Help a dead R4...

[arthur2002]

i've got a 40 years old Renault 4 GTL I brought from france 3 years ago in the UK. Sadly, I got a surpressure in my engine and I think the head gasket is really damaged, or even worst... I've changed the water pump myself but can't touch the engine don't have enough knowledge...
I'd like to know if by chance someone would know how to fix the car?? Is it feasible in the UK or would you recommend me to ship the car back ?
Not sure if I can find a new engine in the UK for a french R4.. can spare about 500 to revive it

Im from Nottingham
Thanks!

 

[uaz04]

Hello Arthur and welcome!
Although I'm at the other side of Europe, let me quickly put your worries to rest. From this forum alone, you'll find all the local help and resources you will need and it nothing should cost anywhere near as much as you fear.
Keeping up a standard R4 can be easier than a bicycle, which has been my experience.
Where we run into trouble is generally when we start to 'improve' our simple machines, as happy replacements for modern technology. Experienced mechanics and hobby engineers live for this stuff, but for hack amateurs like me it can be both frustrating as well as exhilarating. I've been lucky so far, and learned a lot along the way. (And we've made an every day all purpose car that we love!)
Around these parts, complete, running motors or gearboxes can be had for 10 - 50 euros, and I just bought 2.5 R4s for 200 euros (one running and reg'd) from which I'll make another car for my wife (a la Parisienne).
There are many nice and helpful members here, and I'm sure some very close to you, so relax and good luck and keep us all updated on your experiences!

 

[Kim]

Hello Arthur,
continuing on what uaz04 wrote. A good idfea would be to try to get hold on a Haynes book on Renault 4. The explanations and pictures are good. It is dead easy to change the cylinder head gasket. Just follow the instructions in the book. One thing to remember: When you unscrew the cylineder head bolts, leave the last one , nr 1. in place. Just unscrew a little bit. Then move the cylinder head sideways so that the gasket and cylinder head are not attached to the wet cylinders anymore. After that you can take out the last bolt and lift off the head.
Second point. The cylinder head is aluminum. It is often good to machine it before putting it back.