Technical Is there a problem or am I just looking for one?

[MistaC]

My girlfriend brought a Fiat Punto Mk2 1.2 on a W plate (2000) about 2 weeks ago. Everything seemed fine with the car, when we first looked at it. I was slightly concerned that I could feel the steering wheel "judder" slightly when idling, but I didn't think much of it. Driving the car on the motorway it's fine, but after a 20 minute drive around town the radiator fan kicks in. The car hasn't got a temperature gauge on the dashboard so I don't know how much it's actually heating up. The fan only stays on for a minute or so, then switches off, and only happens once per journey.

But what concerns me the most is that the other night I was driving behind the Punto and noticed steam-like smoke coming out of the exhaust. It wasn't a constant stream of smoke, just a little bit of steam every now and then. When we turned the car off I had a look at the exhaust and noticed it was dripping water; the water seemed clear. Car doesn't seem to be losing any water. Checked the oil cap and it seems like it's just oil on the underside of it, no sign of any gunk.

I've heard that Punto's are prone to blowing gaskets early in their lives. The car has got 44k miles on it, but was regularly serviced. Am I worrying too much? Is there a problem here?

 

[poggy]

Hi,

It depends on how far you drive, it could just be moisture coming from the exhaust. Does it do it when it has been driven a long distance and has really warmed up.

Not sure about the fan, ours does it now and again but I have never really checked to see how often.

I thought it was only the Mk1's that had the head gasket problem. Isn't yours still under warranty or is it just outside the 3 years.

Poggy

Andy

 

[Evil-Punto]

The cold air of winter has a lot of residual water in it, when it hits the hot exhaust it turns to steam, some will rise up and some will liquify and collect in the exhaust.

No problem.


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.

 

[FiatExpert]

You have to remember that water is a by product of the catalyic coverter also. You will also get a certain amount of water regardless, and with cold weather approching it will show up more. If headgaskets gone the smoke will be white and linger for a lot longer.. and also a possible smell of antifrezze