| ID: 452 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: creaking Question: Hi great bearded one, My car makes annoying creaking sounds when I go at slow speeds from the door sort of area, my old XR2 did the same, is it the body flexing and would a strut brace fix this? Cheers Big Dave :-) Answer: Could be the body flexing, buy a strut brace and see if it cures the noise, if not it will improve the road holding and turn into corners anyway! Winner! |
| ID: 453 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Big OIL LEAK!! (Dropped its load!!) Question: Hi Wiz Gotta prob. Hope you can shed some light on it. Got home Yesterday and I saw my oil light flicker once. I parked up to check my oil and the dipstick was DRY, and my boost hoses had splatters of oil on them!! I had only topped the oil up two days ago. I left the car for a while and when I came back there was a puddle of oil underneath . The car was driving fine, no smoke and no funny noises. What do you reckon has happened to my 5?? My oil pump has never been changed? and is it possible that one of the pipes have split. Thanks Your wisdom will be greatly appreciated Munish Answer: Sounds like it could be the pipes from the engine to the radiator (oil cooler section) or the turbo feed pipe that has a hole in it. Check visually, after cleaning all the area and if it isn't obvious where the leak is then run the car and look for leaks then. |
| ID: 454 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: big un Question: Gamesmaster, how do i defeat the seven headed strumpet on level seven........ a friend of mine is getting some new wheels for his impreza, and i have the option of his 17's at a bargain price - they are a multifit so they should go on, but i fink they are a 50mm offset......Does this mean that i have to space them out 15mm to get the correct 35mm offset?? Or does it work the other way?- if you see my meaning.... cheers wiz..... Answer: With 17's you are likely to get clearance problems even with the correct offset so i doubt very much if these wheels will fit. The only thing i can suggest is to try them! If they bolt up to the hub with a gap then you need to space them which will probably bring them out to far, but if they bolt on and hit the outer arch then you are stuffed anyways! |
| ID: 455 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: turbo timer Question: Wiz, what are the chances of fitting a turbo timer to the 5 without too many tears before bedtime?? Are they designed to fit the more obvious motas like Scoobys etc.? I have seen some really good priced ones (70 quid-ish), and it would be really cool to have one - oh yeah, and good for the turbo..... thanks wiz Answer: Turbo timers can be fitted to the 5 fairly easily, just follow the instructions that come with it and all should be hunky dorey! |
| ID: 456 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: clutch travel Question: hi wiz hope u can help,when changeing gear my clutch bites really low and then it bites really high but it goes into gear every time.And it has had a new clutch recently its as if it is sticking cheers steve taylor Answer: I would suggest trying a new clutch cable as it seems like it may be sticking. If not then it could be the release bearing sticking on the input shaft of the gearbox. This would mean that you would have to take the box off, clean up the shaft and lubricate it with a little copperslip or similar but not too much as it will get thrown onto the clutch if there is too much! |
| ID: 457 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Tyre pressure Question: Mr Wizard, Having finally got myself a five turbo, i only picked it up 2 weeks ago!! I was hoping you could tell me the best pressure to be running the tyres at, i am still on the standard alloys at the moment with 195x55's. In the haynes manual it says 26 psi front and rear, but i found that when really pushing the car hard round a corner it starts to slide at the back a bit. Is this a particular handling trait of the five, i could understand maybe if i was lifting off but i wasn't. Could it be anything else at all? cheers dan Answer: It could be tyre pressures, I have found that putting a bit more pressure in the tyres can affect handling. Your best bet is to try different pressures until you find one that is best for you. If the car is standard height then it will feel a little dodgy round bends, just lower it 35mm and you will be amazed at the difference. |
| ID: 458 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: BODGE!! Question: Dear wizzi, If a front bumper is either cracked, or has a great big chunk missing from the lower edge, whats the best way to rebuild it?? Whats the best bodge to buy, will i need that fibre glass stuff to put the bodge on, and if its just a front bumper, do u reckon using a spray can will get a good finish or shall i get a body shop to spray it up!! Appreciation and gratitude................Mat Answer: The best repair (bodge?) is to use fibreglass over a aluminium mesh to get the main shape finished with a little filler. For the best finish it will be better to get it sprayed by a proper sprayshop but if your paintwork isn't perfect on the rest of the car then a spray can may give a good enough finish. On the other hand, use this opportunity to get a new style front end or even a new standard bumper from someone like andyspares. (about £110) |
