Hi all

I have noticed a few issues with my Wreg Fabia 1.4 MPi, I wonder whether they might be connected:

1. Fairly poor mpg, typically 30-35 mpg on a mix of roads

2. Rattling engine noise, especially noticeable when idling

3. Lack of power/torque. Steeper hills can be a struggle, requiring the throttle to the floor, a drop in to second gear, or both!

Might these three be connected? What is the cause of the horrible rattling noise? Can anyone tell me how to check and possibly change the air filter, because I have read elsewhere that this can be a cause of reduced mpg

(I read the following thread - obviously most people get a less-than-expected return on this engine (http://briskoda.net/fabia-i/fabia-mpi-poor-mpg/91069/ so I'm not expecting miracles!))

Thanks a million

Ian

30-35 mpg is about right. Would have to hear the rattle, but sounds like your timing belt is a bit worn. Not an immediate cause for concern (unlike a cambelt! ), but worth sorting if it annoys you. A new air filter never hurts, especially as Skoda's replacement interval (40k) is far too long - see below for what one looks like after only 15k! The air box is the big black box on the right-hand side of the engine bay. A cross-head screwdriver and the ability it use it are all the things you need.

Great - thanks. I'll try and have a look this evening. Out of interest, how much does an air filter cost?

MPG doesn't sound that far out for an 8V, especially when you say that it is lacking power, so I assume that you are compensating by opening the throttle further.

The rattling and lack of power can be linked. I suspect that the timing chain is worn and as it rattles it makes vibrations, these vibrations could be interpreted by the knock sensor as pre-ignition in the cylinders, so to save the pistons it instructs the engine ECU to retard the ignition timing. When the ignition timing is retarded, the engine is less powerful.

If the spark plugs are old swap them and if the valve clearances haven't been checked it's best to get those adjusted (I am assuming the 1.4 Mpi 8v still needs the rocker clearances adjusting like the old 1.3 version of it). Those are probably the best things you can do to improve MPG that haven't yet been mentioned in this thread.

Also driving at around 60mph on the motorway in top gear instead of 70-80 will see quite an MPG increase.

Yes - I have noticed that the engine begins to guzzle fuel down at a rate of knots when at 70mph!

So a worn timing chain might be a problem - is there anything I should look out for inparticular on it eg tell-tale-signs of wear?

As for valve clearances I have no idea how I would check that - any advice? Or would I really need an expert to do something like that ( I am assuming I would)

CHeers!

Yes - I have noticed that the engine begins to guzzle fuel down at a rate of knots when at 70mph!

So a worn timing chain might be a problem - is there anything I should look out for inparticular on it eg tell-tale-signs of wear?

As for valve clearances I have no idea how I would check that - any advice? Or would I really need an expert to do something like that ( I am assuming I would)

CHeers!

Timing chain noise, as you face the car with the bonnet open, the sound will be coming from the left hand side at the lower part of the engine. I guess it sort of sounds like a loose chain on a bicycle but louder(don't know if that makes much sense). It would cost about £200 for a garage to change it. It is a DIYable job but probably not for those with little experience of working with cars. If your car's mileage is quite high then odds on it's the chain making the noise.

If the 1.4mpi is similar to the 1.3 Skoda engine it is based on then valve clearances are quite easy to adjust once you get your head around what's going on - but a garage would not charge much to do the job (although ideally it should be one of the things a garage does when servicing the car). As it could be different to the 1.3's I'll suggest getting hold of the Haynes, but that the Best way to turn the engine is to put car in 5th, jack up driver's side wheel, and turn that. (Some people put the car in gear and just push the car back and forth).

The valve clearances on the 1.4 are hydraulically self adjusting. From the top they look the same as the 1.3, but there are hydraulic lifters that operate directly off the cam shaft.

Ok... I took a look at the engine last night. I looked at the air filter - it was only a light grey in shade, certainly not black, so I'm assuming it is ok? So could something else be causing the lack of power? I've read elsewhere that cleaning the throttle body is an idea? Or is there something I could put into the fuel system (like Redex?) Is there anything anyone can recommend?

As for the rattling from the engine - the noise does seem to be coming from the bottom left hand side of the engine. So I guess its the timing chain (the car has done 62,000 miles). A bit dissapointing since I assumed that a timing chain never needs to be changed. Could it just need a bit of tlc?! Is tehre a tensioner that could be adjusted?

