backfire hesitation lumpy running

An unwelcome Christmas surprise.


A fine sunny day on Wednesday ,decided to take my A610 for a drive.
Started up as normal after the usual three turns on the starter. Drove at legal speeds to destination approximately 5 miles.
Left car for an hour and three quarters and then it would not start.
Plenty power in battery but no sign of engine firing
No sign of anything amiss in engine compartment and after half an hour it suddenly started

Drove to the motor way and when on slip road put foot down to join traffic but car hesitated badly, backfired several times and eventually ran steady at 70 mph but any attempt to accelerate beyond that was met with hesitation and backfire but eventually arrived at next destination .left car for 15 minutes and on return again would not start. This time after an hour with out any sign of it starting called out breakdown guys .After two hours it suddenly started but at idle running lumpily and even gentle acceleration back fired .Left running and decided to wait for the AA . Eventually switched on A/C ,to increase rpm as engine wanted to die .after 15 minutes switched A/C off and engine stopped
Again would not start.
AA arrived and confirmed that fuel pump running and after a bit of prodding around manage to start and decide that I would drive home and he followed but very rough running with big hesitation on accelerating. But made it home OK.
An interested observer of this seemed to think left hand bank uneven.
OIL and water temperature gauge reading as normal at all time, sounded petrol tank plenty fuel
and computer gauge showing 9 gallons.
Tried to start this morning and started as normal. Could it be heat related?
Anyone else had this happen?
Could a Renault dealer diagnose?


Dave g

[BIG_MVS]

First things first replace the dizzy and rotor arm. Or at least take the cap off and check for moisture/poor points. Common failing and a relatively cheap to replace.

All the signs of the dizzy and/or rotor as Martin suggests. It's happened to me a number of times. You can solve the issue by checking the contacts and cleaning but I would recommend just putting a new dizzy cap and rotor arm on as it's probably had a bit of use and at least you know a new one should last a while. But I check mine at least once a year.

Hi again

Thanks big- mvs and mellow yellow for that re the dizzie and rotor arm guess it will be after Christmas before I am allowed to play.Will keep you posted.
Can new ones be obtained in this country ?


Dave g

Seeing as it's Christmas

Get Bosch ,don't be tempted by anything cheaper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190919809473? ... EBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190919257258? ... EBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190919809473? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Hand shaped cap?

Is that the same as Heart Shaped Box? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6P0SitRwy8

Ah the 90s.....

[phildini]

I would also suggest for you to check your throttle position sensor and the TDC sensor

http://sportscarparts.fr//catalog/produ ... 1217e95a62

pm me i'll do one for 95 euros post included to uk

got he distributor cap off and was in a mess all posts badly corroded lots of condensation see attachments so hoping that will be the cure.Am waiting on delivery of new cap and rotor.
Should the cap be sealed against the metal housing?
Re checking the TDC etc will look at that if this does not work ,unfortunately have no manuals at all so working blind.

No seal,it's just a close fit .
TDC usually either works or not,so besides a dodgy bit of wiring causing intermittent non start I wouldn't think it's that .ie it wouldn't run at all rather than lumpy .
Re your PM .
Oil.. decent 10/40 semi synth
Gearbox straight 80w do not use a 80/90 .DO NOT DRAIN UNTIL YOU HAVE CHECKED REFILL PLUG WILL COME OUT !!
Plugs ...OE no longer available .NGK listed alternatives are about 3mm taller.Reminds me I must test other options .

today fitted a new cap and rotor arm car was transformed now running great got the bits from
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/KMS-Parts-Onli ... 7675.l2563
These bits are from BMW models and cost for the two parts £98 with free postage and being Bosch should be good for a while
Thanks for all the advice on this and hopefully close the case now,but could be back if it re-occurs



Jagcat12

Hi All



had a good thrash about today and with fitting the new distributor and rotor arm all previous symptoms have disappeared and running as good as new So once again thanks for pointing me in the right direction


Dave g