I broke down in 'Noddy' today ! Update.

[Cyprusnoddycar]

I broke down in my R4 'Noddy' today, and discovered that the fuel filter was completely empty ? Even though I fitted a new fuel pump/filter and carburettor ? So I turned the engine over like crazy for a long while and the the fuel filter finally filled up, and I was lucky enough to drive back home to my main gate...when the same thing happened again ! Maybe a fuel pump diaphragm problem ? Will investigate tomorrow.

Now my ignition key has broken in half and no spare ! Managed to get the broken bit out. Will have to get a couple of new ones cut. So not having a good day.

UPDATE: I think I have found the problem ? I replaced the original 'vented' fuel cap with a new locking cap that was 'un-vented' so it created vacuum in the fuel tank stopping the fuel coming through.

 

[angel]

I had this happen on a friend's R4 some years ago because a parts shop gave her a cap that would fit on the filler neck (presumably from a newer Renault), without checking if it was vented or non vented. Car would stop running after a medium to long trip and would start again after some 10 minutes. When I lifted the car for some other reason, I noticed that the tank bottom (early type flat tank) had gone concave in shape!

 

[Jnr-Renospeed]

We had a similar problem on my Mums car, which turned out to be the fuel filter. After checking, the filler cap, sender unit, pump, carbuerettor and ignition, we finally cut open the fuel filter to discover the filter paper was covered in an, almost inivisible, very fine sediment much like oil mixed with ultra-fine sand. The sediment sucked onto the paper blocking the fuel passage and starved the engine, only to then unblock itself after being left for a short while. Simply replacing the filter did the trick!

I'd add that I replaced a brand new fuel pump on my own car after only a few 1000 miles, I had similar symptoms to you though was completley unable to fire the car at all after a couple of poorly starts. Swapping to a good condition used part solved this for me..

 

[Cyprusnoddycar]

We had a similar problem on my Mums car, which turned out to be the fuel filter. After checking, the filler cap, sender unit, pump, carbuerettor and ignition, we finally cut open the fuel filter to discover the filter paper was covered in an, almost inivisible, very fine sediment much like oil mixed with ultra-fine sand. The sediment sucked onto the paper blocking the fuel passage and starved the engine, only to then unblock itself after being left for a short while. Simply replacing the filter did the trick!

I'd add that I replaced a brand new fuel pump on my own car after only a few 1000 miles, I had similar symptoms to you though was completley unable to fire the car at all after a couple of poorly starts. Swapping to a good condition used part solved this for me..

Many thanks for all this useful info, and it's well worth remembering about the filter. I will test the fuel pump/filter when I get my new ignition keys cut next week.

 

[Cyprusnoddycar]

Update: On checking my fuel system problem I found that the inline fuel filter and carburettor were clogged up with a fine rust sediment. So no wonder I broke down. And pumping fuel into a glass jar it is really dirty. So it's off with the petrol tank next for a clean, and check the inside with an endoscope.