Advance timing curve R4 TL

[jon_r4]

Hi.

I have a Spanish made Renault 4 TL 1998. Model R1128 with engine 1100cc 688 7/91.

I am checking the timing system on my car, and to so I am using a timing light. I have a workshop manual in which is explained that the idle regime advance is of 6º+-1. But I don´t have more information about the timing curve and I would like to test if the automatic advance is working properly.

Does anyone have this information?

Many thanks.

 

[angel]

Your R4 should be a GTL if it has the 1108cc engine. You thought very wisely that you should check the advance curve, very few people do this, they always think that all is OK if they set the advance at idle.
On the distributor body there is a number stamped (Rxxx) which refers to the centrifugal advance curve. Find this number and I can help you with the curve

 

[jon_r4]

Thank you for your answer.

The numbers on the distributor are: R296-C52

Is curios because in the documentation of the car, it appears that the model is TL... I have placed a picture of the car in "presentations" forum.

Thank you for your help.

 

[angel]

Your distributor is a very late type (judging from the vacuum advance unit). Unfortunately I don't have any data for the R296, nor could I find engine type 688-D7/91. It seems that someone replaced the engine of your TL with the 1108cc one and it should be a very late one (or maybe Spanish production). It is a GTL high compression engine, so here is the advance curve R324 (also late GTLs, to use as a guideline):

0 deg. @ 1100 rpm
12-16 deg @ 2200 rpm
29-33 deg @ 5000 rpm

Advance figures are taken without considering static timing (that means at 0 degrees static advance) and with vacuum tube disconnected. Speed is engine rpm.
I hope this is helpful.

 

[jon_r4]

I think no one has changed the motor to this car. This car is made in Spain, so I guess that is the point. Also in the documentation appears that its motor model is 688 (I am going to scan it).

Thank you very much Angel, for the advance timing data. I will check it as soon as I receive a new timing light, mine is broken.

Talking about compression, I have measured its compression with cold motor and running the starter motor during 5 seconds, and I get values around 9 +-0,5 Bar. I don't have a reference value to compare, what do you think about this values?

 

[angel]

Spanish built cars had always a lot of differences. We living outside Spain are not familiar with these...So it must had been named "TL" but with a 1108 engine underneath...
Compression pressure looks OK. I could not find any reference value and I wonder if Renault have announced these values.
What is important is that all cylinders have almost equal compression pressure. Keep in mind that compression test can often give misleading results. Variables such as incorrect valve clearance, timing chain wear, engine tested cold etc. can give you low readings although engine is in good condition. I prefer to do cylinder leakage tests rather than compression test.

 

[malcolm]

I've got a Spanish built TL from 1984. It has the 1108cc engine and I think it's got a R1128 oval plate number. Very much like a GTL apart from the body trim (no plastic side panels, instead rubber strips on the waist line) and many earlier style parts (like high boot hinges, metal parcel shelf, and dash mounted handbrake operating the rear wheels).

 

[angel]

Metal parcel shelf in 1984?! They must have been using surplus parts from France! If I remember correctly, mid '70s spanish built R4s had still the pre-67 bumpers. Not to forget the chrome rear numberplate surround.

 

[malcolm]

I reckon they had their own tooling over there - the bits aren't to a spec ever made in France. Early tailgate mountings but hidden door hinges. Early style chassis with the dip over the rear suspension mountings, but GTL style rear suspension inner mountings. Also no starter hole in the front of the chassis.

Feels like they had their own tooling, but it was updated in a pragmatic way to take later parts where needed, but stayed the same where it didn't need to change. The Spanish cars are really cool.