My Punto 1.2SX (Vreg) has started making a strange noise while idling. It appeared to be from the cambelt end of the engine and stops as soon as the engine revs up (even only marginally).

The noise is a "rotational" one and I initially suspected the steering pump or alternator. Both of these seem to be OK (I used the old screw driver & ear test!!). On careful listening the noise seems to come from under the cambelt cover and as I said disappears at even the smallest increase in engine speed.

If anyone has any ideas what might be causing this I would be grateful.

Thanks

this may sound odd but have u checked that the plastic guard down the side is secure enough i.e not flapping about and that nothing is obstructing it in any way

sounds like the simptoms of a noisey cambelt tensioner too me unless thats a mk2 punto in which case the same or a squeeky waterpump.

-=[uno 1.0ie RAAAWW!]=-
-=[fiat tech for what it's worth.]=-

Thanks for the replies. I checked the cover & it seems fine. If it is the cam belt tensioner, is this likely to be a problem and would it be a good idea to have it replaced?

NB cam belt was renewed about 3 months ago during a head gasket replacement. Should the garage have replaced the tenioner too?

Thanks