Good afternoon, I hope someone can point me in the right direction with regards to a Fabia I bought a couple of weeks ago.

it is a 2008 1.6 16valve which I believe is chain driven.

i have noticed that when you start if from cold, for the first couple of minutes, or until the oil warms a little, the engine sounds really tappity. It has only covered 41000 from new and has full Skoda service history. Having come from a diesel before I am not sure if this is normal or it needs someone looking at it.

any ideas what this could be and costs?

i am sorry if this question has been asked before.

many thanks, James.

A chain driven vehicle will naturally sound tappet for a few seconds of cold starting. However, there were some particular versions of Fabia that had an issue regarding the chain and tensioner, which I think I am correct in saying, needed a replacement part that was modified to overcome certain issues. I am sure many have been fixed but if yours is one that has slipped through the net, it may very well be worth contacting Skoda to ask if, why and when the fix should have been done and if they are willing to repair yours either as part of a recall or at the very least, as a partially reduced cost as what is called a "Goodwill gesture".

 

If I were you, I would try to do this sooner rather then later as it may not be one of the affected  models but if it is and has yet to be done, serious engine failure is a remote but real possibility!

 

In addition to this, make sure you follow oil change intervals TO THE LETTER. The correct grade, at the correct interval is quite crucial to some VW variant engines as they hate missing out or being filled up with the incorrect oil!

 

Thank you for the quick reply, I have noticed from previous forums that a lot of issues became known with the 1.2 chain driven engines but have not read too much about the 1.6. 

Looking through the service history the car has barely covered 1000 miles from yearly service and mot. I was wondering if the noise could come from lack of use?

i will give Skoda a call tomorrow and ask if my car is subject to any recalls.

i was thinking of getting my usual private mechanic to have a look, as I know main dealers charge a fortune!!

If the tapping was only for 10 secs or so I would have said it was the oil getting up to the bucket tappets, which is quite normal, however if it is longer.........

It’s definitely tappity when cold, then once the car is on the move gently it goes away. I never just start the car and drive off, I do wait for 30 seconds or so before moving off, in total I would say the noise subsides in about a minute or so of driving. 

 

Are you requested to wait 30 seconds prior to driving off? I know its not too long but some manufacturers suggest moving off asap and driving gently, rather then idling for any length of time. Idling often starts the warming of the engine but not so much the gearbox so usually, its best to move off sooner, rather then later. That minute does sound just a little long though, despite me not being familiar with your car. I would have suggested around ten-fifteen seconds of clatter, then nice and quiet. 

 

Perhaps you should at the very least, consider an oil and filter change, ensuring you fill, to the correct level, with the correctly specified oil for your engine. Many modern cars are very oil specific and want the correct oil to function well. it is not just a case of throwing in some lubrication with the correct thickness/grade, anymore but more technical. VW (Group vehicles) seem very specific with oils!

Edited 11 March, 20197 yr by mrgf

The oil and filter according to the Skoda service book was changed as part of their minor service less than 500 miles ago. Looking through the service docs they haven’t flagged anything up, so I am guessing everything is normal. I will just have to get used to it

The trouble with any 'service history' is that it is only as good as the guy with the stamp.

A possible temptation for a garage presented with an ultra low 'inter service' mileage car is for them to do a visual safety check/valet car/top up fluids and stamp up any minor service requirements,especially if the same garage is used for all services.

I would definitely say to get an oil and filter change done by somebody trustworthy/local vw specialist (or diy it) - as with an ultra low mileage car 500 miles might equate to the car sitting for months with the oil absorbing moisture etc and internal parts potentially lightly corroding.

 

On 10/03/2019 at 15:50, Jordan79 said:

 

it is a 2008 1.6 16valve which I believe is chain driven.

 

 

What is your engine code?

 

IIs this engine the cambelt engine (which needs changing at 4 years or 40,000 miles inc waterpump) as at this age I thought the only cam chain engine in the Fabias were the NA 1.2 3 cylinder ones (6 & 12 valves). This engine is similar to the 1.4 16v and is known for a touch of piston slap when cold (which my 2001 130k mile Octavia 1.416v does and has done since about 30k miles!). In a word it's normal.

 

Not 100% sure so I might be wrong as it was about this time the cam chain engine was introduced - but engine code will confirm

 

 

 

[EDIT] If a BTS engine @Wino has confirmed it's a cam chain engine in the above link - if so get the chain and tensioner checked out! :-

 

Edited 13 March, 20197 yr by bigjohn

Hi I have a 2009 with the same problem only 29,000 on the clock I wondered if you managed to solve your issue?