Team-BHP - Fiesta - Clatter noise when A/C is ON during Cold start

- - Fiesta - Clatter noise when A/C is ON during Cold start (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/92302-fiesta-clatter-noise-when-c-during-cold-start.html)

All,

My Fiesta 1.6 is over 18 Months old with 30K KMs on the ODO.

There is a clatter noise which comes from somewhere towards the right side of the engine compartment during cold start when the A/C is switched ON. It does go away once the vehicle is running upto temparature. Its really annoying and quite audible during cold start.

Checked with the SA @ Ford A.S.S who mentioned that the noise is normal and its due to the cold coolant thats getting circulated to the water pump and the bearings sound coarse during cold start until they are upto temparature. I am not sure if I understood his statement quite well.

What could be this noise? Is this a slight indication of some big problem thats coming up or its a normal thing in most Fiestas!

Awaiting your inputs & help :)

Cheers,
Arun

Anachronix,

Take a look at this thread. Most probably, its the tappet clearance, one of the tensioners, or a timing chain (don't know if your Fiesta uses a timing chain / belt).

What grade engine oil you using?

I am using Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40. The oil was changed recently after my 30K service. I have driven just over 100KMs with the Shell oil.

This noise is there for over 5K KMs & 4 Months!

The timing belt noise/tappet noise comes only when the A/C in ON? I am not sure about this!

Since your car is only 18 months old and under warranty, a visit to the Ford workshop is advisable.

I was told by my service advisor that Ford India has asked them to dissuade owners from going for synthetic engine oil, as there were complaints of knocking sounds. I'm not sure if yours is synthetic.

The synthetic oil was added only a week back.

This noise is there for quite sometime now. Nothing to do with the synthetic oil I suppose. Btw, this sounds more like a wing flap noise rather than a clatter! It appears only during cold start!

I had a similar issue with my Palio, mechanic's say it it the catalytic converter when cold. The noise finally disappeared when I changed the mufflers & exhaust recently.
Get your car checked at the a.s.s, they should be able to sort out the issue.