Technical Tapping (?) sound coming from under the hood

[GrandeFizzy]

Hi guys

I have a 2006 Grande Punto with a 1.2l 8V petrol engine. The noise I'm referring to has been present for as long as I have owned the car (about 5-6 months now). So far I've only had to replace the spark plugs and ignition coils. This car has 232k kilometers and has only ever had one owner previously. The car has been serviced regularly with a service booklet to back it up.

The sound is constant, it doesn't change depending on the engine temperature, its audible from the outside and it follows the speed of the engine of course. I have attached two videos with the noise, which appears to be coming from the top of the engine.

I just want to add that this is my first car, therefore I might not be knowledgeable on some stuff!

 

[GrandePunto PL]

If this is your first car ever, go to YouTube and watch 20-30 different videos about Fiats, listen to engine sounds (1,2 and 1,4 8V).
Clicking is normal, but a little bit too loud (maybe it's the camera/phone, recording makes everything worse).
Maybe you need a valve clearance check: https://www.fiatforum.com/guides/valve-clearance-check-and-adjustment-1-4-8v.824/
But on top of that, you have a constant noise, hum, like an alternator/AirConditioning belt tensioner is worn. Empty A/C can make a noises too.

If you record such things, do also a rev-up, increase the speed (1000->2000->3000 RPM) of the engine, so we can hear the changes. Not just idle rpm.

The car has been serviced regularly with a service booklet to back it up.

Really? Wanna bet, that some things were neglected, they've skipped some maintenance items (like a mentioned "valve lash")?
There is a lot to check if you are past 200000 km mark... Things beyond the official schedule in the Owner's Manual (Handbook).

 

[GrandeFizzy]

If this is your first car ever, go to YouTube and watch 20-30 different videos about Fiats, listen to engine sounds (1,2 and 1,4 8V).
Clicking is normal, but a little bit too loud (maybe it's the camera/phone, recording makes everything worse).
Maybe you need a valve clearance check: https://www.fiatforum.com/guides/valve-clearance-check-and-adjustment-1-4-8v.824/
But on top of that, you have a constant noise, hum, like an alternator/AirConditioning belt tensioner is worn. Empty A/C can make a noises too.
View attachment 465318
If you record such things, do also a rev-up, increase the speed (1000->2000->3000 RPM) of the engine, so we can hear the changes. Not just idle rpm.

Thank you for your reply!

I have watched a couple videos on youtube about this, which is why I never asked about it until now because I thought it was normal, although like you said mine does sound a bit too noisy. I think I managed to only find one video with that engine that makes the same noise as mine, or at least a similar noise.

Also about the A/C, I will say that I had it refilled last month. One of my friends also suggested that the A/C tensioner might be worn out.

I went out and filmed a video of it revving

 

[GrandeFizzy]

Really? Wanna bet, that some things were neglected, they've skipped some maintenance items (like a mentioned "valve lash")?
There is a lot to check if you are past 200000 km mark... Things beyond the official schedule in the Owner's Manual (Handbook).

Could definitely be a possibility, I should've clarified that by "regular service" it meant oil changes, air filter changes etc.

Last belt service was done at 189km, in 2018 or 2019, I can't remember exactly.

 

[AnthonyH]

Thank you for your reply!

I have watched a couple videos on youtube about this, which is why I never asked about it until now because I thought it was normal, although like you said mine does sound a bit too noisy. I think I managed to only find one video with that engine that makes the same noise as mine, or at least a similar noise.

Also about the A/C, I will say that I had it refilled last month. One of my friends also suggested that the A/C tensioner might be worn out.

I went out and filmed a video of it revving

It sounds normal when its idling, but its growling when you rev it.

I think it needs repairs of some description, but i couldn't guess what those repairs would be.