Clio sport 172 Mk2
Hi guys,
I’m based in Australia and got myself an rs 172 about a year ago.
It had had a couple of owners and service history showed a water pump change, accessory belt change and a few bits and pieces.
I drove her for about 10,000 km but nothing in anger. I became worried about the unknown timing belt history so parked her up and started collecting parts which cost a bomb with delivery ex UK.
I’ve since taken on the big job of changing the cam belt and accessory belt.
It turned out to be not too bad to tear down and fit.
I purchased a timing tool kit that has crank pin, cam plate and a pulley lock however the latter seems to be the wrong type for the job.
I managed to get her all together and was reasonably happy with the timing although in hindsight the plate was maybe a little tight.
She fired up but ran like a diesel taxi so I tore it down again and adjusted the timing again this time the plate was nice and free. She ran better but still not great. Car will idle albeit a bit rough but won’t drive without coughing and popping.
I did discover a crack in the exhaust ahead of the cat and a small hole in the cat after a strong sulpher smell. The car smells rich as well.
I did a temporary steel putty patch of hole and tested again smell is gone but still rough. Tested with aft 02 sensor out and was worse. Not taken front 02 sensor out to test.
My next move is to get a proper cam pulley lock and start over.
I’ve attached a video to see if anyone out there recognises the symptoms. I’d love to know it’s the timing so then I can focus on that and not chase sensors etc.
not a lot of Renault specialists in my part of Australia and I was keen for the challenge. Don’t judge me.
Really want to get her going so I can do some track days.
Cheers
Frustrated.
I’m based in Australia and got myself an rs 172 about a year ago.
It had had a couple of owners and service history showed a water pump change, accessory belt change and a few bits and pieces.
I drove her for about 10,000 km but nothing in anger. I became worried about the unknown timing belt history so parked her up and started collecting parts which cost a bomb with delivery ex UK.
I’ve since taken on the big job of changing the cam belt and accessory belt.
It turned out to be not too bad to tear down and fit.
I purchased a timing tool kit that has crank pin, cam plate and a pulley lock however the latter seems to be the wrong type for the job.
I managed to get her all together and was reasonably happy with the timing although in hindsight the plate was maybe a little tight.
She fired up but ran like a diesel taxi so I tore it down again and adjusted the timing again this time the plate was nice and free. She ran better but still not great. Car will idle albeit a bit rough but won’t drive without coughing and popping.
I did discover a crack in the exhaust ahead of the cat and a small hole in the cat after a strong sulpher smell. The car smells rich as well.
I did a temporary steel putty patch of hole and tested again smell is gone but still rough. Tested with aft 02 sensor out and was worse. Not taken front 02 sensor out to test.
My next move is to get a proper cam pulley lock and start over.
I’ve attached a video to see if anyone out there recognises the symptoms. I’d love to know it’s the timing so then I can focus on that and not chase sensors etc.
not a lot of Renault specialists in my part of Australia and I was keen for the challenge. Don’t judge me.
Really want to get her going so I can do some track days.
Cheers
Frustrated.
Good work on doing some DIY!
