Technical Newb - should Punto make this noise?

[hallamj]

Hi Folks
I've just bought a 1999 (T Reg) Punto SX (1.2). I just wanted to know if the engine noise is normal. It kind of goes duggduggaduggaduggaduggadugga etc... Sounds more like a diesel noise than a petrol. Is this a normal Punto engine noise???!! Doesn't sound loud or make any unpleasant knocking noises. Also, can someone tell me the tyre pressures for the standard steel wheels and the timing belt renewal interval as I have no manual!!!! I'm on 53,600 miles. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks all
J

 

[MikeSalt]

The top end of the 8v engines do tend to be a bit rattly and diesel sounding. Haynes recommended cambelt servicing schedule is every 40,000 miles or 4 years (Fiat say 70,000 miles and 5 years, but I do not know whether that is stupidity or bravery). And tyre pressure (I assume a 1999 SX will be on 14" wheels) is 2.5 bar for the front, 2.2 for the rear regardless of load.

 

[hallamj]

Thanks Mike, I guessed it was just a quirky Fiat engine noise. I'll get the belt changed asap. Is power steering optional or standard on this model. I have manual steering but I notice theire is a bare cog near the alternator belt which I'm guessing is a power steering belt that could have been removed...
Ta
J

 

[MikeSalt]

Hmm, I cannot remember if the SX came with Power Assisted Steering as standard. A quick way to find out is to turn the wheel from one lock to the other lock. If it takes less than three turns, your car should have power steering and therefore it has been disabled. If it takes more than three turns, then you have a manual steering rack.

 

[hallamj]

Oh and another thing... there is a circular hole just below the airbox on top of the engine where it looks like a hose is missing. I presume this would be a metal hose for the heater, or is it something more serious that needs urgent attention?? It's about 2inches diameter with raised circumference for clipping on a pipe

 

[MikeSalt]

Do you also have a corresponding hole on your exhaust manifold too? Connected between the two should be something like this. Heated air is pulled over the manifold through this tube to provide better economy. Not the end of the world if it is missing, but for best economy, get a replacement from your local motor factors (shop4parts is ridiculously expensive for this part for some reason).

 

[DaveMcT]

That tube is helpful in cold weather to avoid icing in the throttle valve but in summer it actually affects the power if not economy as the already warm air is further warmed making it less dense.

Make 100% sue that glugga noise is not air in the cooling system. Coolant should be clean and above the max mark on the coolant tank. A low level can cause gurgling noises and will stress the head gasket.

When topping up very low coolant levels read the Fiat Forum Guide on bleeding the cooling system.

 

[MikeSalt]

WhiteSei, in the 8v models, the airbox has a thermostatic mechanical flap that adjusts the air mixture between the cold intake and hot manifold intake. In hotter weather, it just pulls more in from the cold intake, and that mixture is optimised for economy. I suppose removing the manifold-to-airbox hose, it limits the amount of hot air available and has a slight cold-feed effect.

 

[hallamj]

Thanks for all your help guys, couldn't for the life of me work out what theat hose was called but now I know, so Ill get one sorted. As far as the coolant goes it is way above the max level as far as I can see and on my first long run the temperature guage was fine so can I assume there isn't an issue with air in the cooling..

 

[dumbledore]

Hi Folks
I've just bought a 1999 (T Reg) Punto SX (1.2). I just wanted to know if the engine noise is normal. It kind of goes duggduggaduggaduggaduggadugga etc... Sounds more like a diesel noise than a petrol. Is this a normal Punto engine noise???!! Doesn't sound loud or make any unpleasant knocking noises. Also, can someone tell me the tyre pressures for the standard steel wheels and the timing belt renewal interval as I have no manual!!!! I'm on 53,600 miles. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks all
J

i got exactly the same car recently and have to say that it should not sound like a diesel. I read that these engines require to adjust the valve clearance on regular intervals. If valve clearance is wrong then it will sound like a diesel.

 

[DaveMcT]

Who know's where my post about the hot air hose went

Tappets make a clickety click sound TBH I dont think its anything like the clatter of a diesel. If the OP is worried take it to a good garage and get them to take a look. Its pretty hard to give useful info about rattles & noises on a discussion group.