Frayz's Inferno 182 - Back in the old flame

[frayz]

So, the Christmas works in lovely Tier 4 Essex.

First up was just a straight forward oil service, no issues and the oil removed was still pretty clean.
Secondly was a job I had been putting off, investigating a very very slight coolant leak (approx 1cm drop in the expansion tank in approx 3 months) and the occasional slight smell of coolant in the cabin. I have so far been unable to find a leak in the engine bay so put it done to a weep on the matrix.

So I set about removing the dash and heater box. Not such a difficult job, but quite time consuming if you take care not to break anything. Unfortunately my efforts were somewhat wasted when I removed a prefect condition matrix. I confirmed this with a pressure test and it was holding a solid 18PSI with zero leaks. Somewhat frustrated I decided to at least give all the wiring a tidy up with some fresh fabric loom tape and added some foam in areas to cut down on squeaks & rattles. I also cleaned and renewed the foam seals on the heater box with some new high density foam strips. Since fitting my Recaros the rear HVAC tubes were removed so the heater box was venting into the centre console. As this is less than ideal I blanked off these apertures with some foil backed kevlar heat sheet. The foil sheet was also useful for sealing the ducting better to hopefully make the whole system more efficient.

It was nice to be able to clean all the dash pieces properly before refitting, I even polished the scratches from the ignition barrel.

Refitted and filled with fresh Type D coolant I bled the system, however I have since found one small issue. The stepper motor for the temperature control is not recieving either power or signal from the climate control unit. The stepper motor I have tested and functions perfectly so this could well be a broken or damaged wire I will have to investigate.
So frustratingly it was a lot of work with an unexpected outcome and now a new fault to find and fix. However a small road test has proven my work on refitting the dash is now resulting in zero squeaks or rattles, so that’s an improvement at least.

To be continued...

 

[frayz]

Okay so ive taken a look to investigate the non functioning stepper motor for the HVAC temp.

I’ve checked the wiring to both the stepper motor plugs and to the HVAC control unit for damage. I can’t find anything.
I know the suspect stepper motor is functioning correctly as when I connect it to the air diversion plug it operates in both directions.
However when I connect it to its correct plug (HVAC temp) it does nothing.

When I connect or reconnect either of the 2 HVAC multi plugs. The suspect stepper motor rotates clockwise approx 30 degrees and stops. It will then not responded to the HVAC commands.
If I then disconnect and re connect either of the HVAC plugs, it’s repeats its clockwise 30 degree movement and stops. Never once does it go anti-clockwise. It’s acting as there is no feedback to tell the HVAC unit of its position. Yet if I connect the stepper motor to the air diversion plug, it operates in both directions perfectly.

I have a spare HVAC unit so tried that too and still get the same symptoms.

The next thing to check was the cabin temperature sensor as if that was faulty I figured it would just try and achieve the max temp possible. I checked the temp sensor wiring but again, couldn’t find fault.
I went through the wiring and connections as far as I could without stripping the dash back to start checking individual wiring runs etc.

Then the most annoying thing of all happened.
It randomly started working again and I’ve absolutely no idea why. I did then disassemble the stepper motor to zero the gearing as it had lost its home position.

Thinking about it though, I believe this error signal is the main culprit behind the broken star drives on the heater box. I’m now thinking they’re a result of another issue. The motor loses its park position and gets lost. Then exceeds its usual range of motion and breaks the drive in the heater box.

For now it’s working perfectly, but frustrating it’s through luck rather than me finding and fixing the fault. 😕

 

[MLB]

That sounds like two days of hard work, at least it's working again now.

Still not found the reason why the coolant is dropping then?

Nice to at least have done a good clean behind the dash!

 

[frayz]

That sounds like two days of hard work, at least it's working again now.

Still not found the reason why the coolant is dropping then?

Nice to at least have done a good clean behind the dash!

it was such a small leak as such a small rate, I dare say I wouldn’t ever find it. All I can do is continue to drive it and monitor it. I’ve replaced the hose clamps on the expansion tank too just for good measure.
Who knows if the issue will still even be present?

