Panda 1.1 2004 - tappy engine

[just201187]

Hi all. Bear with me im new to this. I recently purchased a 2004 reg fiat panda and need advice.
The engine is naking a steady tapping noise and im worried.
It drives ok.
Its in need of a service and im aware theres no record of cambelt change. It currently sits at 86000 miles


Any ideas of costs for a cambelt change on these cars and what the tappy engine could be and if its a common occurance with the 1.1 active type please. Thank you

 

[fingers99]

It should have the plain jane 8v FIRE engine as fitted to the Punto.

On the 8v engines a broken cam belt is not going to do any damage (the 16v engine is a completely different storey) -- the car will just stop.

On the 8v engines it's very much a DIY proposition -- impossible to give you much idea of cost as labour charges vary a great deal., but something like £150 including parts (belt and tensioner) in the NW, more if you replace the water pump at the same time (wise). 16v engines are more expensive, need special tools, etc.

On the 8v engine top end tapping may be nothing more than valve clearances needing to be re-set (yours should have been done a 40k miles, but people skimp). On 16v engines (which have hydraulic tappets) you need a new set of tappets.