Hole on the road

[Chiller]

Hi everyone. Strange thing happened to me today. I have run on the hole maybe 3 inches deep, driving 50 miles per hour and same instant engine has stopped and cannot turn on. After half hour I managed to start engine but I’ve driven only 1 mile to first hill then stopped again with out any reason. I asked a few friends and mechanics they don’t have clue. Any ideas? I have Renault 4 tl 1979

 

[gpovanman]

I would suspect that you have an electrical problem. Check all ignition cables, especially in the region of the coil/distributor. But I aint no expert either, so there will be others on here that may know better.

 

[malcolm]

If it won't turn over then check the big wire from the battery to the starter motor as well. The clearances are tight between the starter wire and engine mount, and it the engine mount has failed or the wire has worn through it might be possible to get a short. This would make all the electrics stop working and might set fire to the wire or battery.

More likely but not so serious - remove and clean the battery terminals in case they have become loose and corroded.

Do all the electrics fail (lights too) or just the ignition and starter?

 

[Chiller]

Thank you for answer. I managed to fix problem it was needle valve that most probably stuck when I hit the hole. Now every thing is ok and my white arrow is running again. But I have changed most of electrics cables and stuff. One more advice from you if it is possible. For engine to run smoothly choke have to be half closed, when I hit breaks strongly my engine turn of, and when I drive slowly in second gear hole car shake much.

 

[gpovanman]

I think that your carburettor is a bit broken. From my experience with Land Rovers, this could be due to the vehicle running not getting enough petrol, but people like Clementine probably know much better than me!