Car Holding back around 3k rpm when cold

[Russ.]

Hi guys,

Recently had my 182 serviced, at the service the garage told me the spark plugs were on their last legs and had changed them.

Ever since ive had the car back when cold its running like a bag of spanners, gets to just under 3000rpm and looses all power, its like the engine has put a limiter stopping it going any higher...it holds there for approx 2-3 seconds and creeps upto 3500 rpm then goes again. This is even more noticeable with the aircon on.

I took it back to the garage and they said that the oil temperature sender unit was on its way out, theyve replaced it and its not made a scrap of difference.

I dont make a habbit of going over 3000rpm when cold, the first time it happened was at about 2500rpm but generally it seems to be closer to 3000.

I'm not sure which spark plugs theyve fitted as tbh ive not had time to look. However ive heard the 182's engine is fussy with its spark plugs? After about a minute of driving the car the problem clears and it seems to run ok, maybe a little down on power although i think that could just be a placebo affect in my head.

Any suggestions for me?

 

[bmh.01]

What plugs did they put in it? The proper NGK PFR6E-10s?

 

[Da]

Yeah I'd be checking the plugs Russ.

 

[Laura]

i know 172s are hesitant under 3k when cold anyway, dunno if 182s are the same?

 

[Russ.]

I'm not sure what plugs are in tbh. Im going to have to check them when i get a spare morning just very busy at the min. Is it just a case of removing the engine cover and plenum and there they are on the 182?

Ive got a feeling its going to be the wrong plugs in, i thought it was when he said the sender unit was shot as it never did it before the service. Thing that makes it akward is its my neighbours garage.

As for what its doing now, its never done it before until i had it serviced. I did ask for the car to be serviced using genuine Renault parts however renault dont make plugs for the 182 so i guess hes just used whatever motorfactors have sent down.

Shame i dont know anyone locally with the fastchip tuning software to plug it in and run the performance analyzer as i could then show you just how bad the flat spot is.

 

[Jamesstone]

Alot of people buy the bosch ones, they claim to be for the 172 & at under £15 for 4 its seems a good deal... but! have not heard one person on here have good results with them, have even heard they damage the coil pack too, you can get the ngk ones off ebay for £32 deliverd from this seller who orders mass amounts of plugs other wise its £45+ at halfords or £60 at reno

 

[rikcup]

I know that 182's are a bit odd when cold. I always let mine tick over for a few mins before setting off.

Did you take it to someone who know their way around 182's etc?

 

[Russ.]

Hes not got specific knowlege on the 182 but i know he has a 911 he looks after as well as a couple of mercs and his son has an audi s3 and a mini gp works, so theyre pretty used to working on hot hatches and performance cars.

Ive just come accross that seller on ebay, part of me is hoping hes put the wrong plugs in, part of me isnt as that means ill be replacing the same thing twice over lol.

 

[Y100LAD]

i have the same problem with mine to... ive had the car scanned and was told that the pre (1st lambda) was buggered just waiting for a new 1 to arrive now....

 

[rikcup]

I usually take mine to Steve at Birchdowns in Malpas they are ex renault technicians. I'd say it was about 40 mins from you if you are in stone. Ive had a few things done they are spot on. Give em a try

 

[bmh.01]

I've used bosch in my old one no problems at all, still the best place to get the plugs is from ebay from MNC Automotive iirc the sellers called. £30 a set which is much better than what renault will charge you.

 

[Russ.]

First port of call is to check the plugs, if they are anything other than ngk's i will replace them and go from there.

Otherwise ill get into with Birchdowns, just all seems very coincidental that its happened since i had it serviced when we all know thats when it should be running at its best.

rik - roughly howmuch is the lambda sensor costing you?

 

[rikcup]

I havnt looked into that one Russ. Thinkin about it the lambda sensor could be an issue with mine. Mine is due 36k service in 1k miles tho!

 

[Russ.]

Sorry i meant to direct the question re -lambda cost at y100lad. was just typing quickly inbetween cooking tea lol

All being well i should have time over the weekend to get a look at the plugs. will keep you all updated.

 

[rikcup]

No worries. Good look mate.

 

[Russ.]

Quick update... Just had one of the plugs out and its a nice shiny new ngk pfr6e-10.

So it would appear that plugs arent the problem, any suggestions as to the next port of call anyone?

 

[ClioTom182]

I had this check at a dealer a while ago and they said it was the mainifold gasket or something?

Worked for all of a month and then went back to being lumpy for the first 5 mins?

 

[Y100LAD]

my new lambda cost me £70 from euro car parts mate

 

[Mark One]

lambda info here

 

[Russ.]

Good news guys, went out in the car this morning and after work and havent had a spot of bother. I'm wondering if a lead wasnt quite in right or something along them lines.

Fingers crossed anyway that all might be ok