I don't know anyone with a 1.25L to compare so hopefully someone can give me some insight whether these noises are normal or there is an issue with the engine.

Noise #1 (cold start only)

On a cold start, I get this rattling noise when revving. After a few minutes when the engine is warmed up, it no longer makes this noise when revving.

Noise #2 (deep tapping noise)

Even when the engine is fully warm I can faintly hear a deep tapping/hammering/rattling type of noise (best I can describe it) all the time, especially when revving ever so slightly from idle. I'm not talking about the high pitched "ticking" as I believe those are the injectors. I can hear it in all the 1.25L engine sound videos below. Hopefully someone knows what I'm talking about.

You can really hear it in the last video, especially at 0:27.

Using Castrol 5w30 Edge and the car has been serviced annually according to the service history. Car runs and drives with no issues otherwise in the past few months of ownership.

For both or either noises, could someone let me know if this is normal behaviour for the 1.25L or if there is anything I need to do?

Hi,

This is, at least partly, down to the solid tappets used on these engines. They are purposely left a little loose when cold so they have space to expand during warm up.

The tappet clearances should be checked when the cambelt is replaced, to make sure they have not worn beyond acceptable spec, which will create even more noise. However, very few people bother with that when changing the belt in the UK.

Thanks for the reply @TomsFocus.

They are purposely left a little loose when cold so they have space to expand during warm up.

I suppose this explains the cold start noise when revving. Is the noise even when warmed up also due to the tappets and a result of normal wear and tear?

I plan to take my 70k mileage Fiesta in to replace the cambelt soon but wasn't aware the clearances should be checked (doubt the garages would ask either).

Is there a reason why people don't bother with it? Will it not cause damage or is it purely a noise annoyance?

1 hour ago, landfall said:

Thanks for the reply @TomsFocus.

I suppose this explains the cold start noise when revving. Is the noise even when warmed up also due to the tappets and a result of normal wear and tear?

I plan to take my 70k mileage Fiesta in to replace the cambelt soon but wasn't aware the clearances should be checked (doubt the garages would ask either).

Is there a reason why people don't bother with it? Will it not cause damage or is it purely a noise annoyance?

I suspect the warm noise is just normal wear and tear but don't want to commit to that from video alone.

People don't have the clearances checked because it takes time and costs more money. General garages won't have replacement tappets in stock either, so they'll have to wait for a delivery with a car taking up ramp space. Replacement tappets have to be ordered based on clearance measurements, so can't be ordered in advance.

I guess it depends on how long you intend to keep the car. 2 or 3 years it's probably not worth bothering with. Another 8-10 years then it would be worth doing them now. Any noise is creating wear, it's just a case of how much and for how long.