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Yellow R4
 
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Ronnie the Renault blues.

edwin

Enthusiast
Messages
879
Location
Lichfield
Hi all. In France at the moment and recovered Ronnie from his lair. Wasn’t working properly at all.
No water in bottle.
Very lumpy starting. Hesitant running, and though we did a small trip, it was unpleasant driving.
Second day started the car, again lumpy, but accompanied by lots of “smoke” which turned out to be steam. Vapour soon stopped.
Plugs seemed ok. I had already changed the points, capacitor and coil. Dip stick very clean transparent oil. Filler cap tiny bit of mayonnaise on the cap but everything else ok.
No leaks apparent anywhere, underneath or under bonnet.
Topped up bottle. Water in bottle very chestnut colour. Next day started car, no steam/smoke. Took it to local garage, recommended by passing R4 drivers.
He poked around . Min water in bottle , and with his very big hands was squeezing pipes, and found the top hose empty. Says little mayonnaise on filler cap is normal, just from condensation.
Still don’t know where the water has been going. Can’t find leak stains, and no steam when running.
The garage now has the car and he will look at it next Monday.
Had Ronnie 8 years and he has always behaved impeccably. Three good services. Done about 15,000 Kim’s total in our ownership.
I will report on developments. Had thought it might be head gasket, but apparent quality of engine interior suggests not. We shall see.
 
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