| ID: 459 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Dont want to start Question: It's me again, please help. 1: What are the 4 different colour wires on the perc sensor on the turbo heat shield, and where do they go? 2: If this sensor is'nt wired, will it cause to much fuel to get into the carb and flood the engine? 3: Can i by pass this sensor untill i get a new one to determine other faults on the car? 4: How much and were can i get a sensor from? 5: Anyone got an engine they feel like donating to a good cause? LOL ;-) Thanks Answer: 1) 4 wires? There should be only 2! They should go to the perc fan sensor on the carb then to the main engine loom. 2) NO! Nothing to do with the carb or fuelling. 3) Yes! Just tape up the ends. 4) About £30 from Renault or try a breaker. 5) No! lol |
| ID: 460 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: timing Question: i have a phase two 1990, can i advance and retard the ignition and how do i do it because i'm getting pinking. when i attach the breather hose from the ECU it all goes to pot so i just leave it off and in addition i haven't got an anti-pinking sensor at the moment. would an anti-pinking sensor be enough to retard itself with any other adjustments? Answer: If you purchase (or make) an adjustable timing sensor then you can retard the ignition a fraction to prevent pinking. Make sure you use super unleaded as this stops pinking on most cars. That is not a breather hose on the ECU, it is the vacuum advance/retard pipe. If this is not connected you run the risk of damaging your engine as it will draw extra air into the manifold and weaken the mixture which will cause pinking! It will also stop the vacuum advance/retard working which will mess up the running at higher revs/loads. If connecting this hose causes problems then you may have a dodgy ECU. Try one from someone elses car to see if it cures the problem. The anti pinking sensor doesn't seem to work on most peoples cars but it may help you if you buy a new one. |
| ID: 461 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Too hot or not? Question: Dear Wiz, There are a number of questions regarding hot running, and I must admit I'm a little confused about what the temperature my car is, and should be running at. Are you saying that under normal conditions (say crusing at 30-40), that the temp dial should sit in the halfway point between the second and third marker? What happens when stuck in stationary traffic at the height of summer, or slowing down after a long motorway run at 70 mph? In my case when the car is stationary and running (from cold) the needle rises to just below the third line then the fan will cut in (I've got a 75 deg switch), after which the needle will fall to just over the halfway point. Motorway running in hot weather will see the needle sitting just below the third line. I've fitted a 85 deg thermostat and changed the coolant last year. Does this sound normal too you, and what temperature do the markings on the dial represent roughly? Cheers Wiz, Nick Answer: The temperature of the engine is regulated at roughly the same temperature whatever you are doing be it in traffic or on the motorway. That is what the thermostat and radiator fan are there for. It will run slightly cooler when on a run as the airflow over the radiator and engine is greater therefore cooling it more. It will sit around the halfway point or less from as soon as the thermostat opens. If it raises above the halfway point then you may have a blocked radiator or dodgy thermostat etc. The fan will stay on longer to compensate for summer etc but that should be it. |
| ID: 462 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Hybrid Question: Hi Wizzy, If I where to upgrade to a hybrid turbo what else would I need to change? I am running 15psi at the moment at the manifold, would it be a case of good head gasket and copper core radiator? Any info would be appreciated. Dave :-) Answer: It all depends on what boost you want to run. A good headgasket (group A?) is allways a good thing as is a copper radiator. Also required are a decent intercooler (alloy?) and exhaust, bigger jets, maybe silicon boost hoses, Group A carb and Uprated fuel pump (for 20psi upwards) Then an uprated head and cam for more boost. The list is never ending if the boost gets too high! |
| ID: 463 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: group a carb Question: hello wiz hope u can help me again i took my car to the rolling road.And they said my carb is worn and i cant boost over 12psi coz there wouldnt be enouth fuel.Would it be allright if i just got a group a carb body coz my turbo can handle 22psi cheers steve Answer: It depends on what bits are worn. If it is the throttle flap shaft or choke flap shaft that is worn, then you have got to replace it. The group A carb body is just a bored out venturi and bigger jets from some tuners and enlarged accelerator pump transfer tube etc on top of that from others. There is not a lot that can wear but you could try a carb rebuild kit first in case it is one of these componants that is worn. |
