Starting noise & other troubles

[Stinj]

Since purchasing my 1.4S '98 Bravo I discovered some things that shouldn't be.
1. When I've started the engine it makes a hell of a noise, not really that noticeable inside the car but when you stand outside ... It comes from the front, I can't really describe the noise but it's too loud to be normal. When reaching my destination it mostly is gone though. I think I located where it comes from; it seems like when I open the bonnet, it comes from the first (black) thing in the center closest to you, in between the front of the car and the motor. What could this be?
2. Noticed that the kilometerdisplay blinks. It goes on and out and on and out, also more when engine still cold(I think). This would be ok, if I wouldn't have noticed that onder the steering wheel, a bolt is missing. 1 of the 2 bolts that keep that plastic from the dash over the steering shaft. Why on earth would they have to open that? Putting these 2 together; Am I too suspicious or could that be an indication of tampering with the kilometers? It's a car from '98 and had 49.000 kms.
3. Still waiting for the red key... Insisted on the deal that it would be included in the contract though! I'll spare the details, but now he asked for the electronic and mechanical codes and the codecard, because he says that a correct new red key can be made with that.?!?

 

[Stinj]

Silly me

1. Update on the black thingy in the center: that is the part that protects the exhaust pipes coming out of the engine. Or better said, your hands. The sound only lasts as long as the engine is cold, then the sound goes away.

 

[Stinj]

Hmmm ... anyway

Problem 1 as good as solved. Went to 2 dealers, both claim that the problem is the exhaust collector (I don't know if that's the right word). More precisely, the euhm... "dichtingen" but I guess Dutch is like chinese for you guys. Well, it's the non-metallic parts between the engine and the collector that needs to be replaced.

Another thing:
When I accelerate and then press in the clutch, for changing gears up or just for nothing, I can hear a mechanic noise-rattle for a little while (+/- 1 second). It's like the gearteeth roll a bit further when pressing the clutch. Is this normal? I've never noticed this by any car I've driven.

I'm learning more and more! Like it a lot
Cheers
Stijn

 

[Mike]

Re: Hmmm ... anyway

not sure, i know for a fact that my engine has a god awful knocking when its cold, for a few minutes until oil has had a chance to circulate round fully....

i dont know why mine does this either... but it vanishes and the engine works great :\. Im considering using some really expensive oil in mine to see if it makes a difference

 

[ryan]

no dont bother with the expensive oil

i thought the same, bought a punto sporting from new last march and the engine was always a little clattery from cold. decided in the summer to put castral GTX Magnatec in. didnt solve the problem and over the christmas period it sounded like a diesel from cold. fiat looked at the car and said it was a characteristic of the engine????? However last week it had its 12 month service with fiat and i assume they put selina oil in and the clattering has gone. now a much much smoother engine??? Im gonna stick to what fiat say should be put in the engine.

 

[Mike]

Re: no dont bother with the expensive oil

thats EXACTLY what fiat said to me also, haha

youve made me feel tonnes better, the fiat garage near me (picadilly) SAID that they put magnatec in it, but thats when it got really noisy and clackety. I think they just put garbage oil in

I thought theyde buggered it

ill buy that selina oil stuff. Is it pretty easy to get hold of?

 

[Ryan]

yea through fiat

i've never seen it on the shelf in retailers though???

 

[Barakka]

Selenia

The oil is made by FL Selenia http://www.flselenia.it/index_en.html

I presume it would be available to buy from Fiat, maybe..

Barakka