Hi guys

I need some advice 1.6 (04 plate Stilo) 33000 miles it’s regularly serviced and oil always kept at the correct level.
The problem is a sort of over advanced binding/clonking engine noise from cold for a few seconds then goes away and runs fine, although I have got some hesitation on acceleration from stand still and some times it almost feels like its about to pink in an over advanced timing way
Any ideas

Regards Kelvin W

Kelvin

The 1.6 lump is a bit rattly when cold. Assuming you have done all the normal stuff (clean air filter, good spark plugs etc), to correct the hesitancy problems I suggest the following, in this order:

1) Clean the throttle valve (see this guide for how to do this: https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-guides/83260-cleaning-your-inlet-control-valve.html)

2) Try a tankfull or two of Shell VPower.

2) Consider fitting more earth leads (see this thread for how: https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-technical/121470-engine-bay-grounding.html)

3) If those fail to offer any improvement, get a re-map (Angel Tuning well worth a try IMHO: http://www.angeltuning.co.uk/)

Good luck!

This sounds identical to a problem I had, a rough hollow gargling sound (a bit like a dielsel) for a few seconds at startup. The dealership replaced several parts before I found the answer on this site.

It turned out to be a bad timing variator. If the car is under warranty, ask them to replace it.

Here, check this link to my thread a few years back.

https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-technical/58899-growl-rattle-startup.html

Paparini said:

It turned out to be a bad timing variator.

Click to expand...

Only problem with that theory is that the 1.6 doesn't have a variator! Only fitted to the 1.8 engine...

Well, you learn something new every day!:doh:

It sounds identical though, so what is the purpose of the Variator? Forgive me if it is a stupid question.

As far as I know (and I'm not a 1.8 owner) it is a device (driven in part by oil pressure I believe) to alter valve timing by roating the position of the camshaft relative to the valves.

Thanks Phil.