Hey All,

Anyone else got a strange ticking noise coming from their 02 punto engine when they start it up on cold mornings, which goes away after a restart or a couple of minutes running? The problem doesn't occur every morning but when it does its really annoying! I have tried fuel injector cleaner in the petrol tank and that didnt work. Any ideas?

Thanks
Dave

I had the pistons replaced in my 53 reg Sporting 16v under warranty as my engine sounded like a worn diesel engine when starting from cold.

If I left the engine running the knocking went away after about a minute and a half, or if I stopped the engine when the noise started and re-started it then the noise was gone.

Starting when it was not very cold was fine ( no knocking )

I only took 2 months to get FIAT to recognise that the pistons were wrongly fitted or manufactured, but it took nearly 12 months and the threat of legal action to get FIAT to replace them.

I spoke to the FIAT mrchanic after the engine was repaired and he told me that the pistons were way too small and that the tolerance were way out and he also told me that he thought that it was a wider problem than FIAT were prepared to admit to.

My engine is fine now with better MPG, more responsive and smoother running

If it is the same 'piston slap' problem that I had then get onto FIAT as soon as possible to get it sorted (hopefully you should still have warranty) as the longer term results will mean the engine having to be re-bored to cure it (expensive job)

Good Luck