hi all
i'm Fredo and I've got an 04 plate punto active sport, in some need of TLC ha ha lol
any and all information will be greatly appreciated
i'm no car mechanic but willing to have a go with the correct information.
the 1.2 8v has developed a knocking noise from the block?
unsure how to check if it is big/little end bearings or piston rings that are shot?
I would also like to increase the performance?
so on a low budget what can be reasonably done to increase BHP?

What is your insurance budget like?

D

Until you sort out what the knocking noise is I wouldn't even think about modding the performance...

Is the Knocking noise a Deep Knocking noise or a higher pitch knocking? a video would be helpful. Small end bearings and big end bearings make different noises when they are Knackered, as does piston slap (which would be caused by worn rings). Could even be Tappets making a noise.
And as Zeewulf said no point in making any mods until you sort the knocking out, wouldn't be any point in parting with hard cash to mod performance if engine goes Kaputt 2 miles later

get an opinion off someone with mechanical experience first by seeing your local independent garage,take girlfriend with you if you have to with nice fluttery eyelashes the lads will help for free then

yes its a deep knocking noise, ive listened around engine bay to best of my ability, seems to be more lower down from pulley end,
id already fitted new water pump and retro fitted another radiator fan,
also fitted another crank sensor, and new timing/alternator belts,
once id finished the knocking sound started?

Does the knocking disappear when you rev the engine or does it just get faster?

K C Fredo said:

yes its a deep knocking noise,
also fitted new timing/alternator belts,
once id finished the knocking sound started?

Click to expand...

Check the timing.

D

yes knocking does increase with engine revs
it was a mechanic that set the timing
but I thought the timing belt does seem a little loose
so he may not have tensioned it correctly

Do not run the engine again until the timing is checked and swung at least 4 full revolutions by hand.

D

the car is sorned and off the road at moment
so I wont be starting car until timing has been seen to
ive had battery disconnected to do some welding to rear floor pan
after welding done ill check timing myself
hopefully no damage done?
fingers crossed
thanks rallycinq

If this only started when the timing belt was changed this should ring alarm bells. Is it the correct belt?

Hi,
If you decide to do some modifications and you have any issues with insurance then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.