My first Brava - Engine Problem?

[Karl]

Hello Bravo/a owners!

I just got my first Fiat, and it is a Brava 1.4S (Dec 87 - 49K) - I'm very happy with it so far. I am due to bring it in for a full service this week because the garage want to give it a full service as part of the purchase arrangement (I took it a few days early as I needed it for the weekend).

Anyway, to cut a long story short - the guy told me it needed part of the "Hydraulic Camshaft" replaced especially "as these were a common problem with Brava's" - he said he would also replace the timing belt and give it a full service. The engine makes a sort of stuttering sound (like it was a timing problem) not a serious one and only noticable when idle, but apart from that the car is in great condition and drives very well.

Should I be concerned, or should I be thankful this guy knows whats wrong?

Great forum, and a great link from BOO (which is a fantastic resource).

Karl

 

[Ozric-Al]

Welcome to the forum Karl.

Not too sure on the details of your problem but the rest of the regulars will no doubt be along shortly.

Shabash!

Now partying with Yul Brynner
http://www.geocities.com/ozrictentacles_web/

 

[Tom]

>(Dec 87 - 49K)

Do you mean 97?

Old, low milage 1.4s suffer blockage of the cam oil feeds leading to premature wear of the cam and the rockers. The symptoms being it sounds like the last mechanic left his spanners rattling around in the engine. I'm guessing this is what your guy is reffering to. (Note that it only affects the 1.4)

If it hasn't had the cambelt and tensioner done then get it done ASAP, they are recomended at 72k (although most dealers say 60k) OR 5 years whichever comes first.

 

[Karl]

Brava Engine Noise...

Thanks for the response,

and yes, I mean 1997... Doh!

Appreciate the feedback, and I will talk to the Mech. on Wednesday about it. The noise is hardly noticeable, it just sort of "put-puts" a bit when idle.

Do you think a FIAT Garage is the best place to go for Engine repairs/services on these cars, or can any decent Mech do these Camshaft jobs without messing it up.

Anyway, I think for all the "bad" mouthing I heard about FIAT, my first one is fantastic, and I am very glad (touch wood) I made the decision to get the Brava.

Karl

 

[Tom]

Re: Brava Engine Noise...

>it just sort of "put-puts" a bit when idle

How often does it 'put'? If its once every few seconds thats pretty normal.

 

[Karl]

Brava Engine Noise...

Hi Tom,

It "Put-Puts" (if you know what I mean!) every second or two - the Mech. who is doing the service said that it should be less "noticable" after the service.

I took the M50 (Dublin's M25) home today and the car was great - I understand now about the lack of power in the 1.4, but it was a smooth and comfortable drive and seemed effortless at 80mph... I mean 70Mph

Karl

 

[Tom]

Re: Brava Engine Noise...

IT sounds like its in pretty good nick then. Worth getting him to have a looksee at it just to make sure, its a 30min job to have a peek at the cam and check it.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Brava Engine Noise...

If he is doing the work & paying for it as part of the purchase agreement let him carry on...

Oh...and welcome to the club!

Daz

"Failure is not an option; it is bundled with the software" - William Gates

 

[Karl]

Done!

Guys,

Just thought I'd let you know, I got the car serviced as part of the deal, and he did the following:

1) New Camshaft

2) New Belts? (He was rabbiting on about something to do with belts!)

3) Bled the oil pipe (said this was required on Bravas - air pockets?)

4) New brake pads

5) Fixed Windscreen washers (both didn't work well before)

6) Oil change and plug checks

So, it does seem to be running much better, and those "put-put" noises seem to have gone too!

Thanks for all the previous feedback again. One more Q, if I do not have the CD changer cable in the boot, what cable do I need to get to install the CD changer?

Karl

 

[Rab]

Re: Done!

If your Brava has a cable it will be in the boot on the left hand side behind the carpet bit that goes up against the suspension. (hope that made sense).
If you don't have one you need the one for the Grundig auto changer (i'm presuming you have a cd changer??)
I have a new one here i don't really need so if you want it £10 + p&p to Dublin and it's yours.
Rab.

Rab.
"This is a LOCAL website for LOCAL people we'll not have any trouble here"

 

[Karl]

CD Changer

Thanks Rab,

I had a quick look - I see there is cable for speakers under each speaker grill at the rear, but I assume I need to take the carpet off the left side of the suspension wall to see if I have the CD changer cable?

I was going to get the Sony T69(?), but if the Grundig is the standard FIAT unit - are they around the same price? (BTW, if I don't have the cable I will certainly take you up on that offer, much appreciated).

Karl