THanks for all the help

No tensioner is included in the design which is why they tend to rattle when they loosen.

Thanks - yes I have been reading other posts and I found out there was no tensioner on the 1.4 MPI

So the question for me now is do I get the timing chain changed or just put up with the sound? I think I will get it done if it improves the power- as I've said above it struggles with hills - I get Corsas queuing up behind me!

Fordfan says he's experienced a worn timing chain affected power - has anyone else?

It has had a recent oil service I assume?

thanks - yes an oil change at the end of May.

Right.

I have the same rattling sound you're having. Same engine, car's done only 25 000 miles and it rattles really bad. But no worries! I've got the new parts: pulleys and the chain and I'll make my engine quiet tomorrow.

Now, I'm sorry to come in here and start asking my questions but it seemed like a right thing to do.

I've gone through many old threads but couldn't seem to find much help. I'd like to know what should I beware of and what should I know while changing the chain? It shouldn't be hard BUT is there anything that could go epically ****ed or not?

For the fact: I didn't order new gaskets except for crankshaft which is leaking like it has a diarrhea and is the main reason for the job.

Btw: on the power front, I'm having no problems at all. Today I even screwed around with some idiots with 5. series beemer(BMW) .

I'd suggest you cleaning or changing your air filter, getting new spark plugs ( Bosch FR78 are very good, made wonders with my machine ) and maybe use more expensive fuel and REALLY give the engine a go. Works wonders, again. New and good oil wouldn't hurt either

You need other gaskets including sump pan gasket, timing cover gasket and there may be some others that haven't come to mind yet.

You need other gaskets including sump pan gasket, timing cover gasket and there may be some others that haven't come to mind yet.

Why? I'll just reattach them with gasket silicone. This method has been used for ages and it works.

The timing cover gasket is cheap at £3, the Fabia may well not have a sump gasket and you will need sump sealer. I would be wary of using a silicine based sealer as silicones can contaminate Lambda probes.

The timing cover gasket is cheap at £3, the Fabia may well not have a sump gasket and you will need sump sealer. I would be wary of using a silicine based sealer as silicones can contaminate Lambda probes.

Right. Ok, I'll go get them gaskets then.

Easy job my ***

Half the engine has been taken apart! It was impossible to reach some nuts and bolts, even more impossible to open the nut of the wheel that's connected to crank and that moves the generator belt AND it took me 5 hours to take that stuff apart. Other than that, cool

Tomorrow I'll rebuild the engine. Cam chain is very very loose. It's almost like on a bicycle, soft and wiggly. Oil pan doesn't have a gasket. It was sealed on with silicone. I have lots of that

Thanks for listening, I'll go out for a beer now.

Edit:All done

Edited 29 August, 200817 yr by Brutality

Hello

I'm new to this site and have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I have an engine rattle too! I have a fabia 1.4 16v. It's nearly 5 years old, but only done 25,000 miles or so. The engine rattle started recently, and it only happens in low gears/ low revs when the engine is working hard, e.g. going up a hill. Seems to be making a bit of a racket though and it doesn't sound at all healthy. Sadly I have to confess I don't know a lot about cars and it may be something straight forward. But being a blonde youngish woman, I tend to project blank cheque syndrome when I go into a garage, so any pointers would be appreciated!

Hello

I'm new to this site and have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I have an engine rattle too! I have a fabia 1.4 16v. It's nearly 5 years old, but only done 25,000 miles or so. The engine rattle started recently, and it only happens in low gears/ low revs when the engine is working hard, e.g. going up a hill. Seems to be making a bit of a racket though and it doesn't sound at all healthy. Sadly I have to confess I don't know a lot about cars and it may be something straight forward. But being a blonde youngish woman, I tend to project blank cheque syndrome when I go into a garage, so any pointers would be appreciated!

The 16v engine is different to the 8v one being discussed here, but it is well known that the 1.4 16v needs to be revved to make decent progress. It's hard to make any suggestions without seeing or hearing the car, but I would suggest trying to keep the revs above 2000 as much as possible (especially when going up hills!) and seeing if that makes a difference. Other than that, book it in for a full service if it's not had one recently (but don't say anything about the noise - a full service should include a roadtest), and see what it's like when you get it back!