 

[Amos91]

it was such a small leak as such a small rate, I dare say I wouldn’t ever find it. All I can do is continue to drive it and monitor it. I’ve replaced the hose clamps on the expansion tank too just for good measure.
Who knows if the issue will still even be present?

I had to replace the clamps on the expansion bottle as it was weeping ever so slightly from the bottom hose. I think it was combination of the old rubber hose and the standard clamps just pushing against the old indent in the hose. Such a small amount I only noticed it after touching the bottom of the hose after the car was sat for a few days. Would normally get burnt off.

I also had a weep where the large hose enters the thermostat housing, I ended up taking it off and cleaning up the threads for it to reseal.

 

[frayz]

Managed to give the old nail a mid winter “wheels off” clean today. Mainly I wanted to give the underside a wash and dampers a good look over. They have been on the car for 10k miles now and I haven’t revisited them since fitting back in April.

It’s no secret my car is my daily driver and gets used in all weathers and conditions. When they were fitted they were liberally coated in ACF50 and then covered with Motamec damper socks. I was very pleased to see my precautions had protected my investment superbly, socks removed, they looked as good as the day they were fitted.

The socks and dampers were washed down, re coated in ACF50 and socks refitted.

Hopefully well protected for another 10k miles.

 

[frayz]

So i was updating my car service Exel sheet this morning.
Last year might have been an awful year for many, but the litlle Clio got a whole lot of love in 2020.
Hopefully good for a few more miles yet

2020
Fuel filler/rear arch paint works at Spikes Vintage Resto	13/01/2020
Recaro Pole Position seats/Jon Fos VBD bases	28/01/2020
New front grille diamond	20/03/2020
New Skoda Fabia splitter	20/03/2020
AST 5100 dampers / stainless ABS brackets	28/03/2020
PMS solid topmounts & strut brace	28/03/2020
New genuine rear topmounts	28/03/2020
PMS 10mm rear spacers	04/04/2020
PMS 75mm/68mm stud/nut kit	04/04/2020
Speedline 2118 / Toyo R888s	04/04/2020
Oil /filter & pollen filter	06/04/2020
PAS switch	06/04/2020
HEL stainless braided hoses & RBF 600 fluid	06/04/2020
New Nissen radiator + Renault Type D coolant	07/04/2020
New header tank	07/04/2020
Powerflex black lower arm bushes	08/04/2020
New inner track rod ends	08/04/2020
New Northloop RCC hubs / front wheel bearings, bottom ball joints track rod ends	08/04/2020
Rear chassis panel paint/protection/Dynax	09/04/2020
New Denso AC condenser	15/04/2020
New Bosch front ABS sensors x2	17/04/2020
APD matched inlets, engine bay paint & new fuel rail o-rings	22/04/2020
Rear inner sill, paint, protect, Dynax	27/04/2020
New genuine OEM fuse box housing	16/05/2020
Pagid RS29 - Brembo HC front discs/pads	26/05/2020
Pagid RS4-2 - Renault rear discs/pads	26/05/2020
4x new NGK spark plugs	03/06/2020
4x new genuine Marelli injectors	03/06/2020
Clubsport boot carpet	09/06/2020
2x new genuine driveshafts & gearbox oil	11/06/2020
Brake cooling ducts fitted	14/06/2020
New OEM Cup centre caps / Turini wheel refurb - Silver	22/06/2020
New Nissen AC drier	23/06/2020
Baseline Dyno Run @ Engine Dynamics (178.1bhp -157.7lbsft)	03/07/2020
New VIN decals	05/07/2020
Orbisoud exhaust system	06/07/2020
New genuine bonnet latch	06/08/2020
Pro AM Exhaust mounts	21/08/2020
Pure Motorsport Exhaust	21/08/2020
Evo Corse X3MA wheels - Wheel nuts	10/09/2020
Pure Motorsport Sump guard	21/09/2020
PowerFlex ARB bushes	12/11/2020
New OEM bonnet catch	08/12/2020
Heater matrix check & Coolant (Renault Type D)	28/12/2020
Oil/Filter	28/12/2020

