Early 1990s Renault - Diagnostics?

[garethj]

The only Renault I've had was a 1964 Renault 8 where the only adjustment was a vernier wheel on the distributor. But there's an early Twingo offered by someone of this parish which might be too good to pass up. The early ones use Renault 5 engines, and this one's got an issue with running too rich and blowing black smoke out when you hoof it.

 

It's too early for OBDII so realistically what's my chances of finding and fixing the problem without replacing every sensor in the car? If it's a proprietary diagnostics system is it best to take it to a dealer, bend over the desk and wait for the service manager to insert the pineapple?

 

Have a pic for your pleasure, and suggestions of how slim my arms will need to be

[Mr Lobster]

Early Twingos (and late R5s) are fairly straightforward so it shouldn't be that hard to fix I wouldn't have thought. There isn't a great deal in the way of engine management on them.

 

Otherwise, Twingos are great! I'd highly recommend one. They can and do rust though but mechanical bits are shared with R5s and Clios and dealers can get parts easy enough.

[oldford]

It may be just a case of connecting 2 pins in the diagnostic socket, turning the ignition on and counting the number of times that the engine management light flashes and then finding out what the code relates to.

[M'coli]

If it's the Renix system that doesn't work, apparently. You could try pulling wires off sensors to see if it affects the running.

[red5]

Is it ok on idle? poor running anywhere in rev range?

[garethj]

If it's the Renix system that doesn't work, apparently. You could try pulling wires off sensors to see if it affects the running.

Hmmm, I'd rather not go fishing for every sensor - goodness knows where they're buried and I don't imagine engine access is like a Capri 1300

 

Is it ok on idle? poor running anywhere in rev range?

I think it idles rough from cold, then settles down but chucks out black smoke when revved.

 

After speaking with the financial controller, she is NOT in favour of buying a car that's going to cost an unknown amount to get running. Whilst the Volvo takes a gallon of petrol a day for my commute, that's all it takes.

[25v6turbo]

This is sounding a bit like a coolant temp sensor,controls how much fuel the car needs,clios are prone to these on the early E7J engines.