Clank clank clank.. no its not a TD100

[Insomnia]

Fired my 1.2 up today after its been sitting still for a week. It struggled like merry hell to start almost losing power but started. It lasted about 5 seconds when the car then struggled and stalled.

Fired it up again shortly afterwards giving it some gas and it just (and I mean just) started. It then decided to sound like a TD100 clanking away and gradually over 2 minutes (if that) it returned to usual quiet 1.2 operation. Left it running for a bit and it was fine.

Fired it up again about an hour later and it was perfectly fine in starting and in sound.

Anyone have a clue please? I could put the resistance to starting down to cold weather and battery (as had same issue with the coop recently) but what about the odd noise from the engine?

TIA

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Will]

Someone has secretly stolen your engine and replaced it with a TD100 whilst you weren't looking!

 

[Carroll]

Clanking that went away was probably due to lack of oil - either it had all drained back to the sump,(does car have right type of filter fitted?) the level was too low or the oil pump is wearing-out.

 

[Shaun Cook]

Agreed ^^

i think its just all to do with the cold weather, cars will play up alot, have u got the right oil in for that matter?

She's a monster soon to be revealed

If they didnt want it stripping they shouldnt of give me nuts and bolts

 

[ins on mobile]

Just checked the oil and it was fine. My mechanic has worked on my cars for 6 years now and he does know what he's doing. Only concern now is that i've spotted some emulsion on the oil filler cap. I've cleaned it so will see if it builds up again. Could be just down to the cold but i've booked it in for a full service and diagnostics.

Hoping its not the head gasket

 

[Joske]

Doubt its the headgasket, the residue can be cause due to cold weather, short runs and lack of use.

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[Robin]

Second Joske insy, i have seen it in the oil cap before its if its in sump its a problem if the dipstick is clean and the header tank aint showing signs of contamination then it wont be the head gasket and not anything to worry about.

 

[andyb76]

its probably just tappet noise as you say its been standing for a while so all the oil would of dropped back to the sump so when starting after not using for a while it might sound clacky and then quieten down as the oil gets pumped up

my marea does the same every morning in the cold makes a clacky/tappet sounds for a minute or so then slowly fades out as the oil gets round and mine has only done 40250 miles from new hope this helps mate

andy

Bigger is much better
02 marea weekend 100sx
current mileage: 40200
status: running great
mods so far:
mk2 brava elx alloys,Poly headlights with HIDS,sony head unit and working marea steering wheel controls,front fog light switch strip ready for bumper with fogs
mods to follow:
electric mirrors after installing new door looms,marea plastic handles coloured satin black and fitted,marea bumper with fogs
previously known as: andy_brava_elx

 

[Robin]

Yeah so does my ratmk2 and its only got 43,000 miles onit.

 

[Insomnia]

Well I've had no further stange noises or starting issues this week and its been colder compared to last week.

Its off the road now until Monday when it goes in for the service.

Been checking for mayo every day and have to say its not come back. Not a blob. The dipstick is clean too so its kind of looking up

Will find out Monday whats what.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Ash]

check the anti freze

 

[Insomnia]

Car was collected 2 hours ago.

I've asked for the thermostat to be replaced (which I've supplied) so the coolant will have to be emptied and we can start from scratch with it. (thinking of issues a couple of weeks or so ago with bleeding problems). Thermostat I'm sure is fine, but figured no harm in replacing an 8 year old component.

I've also supplied a genuine Fiat oil filter for peace of mind.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Insomnia]

Well she's come back.

Few differences!

First off the handbrake actually works now (as opposed to pulling it up and being able to push the car down the road).

Secondly the rear number plate lights were out but with a bulb change, 1 is working but the other unit is apparently duff. That said, for some strange reason, the front fog lights in the Abarth bumper now work!?!! Very odd. Something said to try them and TA DA! Light!

I have to say the light output from the front end of the car with HID dipped, nightbreaker full beam and nightbreaker fogs is just insane Loving it!

Engine fine with no early warnings or anything associated with head gasket failure. What caused the knocking is unknown.

There is a reported misfire coming from 1 cylinder which is causing a level of hesitation when warm which I'm informed could either be the HT leads or the coil pack. Not sure on that myself. Sound likely?

I had also thought the thermostat was ok... since its replacement the needle is in a completely different place! Instead of lingering around the 1st mark under halfway, it now sits on halfway, goes up slightly and then back down. If I tap the dash its far more stable (before it would go anywhere it wanted it seemed). So on evaluation, it looks like the thermostat did need replacing!

Question now is, I've looked into HT leads and there appears to be 3 types for the 1.2 Bravo. 7mm, 7.5mm and 8mm - which one is likely to fit?!

Started shopping around for them (figured its the cheaper option of the 2 from the coil pack or ht leads) but really unsure what I'm meant to be looking at. Any tips or advise please?

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Will]

Im getting some 8mmleads for my 1.4, im geussing bigger lead = more current. And it deffinately sounds like HT leads, cause the coil pack would be all cylinders affected wouldn't it?

 

[Insomnia]

I don't know about the coil pack.

I'm not fussed about more current, just the right leads would be good

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Insomnia]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BOSCH-Silicone-Spark-Leads-FIAT-BRAVO-PUNTO-1-2-16V_W0QQitemZ120311294866QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item120311294866&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I'm assuming these will be ok. I know it says 1.2 Bravo but there's a little voice in my head casting doubt

Longest Serving BOO Member

Bravo: Nov 01 80SX / 75,000 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 135,000 miles

 

[Will]

Those look good. High feedback too. Reason i say about more current is i fitted some £16 leads to mine and it doesn't work half as well as the old ones (same as the ones you've found on ebay). They were only to get me out of trouble though, and i will be replacing them asap.