Clementine's Garage
Clementine the Cat
 
Image of flower
Yellow R4
 
home my cars restoration tech tips guides forum
Réparateur d'automobiles

Oil change/diy maintenance

N

nemanja

Enthusiast
Messages
12
It seems that changing the oil on an R4 requires more than just having the right tools.
I've heard there's a small brass ring involved in the process, placed on top of the bottom bolt, supposedly to prevent oil from dripping or missaligment of the bolt itself.
I even have a spare ring. Used to change the oil on an old Fiat I've owned but it was fairly simple, as explained in generic oil change tutorials.
I haven't been able to find any R4 specialised tutorials on the net concerning simple maintenance that can be done by an owner not into mechanics. I myself am a computer technician and am interested in doing everything I can on my car but lack the experience and knowledge.
I suppose we could expand these pages a bit by adding some pics and explanations on how to do some simple things like changing the oil, radiator fluid, spark plugs etc.
I'm about to change the oil myself in a few days with the help of my cousin who is an experienced mechanic so I'll explain the process if anybody is interested.

I don't know if Clementine has a visitor counter but I tend to keep it spinning since the day I Googled into these pages. I like them a lot. Especially the flowers and the "Reparateur d'automobiles" thing :)

Nemanja
________
BLONDE RUSSIAN
 
Last edited:
My own car is overdue for a service, so I'll write some pages covering the basic maintenance.

Changing the oil is fairly simple. You need to remove the drain plug using a 10mm (I think) square key. Let the old oil drain. THen unscrew the oil filter, fit the new one with oil smeared around the rubber seal. Finally replace the drain plug and fill with oil until the level on the dipstick is correct. Run the engine for a few seconds, then let the oil settle then check the level again.

The copper ring around the drain plug is just a sealing ring. It's unlikely to need replacing.

Any other ideas for the website would be greatly appreciated. I'm a cat of little imagination.

:clementi:
 
copper ring is pennys from factors even renault, if the parts guy is ok he'll just give you one for free!

as for draining the coolant, pull the bottom hose off the radiator.
 
Hi,

I'm going to change the oil for the first time on my R4 "Pixna" inherited from my grandfather.

Which oil should I use? Read on the page that 20/50 is normal but on the forum I found that most of you use 15/40.

Do I need to change the cooper ring or do I only change it if it's leaking?
 
Hello, and welcome to the forum!

I've always used 15W40 Castrol GTX Magnatec. See also this post.

I always change the copper sump plug washer. (In case you need to know, the sump plug requires a 10mm square-ended sump plug key.)

I always change the filter too, each time I change the oil. Do note that there are three different types of oil filter (the thread on the screw varies) so make sure you use the correct type!

There are some good instructions here: http://www.renault4.co.uk/oil-change.htm

So post some pictures of your car. :)

Good luck!
 
Tnx for your help.

I saw the tutorial but wasn't sure about the oil which should I use.
Today I made me the square tool, so I'm fully prepared for an oil change, just need to buy the oil, filter & copper sump plug washer.

But first on Saturday I'm putting bout new mudguard on, or how it's translated to English.

Because you were so helpful I went straight after work out, and took some pictures.:)
 
Could you get a spare washer for mine at the same time too please?

I keep forgetting to buy a new one and only realise once I've drained the oil out that I need a replacement. Good old PTFE tape has managed very well for the last two oil changes ;)

Can't wait to see the pictures :)
 
You only ever need to buy two washers!!! Use a new one on the first two oil changes (don't throw the squashed ones away), and then use both used ones on the third and subsequent oil changes. Never had any leaks at all!!
 
pepper said:
Could you get a spare washer for mine at the same time too please?
Can't wait to see the pictures :)
Click to expand...
I can get you a washer end send it via air mail :o hehe

I have already put the pictures on the site, but in my profile as an album. I'm made the album private, but I think that only unregistred users can't see it.

Steve Hennessey said:
You only ever need to buy two washers!!! Use a new one on the first two oil changes (don't throw the squashed ones away), and then use both used ones on the third and subsequent oil changes. Never had any leaks at all!!
Click to expand...

I will remember this method and I probably will use it if the washer isn't cheap. Thanks
 
I don't think that registered forum members can see private albums - I can't see yours :(
 
Made it public now :)

edit:
I tried to view my album unlogged and it doesn't work, I can see any other album on the page. I tried to delete it end recreate it, but nothing is happening. And I'm 100% sure that it is set on "public".

edit:
I found in my profile, that albums can be viewed only to registered members, so if it's set to public, than everything is fine now :)
 
Your car looks in good condition :) The red paint is so shiny!
 
Yesterday I changed the oil and the filter. With the on monday changed petrol and air filter it was the first service on my car.

But I have to say it was easier then I thought. Because only the petrol filter gave mi a hard time.
 
If you do discover a slight drip after replacing the drain-plug and re-filling with engine oil .... remove the drain-plug .... quickly get the wife to plug the hole with her thumb ...... drop the copper washer in boiling water for a few minutes ..... this will anneal the metal ..... dry it off before slipping back over the threads ..... remove wife's thumb before re-locating plug and tighten.

Fixed

N.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2024 XenForo Ltd.
Back
Top