Shudder/judder in 4th (top!) gear

[Sebacann]

Hello,

First post - I have inherited a Renault 4, been in the family about 8 years.

It has been dormant for the last 2 years, but I have got it back on the road in order to bring it to the UK form France.

The issue is that there seems to be a shuddering noice/feeling when in 4th gear. It may well happen in other gears but nowhere near as noticeable.

Does anybody know what this could be or have you had a similar problem?

Cheers

Seb

 

[Paul Narramore]

Failing engines into?

(Later) Good Lord, How did that come out like that? What I meant to say was failing engine mounts. Heat and leaking oil can eventually take they toll on rubber.

 

[Sebacann]

Hello Paul,

I'm sorry I don't inderstand - are you suggesting general engine failure?

 

[Andy McGhee]

Seb

If the judder is worse when you brake, it might be worth checking that the gearbox mounting hasn't broken.

 

[mojobaby]

hi sebacann, congrats on acquiring a wonderful little car. I'm sure you'll enjoy her.

It's always difficult to explain a noise or shuddering feeling. These things occur in different circumstances. They could be at high revs or low revs or perhaps only when you accelerate, etc

But it might be a good idea to check your points gap, they could be closed or far too wide. That could give the shuddering that you're feeling. Also check the condition of the points.

When the contacts are at their widest, the gap should be 0,4mm

 

[Sebacann]

Hello,

The car is 12v so so points, it seems to be most noticeable accelerating in 4th at the bottom of the Rev range, once speeds of 80-90km are reached, then the shuddering sensation is less noticeable. The plugs are quite badly fouled; the car needs to be run slightly rich in the choke, therefore there could be an air leak. Could the shuddering be an ignition issue somewhere through the coil-distributor- plugs?

Cheers in advance.

 

[mr-reno-139]

Going to suggest finding out who's nearest to you and has had more experience with r4 as guesswork rarely straightforward
I would offer but i am on the south coast ☺