 

[Hxrry]

So i was updating my car service Exel sheet this morning.
Last year might have been an awful year for many, but the litlle Clio got a whole lot of love in 2020.
Hopefully good for a few more miles yet

2020
Fuel filler/rear arch paint works at Spikes Vintage Resto	13/01/2020
Recaro Pole Position seats/Jon Fos VBD bases	28/01/2020
New front grille diamond	20/03/2020
New Skoda Fabia splitter	20/03/2020
AST 5100 dampers / stainless ABS brackets	28/03/2020
PMS solid topmounts & strut brace	28/03/2020
New genuine rear topmounts	28/03/2020
PMS 10mm rear spacers	04/04/2020
PMS 75mm/68mm stud/nut kit	04/04/2020
Speedline 2118 / Toyo R888s	04/04/2020
Oil /filter & pollen filter	06/04/2020
PAS switch	06/04/2020
HEL stainless braided hoses & RBF 600 fluid	06/04/2020
New Nissen radiator + Renault Type D coolant	07/04/2020
New header tank	07/04/2020
Powerflex black lower arm bushes	08/04/2020
New inner track rod ends	08/04/2020
New Northloop RCC hubs / front wheel bearings, bottom ball joints track rod ends	08/04/2020
Rear chassis panel paint/protection/Dynax	09/04/2020
New Denso AC condenser	15/04/2020
New Bosch front ABS sensors x2	17/04/2020
APD matched inlets, engine bay paint & new fuel rail o-rings	22/04/2020
Rear inner sill, paint, protect, Dynax	27/04/2020
New genuine OEM fuse box housing	16/05/2020
Pagid RS29 - Brembo HC front discs/pads	26/05/2020
Pagid RS4-2 - Renault rear discs/pads	26/05/2020
4x new NGK spark plugs	03/06/2020
4x new genuine Marelli injectors	03/06/2020
Clubsport boot carpet	09/06/2020
2x new genuine driveshafts & gearbox oil	11/06/2020
Brake cooling ducts fitted	14/06/2020
New OEM Cup centre caps / Turini wheel refurb - Silver	22/06/2020
New Nissen AC drier	23/06/2020
Baseline Dyno Run @ Engine Dynamics (178.1bhp -157.7lbsft)	03/07/2020
New VIN decals	05/07/2020
Orbisoud exhaust system	06/07/2020
New genuine bonnet latch	06/08/2020
Pro AM Exhaust mounts	21/08/2020
Pure Motorsport Exhaust	21/08/2020
Evo Corse X3MA wheels - Wheel nuts	10/09/2020
Pure Motorsport Sump guard	21/09/2020
PowerFlex ARB bushes	12/11/2020
New OEM bonnet catch	08/12/2020
Heater matrix check & Coolant (Renault Type D)	28/12/2020
Oil/Filter	28/12/2020

Great to see one looked after as much as this. Would be nice to get the Infernos together one day for a pic

 

[Krarl]

I thought you totalled how much you'd spent then

Thats a DANGEROUS game to play!😂😂

 

[Louis]

So i was updating my car service Exel sheet this morning.
Last year might have been an awful year for many, but the litlle Clio got a whole lot of love in 2020.
Hopefully good for a few more miles yet

