Clio 172 rough running then cut out and won't start

[Tessy]

Hi all,

Ive recently bought a clio 172 and its been in the garage until I can sort out insurance. Anyway, last night I ran the car for about 10 mins to maintain the engine etc, and after using the air con, it started running very slow and eventually sounded clackety and stalled. I tried to start it again and it failed. After leaving it for 10 minutes it started with a pump of the throttle but sounded very rough, after dropping the revs it just died, and now, just turning over but not starting. I originally thought that it maybe the cambelt, but it isn't as I've had a check.

I have done the following
- checked the fuel pump is working, and upon inspection of the fuel lines, fuel is being pumped though
- checked and swapped all the relays, they seem to all be in working order
- took off and thoroughly cleaned the TDC sensor

It may be worth mentioning that from what I can see, fuel isn't being put into the cylinders, as there is no sound of a spark, and no fumes out of the exhaust when turning the car over

My thoughts are either the injectors or the coil pack is faulty. Anyone's help would be much appreciated

cheers guys

 

[Tessy]

Help anyone??

 

[Xanda73]

I know this is probably not a massive help, but search on here for similar problems and I'm sure you'll find something else to consider investigating.

It's also very worthwhile joining up as a member and posted a 'hello' in the new members section.

Good luck

 

[Dan@SJM]

The fact it's clattery it's cause for concern. How does the compression sound when it's being cranked?

 

[Tessy]

The fact it's clattery it's cause for concern. How does the compression sound when it's being cranked?

Just sounds completely normal, exactly how it should. I'm just confused how it happened all so quickly

 

[Dan@SJM]

Check the plugs, see if they're wet.

 

[Tessy]

Hi guys, sorry for the late reply

now, I've changed the spark plugs, and it's got a brand new battery, and there was fuel on the spark plugs so the engine is getting fuel. Also, I tested the coil pack and it is working. So what else could it be? I'm getting worried now.. My mate has said something about the timing could have jumped.

Any help would be much appreciated !

 

[The Fatty]

its more likely to be something else tbh. MAP/MAF sensor, TDC sensor etc. Also have you checked to make sure all the injectors are working? And is the fuel pump priming?

 

[Tessy]

its more likely to be something else tbh. MAP/MAF sensor, TDC sensor etc. Also have you checked to make sure all the injectors are working? And is the fuel pump priming?

The TDC and other sensors surely send the signal to spark? Cos the car is getting spark cos we checked from the coil pack, And yeh the fuel system is fine, it's getting fuel no problem, it just won't run!! Help haha

 

[The Fatty]

if its getting a spark then yes the TDCS should be doing its job. The MAP.MAF sensor could still be an issue though. It might be worth checking there isn't a blockage in the fuel line limiting the amount of petrol that's being put in. Are there any lights on the dash?

 

[Dan@SJM]

How does it sound when turning over?

 

[robygodzilla]

what tdc sensor is it? a blue or black one. had similar problems with mine and it turned out to be the sensor wiring from the plug to the loom failing. changed the sensor for the modified blue one and all fixed.

 

[Tessy]

if its getting a spark then yes the TDCS should be doing its job. The MAP.MAF sensor could still be an issue though. It might be worth checking there isn't a blockage in the fuel line limiting the amount of petrol that's being put in. Are there any lights on the dash?

Suppose mate ill look into that sensor. I don't think their is a blockage as the fuel rail supply squirts out loads of petrol, I'm just worried that the clakety sound before it died may have something to do with valves?

Somethig I also forgot to mention is that after leaving it for over a day, it will start for a second and fire up, but that's it! No matter how many times you try in that same day it just won't come on.

Soundsfine when being turned over however.

the current TDC sensor is black although the one I've bought but not yet fitted is blue. I thought I best make sure it's that before I start soldering the harness for it!

cheers for the help guys appreciate this

 

[Dan@SJM]

Running for a second aounds like it could be immobiliser related

 

[Tessy]

Running for a second aounds like it could be immobiliser related

I really don't think it's immobiliser related though, like I said it started making a clakety sound before it died. My thoughts are now onto either the valves or the dephaser unit. Ultimately I need to do a compression test I think, to then know where to go from there.

​Cheers

 

[Cookson]

The cams are deffo turning when cranked? Have you had the oil cap off and checked?

 

[Tessy]

The cams are deffo turning when cranked? Have you had the oil cap off and checked?

Yeah mate the cams are turning

 

[Cookson]

I would be doing a compression test then

 

[Tessy]

I would be doing a compression test then

I will do, cheers for the help. Anything else it could be before I go down the route of spending money on mechanics? Is it worth getting someome to change the tdc sensor?

​cheers

 

[The Fatty]

As mentioned before, if its getting a spark, the TDCS should be working.

 

[Tessy]

As mentioned before, if its getting a spark, the TDCS should be working.

Im not too familiar with these engines, after having only an array of 106s which are very basic in comparison. I understand the dephaser is an essential part of the timing system, could this have in any way fucked up and caused the timing to be out, eg bent any valves? Or is this not common? Sorry for all the questions, it's just that I'm pretty worried now that the basic stuff hasn't cured the problem.

Cheers