Renault Espace 3 (1997) diesel none runner

[frank horton]

Dont bother with the glow plug timed relay......can be 160 quid depending on type.....
All I ever do is find a decent ign feed from the fuse box, or run a relay direct from a batt feed, via said push button..... run a wire from a HD push button switch...look at tractor gear old Massey n Fergy...cheap on line....
so to start ign on, press the new heater button for 10 sec's or whatever and off u go......

just to say my T4 has a prob with the starter contacts on the ign switch.....dont fancy buying a new one esp as have heard a few vans has dissapeared, so it has a hidden push button now to start it....
Wife uses the van all the time and no moans about the new security measures....

My old Reno Extra van had the ignition switch fall apart whilst driving, so needed a new starter after engaging a 30mph......it got a new Massey 135 ignition switch tucked away...
the orig switch was left in place to keep things looking neat....it did over a 100,000 miles like that before we sold it on....
as for the mechanical s, sounds like fun....

 

[OJCar]

If the glow plug timer is kaput you could get one of the cats to fit Land Rover part number PRC6913
https://www.lrparts.net/prc6913.html

 

[Melvyn Best]

It looks like the injectors are the type that just unscrew using the correct socket, no need to dismantle before removing. As for a glow plug relay I have bodged a remote type Lucas starter solenoid activated by a push switch a couple of times

 

[Nomad]

Todays plan was to end with beers, either to celebrate or to drown my sorrows if the engine turned out to be scrap.
I’m think I’m celebrating

Head is off.


Headgasket has some polished sections where it’s been blowing / steam cleaning.


One odd cylinder, all have what look like cracks between the valves. Too consistent for anything but deliberate manufacturing.


Some oil in the turbo piping, not a priority.


Now to put together a headgasket / rebuild parts order while trying not to see the cost of the bits

 

[dobbslc]

This is what an actual crack looks like, although every combination chamber on the Surf was the same. Yours looks too consistent to be cracks to me.

 

[dobbslc]

Found this on eBay.
Looks pretty similar to yours.

 

[Nomad]

More Renault fun facts for your amusement I thought my Alfa was odd but this car is on another level

The doors and (both!) tailgates have central locking / deadlocking which is nice. Putting a key in the front door lock opens the front door manually. Pulling the internal handle on the other front door opens that door. The only way I've found to open the rear doors is by using the key fob - which had a flat battery when I got the car. Result = unable to open rear doors or tailgates

The car was standing with a flat battery for 3+ months and now isn't talking to the chipped ignition key so I can't turn the immobiliser off. Does anyone know the super secret Renault incantation to fix this? I have a solution for now but it's not ideal

 

[Nomad]

Headgasket, headbolts (one-time-only stretch), universal glowplug timer etc have been ordered from AutoDoc and my bank account now has a £200 dent in it. I’ll be ordering cambelt & idlers / pulleys (another £200) if the headgasket fixes the motor

These free cars are fun but they sure ain’t cheap

 

[angellonewolf]

fix it and just run it once you know its a good car then spend the cash trying to keep it good not before

 

[Morris]

If they were easy/cheap to repair they wouldn't be free.

 

[Nomad]

Some bits got a wash while I was waiting for parts..


The headgasket & service parts are here, also a basic glowplug timer (badged as Renault Trafic van..)


With the head off I can see the water pipe from the turbo is snapped - and the rust makes it look like it’s been that way for a while. I can’t see where it should connect to so if anyone knows..

I see fun times ahead

 

[Ace Paul]

Immboliser, as batteries being flat. Try this.

As led solid it’s either lost communication or upset.

IGN on two minutes, then off two minutes, do this four times.

See if immboliser light goes out.

Used to be on bba reman how to work out security code
Then enter with locking button.

Take log book and driving license to local dealer, part department

Try this

“Hi, buddy. Can you get the security code for my Reno, Buddy, <documents here>, Buddy”

Should be ‘instant’. They enter vin in computer, there it is. Whilst your there.

“Hey, Buddy, can you tell me the mechanical key number, Buddy”


*ONLY* if/when it runs, *don’t quote me on this*

Ignition on, cut the “white/red” wire MAKE SURE YOU CAN REJOIN IF NEEDED. On the 3 wires at diesels pump

Then see if it restarts after 20 minutes

 

[Nomad]

The head is back on, I fitted the intake manifold yesterday, now looking for a spare half day to do the timing belt and see what happens - wish me luck !

As a temporary measure I know I can bypass the immobiliser and glowplugs but would prefer to get the keys working properly, will try the resynch instructions above - hopefully this week and report back. Many thanks @Ace Paul