Technical Engine noise on start up.

[DC111]

My 2005 Barchetta on start up makes a rattling noise in the engine which stops when engine oil is pumped round the system. This noise continues for approx 3 seconds and I don't know if this is a fault or something which we as Barchetta owners have to accept.
Can anyone please advise on this annoying problem?

 

[F4usT]

try searching for "Variator" here in forum... i guess that could be.
and check this sound

 

[s130]

Our 2005 'B' does the same and has done for many 1000's of miles.

In our case it is the hydraulic tappets and not the variator. Basically the tappets are draining down oil overnight / during day or a long duration stop.

Like the variator noise is does no harm but is very annoying till you accept that it is normal behaviour.

Problem improves alot for the first 1000 or 2000 miles after an oil change.

If it was the variator then the noise would be there all the time. Also when the variator does start to wear then you will start to notice the diesel sound driving normally but ONLY in lift off conditions. Rest of the time there will be no noise. As the wear increases then the rattling will start to happen all the time.

Not sure what engine build tolerances / changes were made on the later 1.8ie Punto HGT/Barchetta/other engines but I gather cold start hydraulic tappet noise is far more common on the later engines and at lower mileages. Often sounds like a bag of nuts loose in the cylinders.

 

[gar074]

Mine's also a bit rattly on start-up - but not nearly as bad as my 2 year old Citroen!

 

[bollie69]

Our 2005 'B' does the same and has done for many 1000's of miles.

In our case it is the hydraulic tappets and not the variator. Basically the tappets are draining down oil overnight / during day or a long duration stop.

Like the variator noise is does no harm but is very annoying till you accept that it is normal behaviour.

Problem improves alot for the first 1000 or 2000 miles after an oil change.

If it was the variator then the noise would be there all the time. Also when the variator does start to wear then you will start to notice the diesel sound driving normally but ONLY in lift off conditions. Rest of the time there will be no noise. As the wear increases then the rattling will start to happen all the time.

Not sure what engine build tolerances / changes were made on the later 1.8ie Punto HGT/Barchetta/other engines but I gather cold start hydraulic tappet noise is far more common on the later engines and at lower mileages. Often sounds like a bag of nuts loose in the cylinders.

BS, my variator is making horrible noise after WARM start up for a few seconds. has to be due to wear. (has been changed 2 years ago)

But; it can be the starter. That has been for 2,5 years a verry annoying sounds on almost every start up. More like a grinding noise.

Both sounds don't really harm but verry annoying.

Problem 1 caused by too low viscosity oil( 5w40) but it has other advantages.
Premlem 2, too much of a hassle to fix

tappets have been noisy with me too. an oil change will fix that. 10.000km are max. 12.000 and they are noisy with me
OR...they are worn and need replacing (could also be worn camshaft)

 

[DC111]

Cheers everyone and thank you for your replies. I have listened to the You Tube footage and thank goodness the engine noise doesn't sound quite as bad.

 

[s130]

BS, my variator is making horrible noise after WARM start up for a few seconds. has to be due to wear. (has been changed 2 years ago)QUOTE]
Hey that BS to my post is a little harsh my friend.

Nothing in that post is BS.

If your variator is rattling after 2 years then with the updated design Fiat introduced years go then you are very unlucky.

2005+ production Fiats / Alfas have few variator issues and just about all make the 5 year/50K mile cambelt change with few issues.

Anyway, hope DC111 gets to the bottom of the problem.

 

[33JOF]

Hi, a slightly less technical issue may be your heat shield vibrating on start up?!

 

[DC111]

I will check this suggestion out. Thank you 962jof.