I've recently changed from a 1.1 Active to a 1.3 Multijet (brand new). It has about 2k miles on it now. There is no way it is faster than the Active, although it should have a bit more hp, and should have a good bit more torque. I was expecting a diesely 'low down shove' with acceleration at around 2000rpm, but it is very lifeless till it gets towards 4000rpm, and even then not as good as the Active.
It seems to be ticking over OK at idle. Any ideas? Is this a running in issue? What else can go wrong with a diesel?
Thanks
Peanut
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I have one of these engines in a MK2B Punto.
In normal driving maximum acceleration is available at below 2,000 revs going through the gears. The only reason I would exceed this is as revs build up with road speed in top gear.
It never needs above around 2,800 in top gear.
The fact that you`re discussing driving it at 4,000 revs means either there is a fault with the car, which is new and under warranty, or you have not changed driving technique from petrol engines.
I`m sure its not you, but some people find it difficult to drive at low revs for max torque.
It should leave the 1.1 petrol standing without exceeding 2,000 revs going through the gears.
Time to get Fiat to put it on the `Examiner` and to do a test drive, I think as they will be able to determine whether it is the engine......
Regards
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Not sure if its you with this post from the Fiat Forum Peanut?
but it may help others in their replies as it looks similar and some responses there if its not.
tinyurl.com/37vnlz
Regards
Edited by oilrag on 27/02/2008 at 11:42
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The engine on ours felt very tight when new, and this engine tends to be rather lag-prone when cold ime, but has loosened up progressively over the first 10k or so (now on 11.5k).
You should notice a decent surge as the turbo kicks in from about 2k rpm, though, so it sounds as if something isn't right there.
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oilrag, yes that was me. I was wanting to get a second opinion....
I've been running diesels for 10 years, so am used to the driving style.
Just been out for a run in it solely to observe the engine.
First up, I have to keep changing gear for the hills, which points to woeful lack of torque.
But more interestingly, I did a couple of tests with it in 4th gear, accelerating hard from 1000rpm. I was looking for when the turbo cut in, and the extra surge.
Nothing. No extra band of acceleration at all, until it hits the revs above 3000rpm (yes, it is a diesel, it crossed my mind, too). It's just sluggish right the way from 1000 - 3000.
So, how could I check whether the turbo is doing its stuff? Did they forget to fit one?
I think a trip to a wonderfully helpful and skilled FIAT dealer is in order. Failing that, the one down the road.
Thanks
Peanut.
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Yes, time for a trip to Fiat. To be honest I have always found their senior techs very knowledgeable.
That said, the torque is wide and not peaky, but at 1,800 revs it should be pulling like a train.
I personally wouldn`t put any load on it under 1,500 revs out of respect for the main bearings.. but then, I am rather `old school` ;)
Mine`s much more free running at 18,000 miles, but I don`t remember issues as you describe them when new.
Can you report back when you have been to Fiat please?
regards
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A few years ago a colleague took delivery of a new Multipla 1.9 diesel lease car. From day one he wasn't too impressed with performance - similar to what you are experiencing - lots of revs, but no feeling of a turbo doing anything.
He took it back and was fobbed of saying he needed to run it in etc etc.
This went on for months, but eventually Fiat took it in and fitted a new turbo. He took it away and it didn't feel much different. One evening I was behind him at a set of lights, when he pulled off the car gave out a plume of smoke like a bus which had done 1,000,000 miles - very thick and very black.
I mentioned this to him, he said he'd noticed some smoke, but assumed it was from it being a diesel. He took the car back.
The car was in for weeks as the dealer liaised with Fiat in Italy. In the end the problem was diagnosed as a problem with two pieces of pipework which had been fitted incorrectly in the factory. Inlet and outlet had been mixed up meaning the turbo wasn't doing much. Once these pipes were swapped the car absolutely flew.
I suggest you take a test drive in another car like yours and see if it drives differently and go from there.
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daveyjp, thanks, that's a good idea. I wonder how I track that down...?!
Since last post, I've given the car a good thrashing (not my usual way of treating a car) and taken it to a dealer. The mechanic took me for a test drive, and he said that it 'was about right' for a Panda MJ. Apparently it has a small turbo running at low boost pressure. And yes, there is a marginal 'oomph' from about 2K, although I needed it pointing out to me. Certainly not enough to put a smile on my face, never mind going faster than anything but a entry level shopping trolley.
Two things I don't understand. 1) My main car is a Fiesta 1.6TDCI, which is 90hp output, and it is a genuinely entertaining drive, with plenty of acceleration: given the weight difference between the two cars, the power/weight ratio isn't going to be all that dissimilar. 2) There is a long, straight steep hill near here. The Panda Active could hit 57mph at the top (revving like mad, but that's what it was all about). The MJ doesn't get anywhere near that.
I just don't know what to make of it....
Peanut
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Perhaps persuade the Dealer to let you drive another multijet Peanut?
Regards
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I understand that the Panda MJ is a bit "de-tuned" compared with the Punto version due to the maximum torque rating of the gearbox - in "standard" form it would presumably break the gearbox.
It should still run rings around the 1108 petrol version though - I'm with oilrag: compare with another MJ Panda.
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AJH
I wish they had! I understand that the petrol Panda100 is a real blast to drive: imagine a 90hp diesel in one: almost the same hp, and all those torques.
I'll go and pester the dealer: when I bought it, they always had run out of MJ's to test drive, as they sold so easily. I will go and see what happens.
Thanks
Peanut
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I understand that the petrol Panda100 is a real blast to drive
Ohhhh yes :-) My mother has one and I very nearly carried out a very silly idea of chopping the Mondeo for one a few months back, such was my impression of it. Particularly amusing over 4,000 rpm. Close-ratio 6-speed gearbox is spot-on and the handling is very sharp. Downside is jiggly ride, of course, and the range isn't brilliant, especially if you use the upper part of the rev range a fair bit.
Definitely sounds like the turbo isn't doing what it oughter in yours. I took ours out earlier and it pulls very well from 1,500 rpm. 107 lbs ft with low kerb weight works very well. It took until over 10k miles to run it in fully, though.
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