2006 1.5dci intermittent starting problem after cam-belt change

[arkell]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone could shed light on an intermittent starting problem I'm having.

Changed the cambelt at the weekend on my 1.5dci clio. Fired up instantly and drives as normal. However it seems to sometimes just not want to fire up. The engine will turn over but wont ignite. Then a few minutes later it will start up fine.... Then a few minutes later it will struggle!

For example it started first time this morning, then I stalled rasp and then it wouldnt start for a few trys, then randomly just burst into life the next try..


Im confused!

Can anyone help?

 

[Sean6545]

Did you use the corrent locking tools and slacken the movable camshaft pulley?

 

[arkell]

locking tools?

It was tensioned all correctly if thats what you mean. Re-fitting was essentially the reverse of removal... Not sure about slackening this camshaft pulley though...

 

[sideways danny]

oh dear...... your timing will be out

 

[MicKPM]

Your timing will be out as stated above but only just... still, that's more than enough to stop a Diesel starting but I doubt its done major valvetrain damage.

Stop driving it or attempting to drive it and get the timing correct - This time, use the correct tooling and most importantly of all, IF in doubt ASK

 

[arkell]

Bugger. And I am now hundreds of miles away from home at uni, with no jacks or tools or anything to sort it!

Might be a trip to the garage then. Any ideas of what it may cost to rectify this?

 

[bmh.01]

The cost of doing the cambelt as it'll need doing again.

 

[arkell]

yarth. that is really annoying! Reason we did it ourselves was because the cost quoted in the local renault garage was absurd!

bugger. that it all i have to say.

 

[bmh.01]

Research. How did you do it? Just stopped it and old one off new one on?

 

[arkell]

Pretty much. Jacked up engine to get more space, marked up positions etc, whipped old belt off, new one on with tensioner, put everything back on where it was.

Didnt realise there was any other things which needed doing.

Could driving like this potentiallybe harming the engine then? I would prefer to wait until May when I was home to re-do the job rather than pay a garage £'undreds to do it for me...

 

[bmh.01]

Risk is up to you ultimately, but I wouldn't run round knowingly with the timing out. You should've slackened off the 3 bolts holding the outer cam sprocket to allow the tension to equalise. Plus the cam and crank need to be pinned.

Sorted the manual out for you how it should be done.

http://www.getflat.co.uk/Clio3_K9K_Timing.pdf

 

[arkell]

Thanks for that. Wish I had it last weekend though!

Better get this sorted really then...

 

[MicKPM]

Yeah its easy when you know how however the K9K timing belt change is a real easy job which in truth, shouldn't cost the earth (I do them for £210 which I don't think is pricey) so what were you quoted?

The cam timing pin for the DIY mechanic is a 7-8mm drill bit and the crank pin is the same as used on the K4J/K7M which can be had from eBay for under £10... really not an expensive job in truth.

Mick

 

[arkell]

Ive just been poking around under the bonnet and jiggled around the camshaft position sensor wire (which is the only wire removed to change the belt) and then had 10 subsequent '1st time starts' in a row....


Call it fluke but Im going to leave it half an hour and then see if it is as consistent starting...


Would this connector being a bit loose have been causing my probs?

 

[MicKPM]

If there's an obvious problem with a sensor it will cause headaches. The K9K is very sensitive to sensor faults - every sensor on the engine is linked by means of a common 5v live and if one fails, they all fail... this gives "no start" problems.

 

[arkell]

Hmm well after poking around and ensuring all wires etc are connected firmly the car hasnt struggled to start once. Its been on and off about 20 times today and hasnt failed to start at all...

It's a miracle! Quick sacrifice a goat/ burn a virgin/ stone your wife / mutilate your genitals!