fiat punto 1.2

[JANE.ROSS]

engine heats up on short journeys also screaching noise from back wheel when turning corner and jercking when pulling off and engine cutting out sometimes when coming to a stop

[derekpara]

Sounds like it needs a full service !

[TWR]

Hi, is the radiator topped up? Is the Electric Radiator fan working, is the fan belt tight? If all of these items are right, replace the thermostat, have you run the car with steam coming out of the front? If so that could mean a Head Gasket ( Costly Job) I think you will find the screeching coming from the Fan Belt or the Water pump Bearings, When running the car does the Temp Gauge go into the RED?

[simonruss]

sounds knackered. I thought my girlfriends 2000 1.2 elx had some problems but nothing that sounds like that. head gasket is quite simple to do, TWR is right, there are many things that could be at fault, its a matter of elimination to find the right one. A simple pressure test will show up if its a head gasket failure, any water in the oil or vice versa? Sounds like a good service is needed.

[bigboots]

Electric cooling fans are common for siezing up and head gasket failure is also a common problem
noise from the rear could be rear shoes worn out (they dont last long on these) axel bushes need greasing and brake cables siezed in there retainers
punto's were prone to clutch judder a recon clutch was �75 quid last time i bought one

[dm1982]

puntos are prone to quite a lot of things!! head gasket failure, clutch release bearing collapsing and resulting in the first motion shaft casing being destroyed meaning a new gearbox, various electrical problems, front brake pads wearing after no more than 15000 miles, and also the older ones had a problem with the rear radius arm bushes wearing prematurely which you guessed it means a new rear radius arm!! just a few wee faults!! but your sounds minced