2020
Fuel filler/rear arch paint works at Spikes Vintage Resto	13/01/2020
Recaro Pole Position seats/Jon Fos VBD bases	28/01/2020
New front grille diamond	20/03/2020
New Skoda Fabia splitter	20/03/2020
AST 5100 dampers / stainless ABS brackets	28/03/2020
PMS solid topmounts & strut brace	28/03/2020
New genuine rear topmounts	28/03/2020
PMS 10mm rear spacers	04/04/2020
PMS 75mm/68mm stud/nut kit	04/04/2020
Speedline 2118 / Toyo R888s	04/04/2020
Oil /filter & pollen filter	06/04/2020
PAS switch	06/04/2020
HEL stainless braided hoses & RBF 600 fluid	06/04/2020
New Nissen radiator + Renault Type D coolant	07/04/2020
New header tank	07/04/2020
Powerflex black lower arm bushes	08/04/2020
New inner track rod ends	08/04/2020
New Northloop RCC hubs / front wheel bearings, bottom ball joints track rod ends	08/04/2020
Rear chassis panel paint/protection/Dynax	09/04/2020
New Denso AC condenser	15/04/2020
New Bosch front ABS sensors x2	17/04/2020
APD matched inlets, engine bay paint & new fuel rail o-rings	22/04/2020
Rear inner sill, paint, protect, Dynax	27/04/2020
New genuine OEM fuse box housing	16/05/2020
Pagid RS29 - Brembo HC front discs/pads	26/05/2020
Pagid RS4-2 - Renault rear discs/pads	26/05/2020
4x new NGK spark plugs	03/06/2020
4x new genuine Marelli injectors	03/06/2020
Clubsport boot carpet	09/06/2020
2x new genuine driveshafts & gearbox oil	11/06/2020
Brake cooling ducts fitted	14/06/2020
New OEM Cup centre caps / Turini wheel refurb - Silver	22/06/2020
New Nissen AC drier	23/06/2020
Baseline Dyno Run @ Engine Dynamics (178.1bhp -157.7lbsft)	03/07/2020
New VIN decals	05/07/2020
Orbisoud exhaust system	06/07/2020
New genuine bonnet latch	06/08/2020
Pro AM Exhaust mounts	21/08/2020
Pure Motorsport Exhaust	21/08/2020
Evo Corse X3MA wheels - Wheel nuts	10/09/2020
Pure Motorsport Sump guard	21/09/2020
PowerFlex ARB bushes	12/11/2020
New OEM bonnet catch	08/12/2020
Heater matrix check & Coolant (Renault Type D)	28/12/2020
Oil/Filter	28/12/2020

Must have missed the fuel filler cap and arch repaint. How much was that and how long did it take them out of interest?

 

[RustyMojo]

Begs the question Frayz...what’s next on the list??

 

[frayz]

I thought you totalled how much you'd spent then

Thats a DANGEROUS game to play!😂😂

​

​

“I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”​

― George Best

 

[frayz]

Must have missed the fuel filler cap and arch repaint. How much was that and how long did it take them out of interest?

Wasn't a cheap job, and barely any paint went on the car to be honest. £750, a couple of days.
I had some micro bubbles in the lacquer starting to appear on the arch edge, so i had it done before it became anything else.
Fuel filler was totally removed, bare metalled and epoxied, i bought a new genuine fuel door assembly too.

 

[Louis]

Wasn't a cheap job, and barely any paint went on the car to be honest. £750, a couple of days.
I had some micro bubbles in the lacquer starting to appear on the arch edge, so i had it done before it became anything else.
Fuel filler was totally removed, bare metalled and epoxied, i bought a new genuine fuel door assembly too.

Mine needs doing, good to know a base price. Ideally need somewhere that can provide a courtesy car too!

 

[frayz]

Mine needs doing, good to know a base price. Ideally need somewhere that can provide a courtesy car too!

I don’t have any pics of the arch’s but literally just the very tips were done and blended. This was the fuel door when it was done.

 

[frayz]

Begs the question Frayz...what’s next on the list??

Still have a few ideas of things i want to do. Working on a proper Clubsport style boot bar and net with a mate, i want to sort a decent cup holder solution for it. Better quality brake ducts as i keep melting mine, proper cold air feed, maybe an oil cooler.
The rest will be mostly just tinkering and trying to make it cleaner, tidier and basically as solid and reliable as possible. It gets used every day in all weathers so just looking after it really

 

[RustyMojo]

Interested in the Clubsport bar and net. I think it’s the route my build will be taking this
year. Given it will only ever likely be my son and I together, maybe a mate and I if we head to the ring. Half cage is wasted on my use and I would like to have the ability to revert back to standard in the future. Way I see it Clubsport use is perfect for the Clio as a second car...for me anyway! So will be interested in the progress! Cup holder! That is something I’m well into! I can’t live without coffee and I didn’t realise how lacking the clio was until I tried to drive with one sat between my legs. A lowered car and hot coffee is a recipe for a disaster 😂😂

