What to look for in a 172 cup - help!

[Jack 172]

Hi, I have been looking out for a 172 cup and a 53 plate one with 70000 miles has come up 2 minutes away from me! It has had the Cambelt done at 62000 and it looks pretty mint to be fair, I'm going to look at it tomorrow and would like to know some key things to look out for on these.

thanks in advance!

 

[Saul]

It could may well of had the belts changed but listen once the engine is hot for a rattle sound (makes the engine sound border line diesel) eminating from the top of the engine on the Cambelt side whilst ticking over.. This is indication the Dephaser pulley needs replacing.

Errrrrrr also under hard accerlaration in 1st/2nd any knocking/vibrating sound could be signs of goosed or loose gearbox/engine mounts although I cured mine with just a poly bush doggone mount.

If it has a slightly lumpy idle this is fairly normal. Anything more I.e misfire under load is coilpack/leads/spark plugs

edit: check how the gearbox engages lower gears whilst slowing down, any crunchy-ness may show signs of worn synchro

 

[peanuthead]

Also don't be afraid to do a few fast gear changes especially into third. As these gearboxes often suffer syncros going, which is normally first noticeable when changing gear quickly.

 

[Jack 172]

Thanks for the reply Saul, I've heard you do the dephaser pulley at the same time as belt but I'm not sure if he has done if not is it a big job?

 

[Jack 172]

Thanks peanuthead, I've heard they have a few gearbox problems kind of worrying me because I hate working on gearboxes!

 

[Saul]

It depends mate, doing a belt change doesn't necessarily mean they've changed the dephaser as well! An yeah it's a pretty big job, it's the Cambelt etc off again..

 

[Jack 172]

http://m.gumtree.com/p/renault/2003-renault-clio-172-cup-must-see-/1037644791

That's the link for it, thoughts?

 

[peanuthead]

Best thing to do is check the history, who has done the belts, is there an invoice, if so what is listed on it?

As always if in doubt either walk away or get enough money off to fix your doubt.

 

[S_E_A_N]

Its annoying when people say IMMACULATE, nothing is unless its just left the dealers forecourt.

Seems ok, but info is pretty basic even though its got a mention of cambelt. Worth looking to see what else was done at the same time and who did it. Just check it drives ok and run it upto tempreture.

 

[16v_er]

Cracking cars to drive pal. Like above check belts (cam timing should be correct if done by reputable garage- incorrect cam timing = car down on power). check dephaser as said and with mine it was shocks.