| ID: 464 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Twin Turbo?? Question: Ever heard of anyone fitting twin turbos to a five??? Reckon its possible if i get 'two of everything' and modify the manifold etc??? Answer: I have never heard of anyone doing this. Anything is possible!!!!!!! I would recommend using standard T2 Turbos at first as they will spin up faster and provide enough airflow for 4 cylinders let alone 2. |
| ID: 465 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: still dead Question: Sensor 4 perc fan out of the way, on to the next problem, please. I can turn the engine over on the key and it sounds like it wants to start but it seems to flood just as it's about to. I've a good spark at the plugs and cant find any other reason, please help me oh great master, i'm missing the summer cruises and the pod is calling. Answer: What is the spec of the engine? Is it standard jets etc? Could be the float chamber valve stuck open. |
| ID: 466 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Fuel Consumption Question: Wizzzard mate im in need of some help. Can you tell me if this is right. I travel just over 60 miles a day to work and each day I use about a tenners worth of fuel..............is this right I ask????? Ben Answer: If you are in a lot of traffic or boost a lot then its not the worst i have seen! You are into the mid to high 20's mpg if you are using unleaded or 20+ for 4 star. |
| ID: 467 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Back and forward when ""coasting"" Question: HI, The problem is that the dam thing takes ages to start when cold, with the choke slightly on ""tickling"" the gas and praying. Once it does start after trying everything, it seems to be fine. Once on the road doing say 35-40 & 2000 ish RPM the car feels as if it is stopping and starting, like the brakes being pressed quickly but obviously its not. Maybee carb? maybee ignition?.....Just got carb kit from GT TUNING but not fitted yet need good advice.NEW MEMBER! Please help Amanda. Answer: I would suggest you rebuild the carb cleaning it fully and then try again! |
| ID: 468 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Fuel light Question: Dear wizface, can u tell me how much fuel ive got left when the fuel light flicks on?? Also will i get better miles to the gallon if i use super unleaded instead of the normal unleaded?? I know they aint the most economical of cars, but 23mpg is taking the mickey on just about a standard set up, and driving nicely!!!!!!!!! Answer: The light indicates you are into the reserve tank which i believe is 10 litres. Octain rating doesn't effect fuel consumption just reliability and price! |
| ID: 469 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Selcting 1st gear and Reverse Question: Hi wiz What do you reckon?? 1st gear and reverse feel crunchy when I select them sometimes. Not having any probs with a other gear, the gbox oil was changed about 5000 miles ago and so were the gbox mounts, new clutch and cable about 1.5 years ago.. When i try to select reverse it makes one hell of a gringing nosie, and I notice that gear selection becomes harder when the engine heats up. Whats da Diagnosis doc (..please dont tell me my gbox is up the spout!!)?? Thanks Answer: It could be clutch or cable gone weak or worn synchromesh, possibly wrong gearbox oil, poorly adjusted gearlinkage etc etc |
| ID: 470 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Is my Mechanic tellin me porkies?? Question: Hi wiz I wrote to you a little while ago about this creaking I was getting under the bonnet when I was sometimes driving slow, braking or turning the wheel. My mech (listed on the contacts page) tells me that cos the car is lowered the struts are rubbing against something which is causing the creaking sound. He says it's quite common on lowered 5's. Does this sound right?? Cheers Answer: Wheels can rub on brake hoses if lowered or inner wings at full lock. Struts shouldn't rub on anything unless they are bent! |
| ID: 471 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: ThermoStat Question: Do i really need the thermostat, my car runs ok, right in the middle, fan doesn't even let it go to the 3/4 mark, but can i jut remove it to be on the safe side. someone told me if i completly remove it, air bubbles destroy the water pump, so i should just punch out the centre of the thermostat and put it back in. is this true Answer: Leave the thermostat in but you can drill out the small hole to about 3mm to help prevent airlocks if you like. |
| ID: 472 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: instrument panel Question: Mr Wizard, Could you tell me, can you still get hold of the original instrument panel (speedo, rev counter etc.) from renault? its just that mine has faded, cheers dan Answer: I know the speedo is available but it is priced in the hundreds!!! Try advertising on the website sales and wants for a spare set of clocks or try a breaker. The only other alternative is to buy a set of coloured clocks. |
| ID: 473 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: WIPERS Question: Hi ive recently had my car broken into and they nicked the stereo etc, since then my wipers dont work i have replaced the fuses which were blown. is the wiper moter broken or is there an earth loose ??????? regards O llie Ambrose Answer: The wipers and the stereo use the same fuse if i remember rightly, is the stereo wiring bare? If so tape it all up and renew the fuse again. |
