Technical Siren-like noise at high revs on cold engine

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Technical Siren-like noise at high revs on cold engine

Ciaran187

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Morning everyone

2003 Mk2 Punto Active

This morning it was very very cold. Went to start the car and it seemed very sluggish. Instead of hearing the started 4 or 5 times, I just heard it once - very slow. It started up and all, so I just figured it was the cold.

As I drove off, I let the revs go high enough - nowhere near the warning zone - and in 1st gear and 2nd gear, at the high revs, I could hear the likes of a siren noise, increasing in pitch with the revs. At first, I thought it was police / ambulance, but I was the only one around. Drove off again and noise again. Realised it was the engine, so just changed gear and it was fine.

When I was stopped at lights 2 mins later, I couldn't re-create the noise on pulling off.

Anyone heard of this before?
 
Mine does the same as well.

No idea how to fix it, but its bloody annoying.
 
usually it means the auxillary belt is not tensioned enough, or need to be replaced.

sometime it means the timing belt tensioner it dying. but it makes a diffrent squeaking noise
 
mine does it too , 1.2, 8v

starts at 1700 rpm and goes away at 2500 rpm, not lasting more than 5 sec, and only when engine 1/4 warm. and Never when a mechanic is around. But I caught it once with the hood up and it comes from the cambelt area, I think is the pulley. It sounds only now and then so the mechanic told me to wait.

Pop up the hood with the engine running, stick your hand under the air filter box, and feel after the throttle cable, it's about one palm away, and press on the cable to rev. Maybe you can localize the source.

lots of noises with this weather; 10th night in a row with -15....
 
Mine as well, X reg Mia, 2 weeks ago the sound was apparent straight away now after approx 5 mins after starting??
Sounds like a Turbo for 5 mins the goes away wonder if its carb/air related as my air filter box is very loose, only had a Fiat/Punto for 4 weeks although had an Alfa 146 for years so know all about Italian cars and their wonderful eccentrics.
The water pump/cam belt along with the head gasket has been changed just before I got it, it doesnt sound like a bearing of any sort.
Looking forward to finding out whats going on and I am otherwise very happy with the Punto and great forum by the way, very informative.
 
Never adjusted air intake. Haven't done much to the car tbh. Haven't heard the noise since.
 
sounds like worn cam belt tensioner

If its the same as my Alfa tensioner then its just a plate/spring/roller and bearing, the noise just doesnt sound like a dry/worn bearing and why does it start after 5 mins? I can understand it going away after the bearing warms up a bit and other posts seem to say it happens when its cold
But then it wouldnt surprise me if you are right, worth a check
I dont think the guy before changed the tensioner along with the belt :bang:
probably trying to save money.

i got a service soon would they check this?
how much it cost to fix?

Dont think its a service check part, depends on the miles and years since the last cam belt change on your car, a quick google (cant post the ebay link as not allowed until I have 5 posts, sorry) turned up a replacement bearing that would be a cheaper option but no idear how easy it is to fit. The whole tensioner is not a difficult job at all, in fact even I would give it a go armed with a haynes manual.
 
Mine too people!!! 1.2 8v

Tends to start at around 3000rpm increasing and decreasing in pitch depending on acceleration. As revs decrease it eventually goes away. It also only does it on a cold day or on a cold engine. And i totally agree about it refusing to make the noise when a mechanic is around.

...Also it doesnt make the noise when stationary
 
Mine too people!!! 1.2 8v

Tends to start at around 3000rpm increasing and decreasing in pitch depending on acceleration. As revs decrease it eventually goes away. It also only does it on a cold day or on a cold engine. And i totally agree about it refusing to make the noise when a mechanic is around.

...Also it doesnt make the noise when stationary

Exactly the same happens with my 1.2 8v, tends to do it when the engine is very cold and at higher revs, sounds like a turbocharger or supercharger whistle. extremely annoying! but at least it sounds like it just another small punto problem nothing too major
 
Mikeee are u getting the tensioner done at the same time?? it makes sense to, and yeah good idea esp. if you dont have any proof of it being changed age over mileage just like mine
 
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