I own a 1998 V40 with the GDI 1800cc engine and on initial start-up i get a rattle which sometimes goes quick and then can sometimes stay for a few miles, it is a single rattle not multiple rattles (if you know what i mean).
What i want to know is? is this a common fault and what is it likely to be? I think myself that its one of the hydraulic tappets, but i dont know the set-up of the system? so i am after advice on what to do, my mechanic mates tell me that its something of nothing and that even though there is a rattle its not detremental to the engine.
All advice welcomed.
Cheers Tony.

Hi
I also own a 1998 GDI, and I can assure you that the rattle is normal. My owners handbook even warns of the rattle and the diesel like properties of the GDI engine, provided the rattle deisspears once the engine is up to temperature, I wouldn't worry.

I would also recomend an additive to the fuel once in a while to clean the injectors and regular servicing to de-coke the throttle housing (every 10,000 miles or so) The GDI is a very "cokey" engine and needs good maintainance (and a good thrashing once in a while also to blow the cobwebs away - within the legal speed limit of course)

I do over 20,000 miles a year and have had no problems, in the three years that I have owned the car. I do a lot of motorway miles and return approx 42mpg.

Hope this helps

V40LEC