Starting problem - any ideas

[biglunn]

Noticed lately that my car is not starting very easily from cold. When the car is left for more than, say 2 hours, the engine needs to be turned over for about 5 seconds before it would fire up. And its usually accompanied by the smell of fuel (which is expected with difficult startups). Has anybody else had this experience?

Also, it may be a coincidence... I am deffo noticing the occasional whiff of what smells like engine water when engine is running & warm. Maybe completley normal but im noticing it more lately. Any ideas?

 

[MATT BLACK]

try changing your engine temp sensor. This senses that the water in the engine is cold so therefore increases the fueling. When the water is warm it senses this and decreases the fuel intake to a normal level. If this sensor isnt working it will be like trying to start a car with a manually operated choke, without pulling the choke lever out.

 

[MATT BLACK]

PART NUMBER 7700101968 £23.46 + vat

Black sensor situated in the thermostat housing

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/j3ned/00134075_1.png

 

[Rich]

My 182 is also doing this, am going to book it into the dealer for it to be sorted.

 

[biglunn]

Thanks j3ned!

Am rather skint at the moment, and would be delighted if I can resolve this without a costly visit to the dealers.

If others have had this problem and got it sorted, please reveal all!

Also, that whiff of water that Im occasionally getting. Can that be a problem lurking? Water pump? Thermostat? Commom leak? Also, Ive discovered that the accessories belt has NOT been done on my last service (36,000miles). Im currently on 41,000miles and do you recommend that I get it done asap?

Once again, cheers for all the advice.

 

[MATT BLACK]

Yes - get the belt changed ASAP !!!!! - If this snaps it can become entangled in your cambelt and mess the timing up. This will result in bent valves and a big repair bill. The water smell could be numerous things including a tired heater matrix. Is it using water ??

 

[biglunn]

Nope... the car doesnt seem to be using any water. Heater matrix could be the problem - as far as I know the smell is only prevalant INSIDE the car. Will have a sniff outside too! Just an occasional but definate whiff.

How much to get the accessorry belt cost to get done? Is it a Renault only job or can other (cheaper) garages do it?