help me

[DaleKent]

hi all ive just become a owner of a fiat bravo 1.4 12valve 1997, i got it cheap as the engine all though it seems to run fine, it seems to have some flat spots in the acceleration where the engine seems to pause before accelerating, also theres so rattling/tapping noises coming from the engine bay, 1 i am almost certain is the tappets as it sounds just like that a metally tapping noise continues when idle and when driving.

The second noise im not so sure on, its similar in pattern a tapping/rattly noise coming from below where the timing and cam belts lower down and to the rear of the engine left hand side if looking into the engine bay.

Any ideas any one, also the tappets is it a simple home diy job or would i need to take it into the garage?:bang:

 

[punto_matt]

Service it?

 

[DaleKent]

ive never been that enthusistic about services on a old car especially 1 that doesnt seem to have had 1 in its life before - especially the prices the garages around here charge - but in your honest opinion is that all it needs lol

 

[punto_matt]

Its the first place to start. Get a haynes manual and do it yourself if you dont want to pay a garage to do it. Its pointless looking into other stuff that might be causing problems when a service is the cheapest and easiest thing to get done. Oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs and leads should do it.

I had flat spots throughout my rev range and it was because the plugs were buggered.

 

[DaleKent]

ok cool i will get the parts and do it myself - tappet wise though is this a diy job i can do too? or is there a lot involved in it

 

[DaleKent]

Took my poorly bravo into a garage for a mechanics view on it all, well what can I say he feels all the engine bay noise is down to knackered belt tensioners, cam and auxillery belt, so all in all £200 down the line for supply and fit of complete cam kit, belt tensioners and belts lets see if this solves the issues - after this I think a complete service is in aid off so watch this space to see if I have a happier more lively car soon lol