 

[frayz]

Interested in the Clubsport bar and net. I think it’s the route my build will be taking this
year. Given it will only ever likely be my son and I together, maybe a mate and I if we head to the ring. Half cage is wasted on my use and I would like to have the ability to revert back to standard in the future. Way I see it Clubsport use is perfect for the Clio as a second car...for me anyway! So will be interested in the progress! Cup holder! That is something I’m well into! I can’t live without coffee and I didn’t realise how lacking the clio was until I tried to drive with one sat between my legs. A lowered car and hot coffee is a recipe for a disaster 😂😂

I’ve got a few ideas in mind. Fitting a cupholder is easy. Making it not look s**t will take some thought. 😅

 

[frayz]

Interested in the Clubsport bar and net. I think it’s the route my build will be taking this
year. Given it will only ever likely be my son and I together, maybe a mate and I if we head to the ring. Half cage is wasted on my use and I would like to have the ability to revert back to standard in the future. Way I see it Clubsport use is perfect for the Clio as a second car...for me anyway! So will be interested in the progress! Cup holder! That is something I’m well into! I can’t live without coffee and I didn’t realise how lacking the clio was until I tried to drive with one sat between my legs. A lowered car and hot coffee is a recipe for a disaster 😂😂

As for the Clubsport bar and net. I have been in (painful) talks with a company in Germany who make them called Stern Performance since May 2020.
I've dicked about sending them measurements, photos and all sorts and i was still chasing them in December. I've since given up, bought a length of proper T45 tube and am in talks with a mate to help me get something made.
Want something doing, do it yourself.

 

[Walnut3]

This project thread is giving me too many excuses to spend money 😅 Mods are very subjective but to my eye your car is the "best of" collection!

Also amazing effort in documenting this stuff, I seemingly can never be bothered to stop and take pictures along the way.

If I lose my restraint later in the year I might copy your choice of seats, steering wheel and rear carpeting. Out of interest did you have the rear carpet custom-made?

 

[HaveaCuppa]

This project thread is giving me too many excuses to spend money 😅 Mods are very subjective but to my eye your car is the "best of" collection!

Also amazing effort in documenting this stuff, I seemingly can never be bothered to stop and take pictures along the way.

If I lose my restraint later in the year I might copy your choice of seats, steering wheel and rear carpeting. Out of interest did you have the rear carpet custom-made?

110% this. After reading this over the last few nights, my list of jobs for mine has just about doubled in size.

The car looks amazing though. Great attention to detail and choice of subtle mods.

 

[frayz]

This project thread is giving me too many excuses to spend money 😅 Mods are very subjective but to my eye your car is the "best of" collection!

Also amazing effort in documenting this stuff, I seemingly can never be bothered to stop and take pictures along the way.

If I lose my restraint later in the year I might copy your choice of seats, steering wheel and rear carpeting. Out of interest did you have the rear carpet custom-made?

So sorry for the late response, I never saw this.
yes I did get the rear carpet custom made. I designed a logo which was a mix of Renault and Porsche text as a tongue in cheek nod to a Clubsport car.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery so if you do replicate some of my choices, I’d say you have damn good taste. Look forward to your progress. 🙂👍🏼

 

[frayz]

110% this. After reading this over the last few nights, my list of jobs for mine has just about doubled in size.

The car looks amazing though. Great attention to detail and choice of subtle mods.

Thanks so much. It’s hard trying to keep on top of it all when daily driving in this horrid slushy mess.
my neighbours must think I’m mental when I’m out there jetwashing the underside in the snow. 😅

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I designed a logo which was a mix of Renault and Porsche text

Cor, I bet your well fun at dinner partys mate.

 

[frayz]

Cor, I bet your well fun at dinner partys mate.

Still not acquired any new jokes then mate. 🤣

 

[frayz]

I love snow more than anyone else I know when I can be in the mountains playing. But salty snow on the Clio gives me nightmares.

