is no smoke or anything like that, and now I am running on premium fuel it runs perfectly. It just doesn't sound right though, engine has only done 15,700 miles so I can't see how it can be worn cam followers but if the valve clearances are out would that cause that noise?

A back street garage with expensive diagnostic kit could not get any fault code out of it, now have I been able to with my own bluetooth scanner. The MIL has come on a few times in the past though.

I intend to take it to an Alfa/FIAT specialist this week as this problem needs fixing once and for all.

Hi JD, yes that is very low mileage to have worn cam ./ followers, hence unlikely. Is it not still under warranty ?

Also make sure it is not belt noise when running, this has confused a lot of people !... get a fairy liquid bottle with a tiny bit of liquid in and rest water, (you could use a cup if needed, and when the engine is running gently pour it on the aux belt - see if it makes any difference. also if you have a squirty bottle, spray it into the top cam cover onto the cambelt area -- again see if it makes any difference.
Top end noise (cam area) is characterised as half engine speed... if you have a good long screwdriver, place the blade against the engine and the handle against your ear, acts as a type of stethoscope and great for transmitting sounds - no long hair and all safety precautions !!!!.
the noise after the engine stops could be coming from the brake servo if rhd..
Check for loose hoses (air intake / breathers / servo etc etc) you could have an induction air leak causing lean running, but again, the ecu should MIL it.
Also check for mechanical noises, remove the airfilter / intake assembly and check for anything loose underneath and around the area.