Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Wed 17 Aug 2011 12:28

Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping - RenaultClioExtreme

Dear Forum Members,

I would be extremely grateful if anyone could pass on any hints about what the problem may be with my Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 (approx 68,000 miles). It has been regularly serviced by Renault since I purchased it 6/7 years ago.

I first noticed a loss of power and juddering so sent it to various mechanics. No fault codes were found on the Diagnostics machine from the first mechanic. He did take off a anti-vandal cover for the computer(?) which he said could be fraying wires but wasn't at the moment. My second mechanic changed-:

- all spark plugs
- coil pack and leads
- one of the fuel injectors

The emissions warning light then intermittently appeared (flashing) and tended to come on with high revs and/or over 20/30mph. The third mechanic read the fault codes which gave the fault as on spakr plug/lead number 4 (apologies for the non-technical language). With the bonnet open, if I press the accelerator I can hear what sounds like air escaping from somewhere near the back of the engine?

In two weeks time I have to travel to a different area for work (considerably more than I do now) or be made redundant. Without a car it will prove extremely difficult. I will therefore be extremely grateful if anyone could offer me any help. Thankyou in advance for reading this post and your help.

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Wed 17 Aug 2011 15:10

Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping - RenaultClioExtreme

Hi,

Just an update on the problem above - I also have ticking/whirring noise that seems to come from the drivers side headlamp. After the ignition is turned off it goes off after 2-3mins. I've done more research on the internet and suggestions are the purge valve on the fuel vapour reclaim system.
I would be grateful if anyone could confirm this theory too? Another one to add to the list.
Many thanks for all your help.

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Wed 17 Aug 2011 20:35

Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping - unthrottled

exhaust popping

I can hear what sounds like air escaping from somewhere near the back of the engine

Is the exhaust manifold at the back of the engine or in front (towards radiator)?

Could be a leak in the intake or exhaust manifold. If air gets into either, the air/fuel mixture will be incorrect and this would cause misfires which give the exhaust popping sound.

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Thu 18 Aug 2011 09:40

Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping - RenaultClioExtreme

Hi there,

Sorry - I've tried to look on the internet as to where it would be (unfortunately my knowledge of cars doesn't extend too far). I will mention this to the mechanic though - your help is much appreciated!

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Wed 31 Aug 2011 15:56

Renault Clio II Petrol - 16 V Extreme 53 - Renault Clio - loss of power, exhaust popping - RenaultClioExtreme

Dear All,
Mechanic No 2 swapped the recently installed fuel injector from No 4 to No 2 cylinder (and vice versa) and that seems to have solved the problem (for now!). I do have to change gear earlier than usual due to higher revs but at least the car is running ready for my new job. Many thanks for all your help!

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