| ID: 474 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: clutch problems Question: I recently had to fit a new clutch cable-in the process I snapped the quadrant on the clutch pedal. After finally fitting both of the new parts; I depressed the pedal a few times to let it adjust. I now find that the gears grind when changing and the clutch pedal is fully depressed although the fork on top of the gearbox is moving at it's full extent. After adding a spacer to tension the cable a bit more the clutch engages better but obviously it shouldn't need this spacer. Do I need a new clutch or could this be something else-another joy of the R5! Thank you very much. J. Answer: You have to fit a genuine Renault cable and white coloured quadrant or else you will get problems. If either of the parts you fitted were not from Renault then i suggest you bite the bullet and fit the correct part before buying a new clutch. |
| ID: 475 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: wont start Question: I have an immobiliser which bleeps for 10 second after operating in which time you have to turn the key. The starter motor is good(tested) but you can turn the key to D and the thing wont even click. The battery is also good. My guess was it could be the immobiliser but before i go ripping it apart is there anything else I should look at. Thank you. J Answer: When you say you have tested the starter motor i take it you put a feed to it in situ rather than on a bench. This could mean there is a problem with the wiring to the starter from the ignition switch so test the wiring for continuity and earthing out before you tear the immobiliser out. |
| ID: 476 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: perc fan motor Question: I have just bought my first 5 and the first thing that had to be fixed is the perc fan which I have more or less managed by playing with the brushes etc - but I don't expect it will last for long! Is it not possible to just replace the motor, after all its nothing special? Answer: Yes you can change the motor try one of the tuners or a breaker for a replacement one. |
| ID: 477 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Will this 1 fit? Question: Hi Whizz, (who is all-knowing). The Renault Spider gearbox is made up of a Megane Coupe 16v 'box with close ratios from a Laguna RTi, sounds ideal for my 5! Any chance it would fit? And did the Clio Williams use the same 'box as the standard Clio? Cheers for your indulgance in a young mans obbsesion!!!! Answer: Lets simplify the answer....... R11 Turbo, Clio, Clio 16V, Megane 16V all fit! All have longer final drive and similar ratios so will make the gearing more relaxed and better on motorway. |
| ID: 478 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: tappet clearance Question: what is the tappet clearance for inlet and exhaust valves? is it normal for the exhaust pipe, starting at the turbo, to glow red hot, under standard boost, ? ? Answer: Cold measured Exhaust clearance is 10 thou or 0.25mm, Inlet is 8 thou or 0.2mm. If you are using full boost for long periods of time then it is possible to get the exhaust red hot but it could be down to poor fuel (Normal unleaded?) or incorrect timing. |
| ID: 479 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Ticking noise Question: About a month ago I adjusted the tappets as my 5 was making this ticking noise, it sounded really good after that. But gradually it's started making the same noise again. I've had some suggestions but I was wondering what your suggestion is to get rid of the noise permanently? Answer: It could be the clearances again (due to wear in the rockers or shaft) or a leaking manifold gasket can give a very similar sound! |
| ID: 480 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: nearside rear binding Question: afternoon beardy weirdy, took the car for another MOT at the week-end and one of the things it failed on was the fact that the nearside rear wheel is meant to be binding. Me brother in law came round last night to have a look (he's a mechanic at Renault) and we couldn't find anything wrong with it. Car had been parked unused for the last couple of months - could this have been the cause ?? Also I appear to have a short on my right indicator - where with sidelights on the red dims as the amber flashes, d'ya reckon sticking a new earth on will solve this ? cheers Answer: It could be that the calliper was seized but has freed itself now a very possible event after prolonged periods of standing. Try cleaning up the earth contacts but if that doesn't work then yes try a new earth connection/lead. |
| ID: 481 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
|
Subject: Racks, Hubs and Drive Shafts Question: Hello Wizard Are all the drive shafts, hubs and racks identical on all R5? There is a M reg 5 going for spares and I was thing about transplanting the latter items. Would this prove viable Oh bearded one? Answer: You wil find that the items will probably fit but are all of lesser strength/size if i am not mistaken. That is why they have different part numbers than the turbo bits. If you are looking for spares then the clio and 19 16v parts fit the hubs and are either the same or larger/stronger depending on which years model they come from. |