Technical noisy cinquecento 899

[jim]

hi i own a 1996 899 s,
already i have had to replace the head gasket at 30000 miles, then 2 months ago , the hydraulic tappets had to be replaced , starting up first thing in the morning is fine now , no rattle at all, driving from cold no noise at all, the trouble is now when the car is hot , and only when i put the engine under load i still have a rattle ,is this still noise from the top end , it is hard to tell,or something to do with the ignition , the exhaust at the back is pitch black, although i allways have it serviced ,
please i would greatful of some advice before i bung cash in the wrong direction
jim[?]

 

[Jon]

Hi,

A rattle like you describe could be the engine pinking ( pre -ignition ) the ignition timing on these things is not a DIY job.

But it could also be an exhaust manifold blowing, although that would make a noise when cold as well. It's just that you did say the head gasket was done. perhaps an exhaust joint wasn't sealed so good ?