My girlfriends sister asked me to have a look at her fiesta (110k on clock), as she said that she didn't think it was running right. I checked all the basics - and not to my amazement I found out that there was no oil in it! I duly filled it up to the appropriate level and took it for a spin. It seemed fine after this, but I still have a couple of queries:

- It had only been serviced about a month ago, so is there a reason why it could be taking so much oil. I checked the underside of the car and there does not seem to be any leeks!

The exhaust is making a slight puffing sound like a train ( if you no what I mean) - is there anything I should be checking as to the source of the problem - could this be caused by the lack of oil in the engine / carbon build up etc

Any help greatly appreciated

Geoff

Well... i dont have much of a clue on these things, i dad does tho... shall ask him later for you.

The best move now would be to keep a very close eye on the oil... check it every couple of days... check the drive where the car is parked for any leaks also.

It might be a head gasket (by the sounds of the exhaust it may be).

Get ur g/f sister to take it for a drive and follow her... when she puts her foot down, see if theres any smoke from the exhaust...

Another check... start it up and give it a few revs... make sure theres no blue smoke under hard acceleration (dont blow it up tho)

Ill ask for you when he appears home.

Appreciate your help Scotty

Have a check of your water header tank to see if there are any odd deposits in there. Unless the car has done monster mileage since the service, i'd be quite suprised if this was just engine wear (valve guides / piston rings). It soumds a bit more sinister than that to me; perhaps a cracked head or block.