odd engine noise on startup

[cuprablue]

Hi all,

I have just bought an 02 plate Leon Cupra (non R version) with just under 51k on the clock and so far I'm impressed. Certainly a lot better than the old Clio 1.4 RT I was driving before.

I just have a couple of questions as I'm unfamiliar with the make/model.

When I start the engine I get a kind of crack sound a bit like a diesil engine sound after which the engine sound very smooth and idles perfectly (once the choke has stopped working it's magic). I was just wondering if this was normal for this car. My Clio certainly didn't do it and nor has any other car that I've ever been in, that I've noticed anyway. The car was bought from a (Skoda) dealer and was given a full service (they did a toothed belt change too).

Before anyone asks the obvious, no I'm sure it's not a diesel engine as at no other time does it sound like one.


The other question I have regards the suspension. On smooth roads it feels very taught and firm but not jarring, however on mildly rough roads, (you know the usual london streets with loads of old road works), it feels a bit loose through the steering wheel. Difficult to explain the steering feels fine just the feed back through it from the front wheels feels as if the suspension is a bit loose. I'm guessing no suspension is perfect over all road surfaces. Could it be my tyres? Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 s with plenty of tread left on them

sorry for the essay on my first post.

cuprablue

 

[Fluff]

Hi Cuprablue,

I occasionally get a diesel-ish noise on startup with my Cupra 180, which I must admit sounded alarming the first time I heard it. I'm assured though that it is merely the oil being a bit tardy in getting up to the tappets, which makes sense as it tends to happen only on early morning starts in cold weather.

YMMV of course.

Fluff

 

[traumapat]

hiya mate

i found my leon felt the same. on less than perfect roads it felt a bit bouncy. lots on here have upgraded the suspension and its much better.

maybe get an independent garage to have a look? in case somthing is loose..

maybe consider upgrading it.. spose it depends how you drive

 

[cuprablue]

thanks for the replies guys.

I should note that the suspension only feels relatively jangly compared to when on smooth tarmac. It's still 1000 times better than the Clio ever was (though obviously that car didn't have any real sporting pretensions.)

As for the engine well I think i get it every time it's started (even when the engine is warm I think) but I'll have to check that as I'm not 100% sure thinking about it now. Surely as the car has just been service by a dealer that should be relatively famililiar with the engine (same one as is in the octavia right?) it can't be anything majorly wrong?? On the plus side it also came with one years 5 star warranty cover from the RAC so I suppose if it does go bang it shouldn't be too costly.


cuprablue

 

[traumapat]

always strange with a new car. i spose its all about learning its qwerks

 

[cuprablue]

I was generally browsing around and found a post on the Skoda website about the engine noise I'm talking about. Apparently it's perfectly normal for these engines.


See here:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/should-i-worried-about-unusual-noises-my-1-8ts-engine/14529/

Now I'm just wondering if the relatively loud tapping noise I can hear when I open the bonnet is the charcoal thing their talking about. Seems to be coming from the top end to me, not over to the side and it's not audiable from inside the car. Anyone have any ideas? Car is completely stock and the engine is otherwise very quiet.


Cuprablue

 

[traumapat]

cold tappets. mine sounds like a tractor some mornings

 

[Chris 16v]

PMSL - i bought my cupra 180 about 2 weeks ago and wrot eexact same post!!

As it says on Brisokda - The rattle is indeed the hyraulic jobby na dis nothing to worry about and the ticking is the charcoal thing and everyones does it and is nothing to worry about.

Its fine - go and enjoy!! i am!