Hi guys,

bought a 2003 ford fiesta zetec 1.4.......nice tidy motor, apart from tapping, when driving the car in gear.  idling you can just about hear it......but much louder when driving it with the windows down....... done the screwdriver to ear test....around engine....seems loud on alternator.....could it alternator bearings that tap????

1 hour ago, Topdog70 said:

could it alternator bearings that tap????

I would doubt it.

When was the engine oil last changed ? and is it filled with the correct grade oil ?

On 8/13/2025 at 9:49 PM, unofix said:

I would doubt it.

When was the engine oil last changed ? and is it filled with the correct grade oil ?

was serviced in february this year with clean oil.....not sure on the grade, as ive only just bought the car

This type of engine was developed in the early 90's when engine noise was not particularly a priority.

The fuel injectors of this engine for example are quite noisy. They almost make the engine sound like a Diesel engine.

Another well-known source of excessive noise on these engines is excessive valve play. These engines have solid valve tappets. This means that the valve play needs to be checked and corrected if needed at the specified interval of 100.000 Miles/ 8 Years (whichever comes first). The valve play is corrected by replacing the complete tappet (dozens of different sizes are available). To be able to change the tappets the timing belt and camshafts need to be removed.

I suggest having the valve play checked and when one or more are out of tolerance to have the valve play corrected and the timing belt replaced. If there is no evidence of the timing belt being replaced within the last 8 Years, it should be replaced anyway.

The car has done 76,000 miles, and accordiing to the service history, the cam belt was changed on 45000 miles.

 

will hurt anything if it just left as it is, it just annoying if i have the window down and can hear the ticking/tapping sound as im driving

Maybe the injectors then....seems only when im driving......quiet when idling and revving up

38 minutes ago, Topdog70 said:

The car has done 76,000 miles, and accordiing to the service history, the cam belt was changed on 45000 miles.

 

will hurt anything if it just left as it is, it just annoying if i have the window down and can hear the ticking/tapping sound as im driving

Age is actually more important than mileage. Originally the prescribed changing interval of the timing belt was 100.000 Miles/10 Years (whichever comes first). This has been reduced to 8 Years because many (especially low mileage cars) did fail between 8 and 10 Years old.

On a 2003 vehicle the timing belt should have been replaced in 2011 for the 1st time and in 2019 for the 2nd time based on age.