I think the neighbours are getting close to calling in the men in coats! 😅

 

[joe hk&uk]

Thanks so much. It’s hard trying to keep on top of it all when daily driving in this horrid slushy mess.
my neighbours must think I’m mental when I’m out there jetwashing the underside in the snow. 😅

Actually I did the same the other day 1 of the neighbor was laughing at me 😅

 

[frayz]

Weird one, but I had to take some pics.
This started out as 3” of soft untouched snow before leaving home, 25 miles later.
Anyone racing a Clio, this is how the air path moves over the top of a standard Clio with a Cup spoiler.
Interesting to see it hugs the body at the screen tips, mostly separates over the centreline and then gets drawn back to the roofline as it aproaches the rear by the tiny difference of the rear wing.

 

[Cliocup182!]

Have any of you guys tried lanoguard for protecting the underside of your cars? I'm keen on giving it a try for both my cars since it's clear, organic and is extremely easy to apply by the look of things. About £65 for a large (5ltr?) tub which should do a couple of cars.
I've been looking for this kind of thing for years!!

 

[frayz]

I haven’t but I’d like to know more. I’ll have a read. 🙂

Have any of you guys tried lanoguard for protecting the underside of your cars? I'm keen on giving it a try for both my cars since it's clear, organic and is extremely easy to apply by the look of things. About £65 for a large (5ltr?) tub which should do a couple of cars.
I've been looking for this kind of thing for years!!

Till then, i resorted to washing it for the second time in 3 days. 😅

 

[Cliocup182!]

I haven’t but I’d like to know more. I’ll have a read. 🙂


Till then, i resorted to washing it for the second time in 3 days. 😅

View attachment 1520790

Your sleepless nights may be over 🤣

 

[Krarl]

So you drove around with 3" of snow on the roof?🤔😂

 

[frayz]

So you drove around with 3" of snow on the roof?🤔😂

View attachment 1520791

At before 6 in the morning, why would I take it off? It’s not coming forward is it and living in the arsehole of nowhere, it’s wasn’t affecting anyone else. 🤣🤣

 

[Krarl]

At before 6 in the morning, why would I take it off? It’s not coming forward is it and living in the arsehole of nowhere, it’s wasn’t affecting anyone else. 🤣🤣

Scared of scratching that paint you are😉😉😂

 

[frayz]

Scared of scratching that paint you are😉😉😂

Bingo. 😅

 

[Louis]

At before 6 in the morning, why would I take it off? It’s not coming forward is it and living in the arsehole of nowhere, it’s wasn’t affecting anyone else. 🤣🤣

To be fair, you might have had to emergency brake and it come over your windscreen. Proper hate it when people drive around with snow on the top of the car.

 

[frayz]

To be fair, you might have had to emergency brake and it come over your windscreen. Proper hate it when people drive around with snow on the top of the car.

I here ya mate and agree.
As said, it was fresh, untouched snow, less than 5 hours old, not a foot of hard pack that had been sitting there for weeks on end. I could have blown it off with an airline. lol
It was only going one way, off the rear of the car in a light mist, which as you can see from the images, that's exactly what it did.
It was a choice made with consideration and not carelessness.

But agree, a heap of snow on a car can be a considerable danger given different circumstances.

 

[dave120]

I love snow more than anyone else I know when I can be in the mountains playing. But salty snow on the Clio gives me nightmares.

I think the neighbours are getting close to calling in the men in coats! 😅


View attachment 1520581

That’s commitment! Good lad 👍🏻

 

[frayz]

Not much to report at present, got some bits in the pipeline to upgrade the audio in the car to make it better day to day.
So just some pics of the old girl doing her daily duties.

 

[Mark68]

I watch with interest, mine also requires work on the audio front, the aftermarket Kenwood I have is playing up. Alex (AW) believes a new front unit is required and that all the connections are okay.
I do miss an old tape player and proper speakers, I'd love to replicate that sound with a newer system.

I think I was in your neck of the woods yesterday, I definitely need to invest in some quality cleaning materials.