FIAT Punto II (1999 - 2006) - 01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke

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Wed 23 Apr 2008 13:19
01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke - TimOrridge
Posted this on behalf of a colleages wifes car. Email from colleague as follows;

Model: 2001 Fiat Punto 1.2



Thursday: Oil low, topped up



Friday: Short journey (2-3 miles) ? no problems



Following Tuesday:



Black exhaust fumes when setting off from cold.



In the middle of medium length journey of 8-12 miles whilst going up a relatively steep hill, the engine seemed to rev at a higher rate than normal and appeared to lose power slightly. This was followed by smoke (not steam) coming from the engine coupled with a strong burning smell. After leaving the car at the roadside for an hour, the car was drivable and appeared to be fine during a very short run and water and oil levels appear to be OK. However, it has driven less than a mile since the smoke until diagnoses.

Let me know if any more info required.

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Wed 23 Apr 2008 14:05
01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke - percy
Not sure about black smoke from exhaust...
Smoke from under bonnet; plus burning smell; plus steep hill; could be slipping clutch....
Is the owner certain about the water level? The 8 valve engine seems prone to head gasket problems which may give similar results...
Honest John's Car by Car breakdown gives some details about weak clutches.
Good luck!
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Wed 23 Apr 2008 14:22
01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke - TimOrridge
Is the owner certain about the water level? The 8 valve engine seems prone to
head gasket problems which may give similar results...


This may be a possibliity however the water level was checked straight after and seemed ok. He mentioned that when he started the car to take it to garage it made a high pitched screaming noise when revved when idle. that only lasted a matter of seconds after that it drove ok on the half mile to garage to be investigated. He has no word back from garage yet.

How much would a new clutch and new head gasket be roughly for interest?

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Wed 23 Apr 2008 16:19
01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke - TimOrridge
Any ideas please?

If theres anything missing let me know
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Wed 23 Apr 2008 17:14
01 1.2 Engine revving/black smoke - TimOrridge
Update:

The root cause of all these problems was the clutch had burnt out (thats for that percy). This has been conformed by mechanic

New clutch fille £200 all in inc oil change

Thanks
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