Bought 2001 Reno Scenic Authentique 1.4

[demag]

I bought this today as the Berlingo has scrapped its turbo again and I need some wheels. It's fairly simple and doesn't have many toys but has a surprising amount of power for such a small engine. It's quite pleasant to drive and I'm looking forward to picking it up tomorrow.

[demag]

Well it all turned a bit farcical today when I went to collect the Scenic. I got there and none of the little jobs he said he would do were actually done (are they ever?) And when we went to do the paperwork he couldn't find it! The whole deal was on the verge of falling apart when his son found it with some other paperwork. There were logbooks and mot's lying around all over the place, he really needs to sort his filing system and quick. Lovely man but chaotic. Eventually with everything signed up I took my leave. First thing was to get some petrol, but what a slow filler, I only squeezed a gallon in. Second port of call was to Citroen and complain about the Blingo. It's booked in for Friday, I told them I could not afford to pay any money as I have had to buy another car and the Blingo has only done 3000 miles since they fitted the last turbo. So got that sorted. I then had a ten mile drive back home through city traffic at 3.0pm with kids leaving schools all over the place but no problem the Scenic was a pleasure to drive and that 1.4 engine still surprises me with its power. I popped down to Asda this evening to get some more petrol and it filled ok but slowish, got 40 quids worth in which took it up to 3/4 full. When I got back I adjusted the non locking bonnet catch (one of the jobs he was going to do) and squirted a bit of WD40 on it. Ten minutes and it's fine. The body work is really nice with no dents at all, it needs a good polish now to shine it up. Inside is slightly scruffy and smelly, I hung a fragrance thingy on the mirror to freshen it up. One of the seams on the driver's seat needs a few stitches (another of those jobs!) other than that it looks ok. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[lexi]

It is a peppy 1.4 that. I think that is why it is same road tax as 1.6.
Nice roomy things those older style Scenic. Prettier than the later one too.

[demag]

Yes it's not bad at all. I did about 30 miles last night in it and the same today. A couple of things I've noticed now I've done a few miles. The clutch pedal has one inch of free play at the top before there is any bite. Everyone I test drove was the same. Is this normal or an indication of clutch wear? Or dodgy cable even? It has a marked misfire from cold which disappears when hot, I thought about changing the plugs for starters, checking the air filter and using some injector cleaner. I treated the interior to some upholstery cleaner this afternoon and it looks and smells better. The little cubby on top of the dash looked like it had been home to a portion of fish and chips (without the paper) as it was full of grease and what looked like bits of batter. There certainly are some animals about.

[demag]

I changed the airfilter today, it was about due. I noticed the housing that the airfilter fits into at the back of the engine (airbox?) is loose on the driver's side. I also have low tickover, about 4-500rpm. I would have thought this housing needs to be fixed tight and not flopping about. I looked in the bol and there is a diagram which looks like it should have fixings top and bottom. Can anyone help as access is not good and it's hard to see without a mirror and torch.

[demag]

I'm still impressed with this. I've changed the plugs and the coils and airfilter.

One problem it is a ridiculously slow filler. Ten minutes to get half a tank in! I had cramp in my hand. I'm assuming a breather is blocked but Haynes is very confusing and says it is a sealed system and is piped to a carbon cannister under the front wheelarch. That seems a bit extreme, does anyone have any idea about this?
Thanks.

[steelcityuk]

Sounds right, in an attempt to control emissions modern fuel systems are sealed, the carbon canister absorbs the aromatics from the fuel, then when the engine is running opens a purge that sucks the fumes into the engine for burning. I'd guess there's a problem with the pipework, canister or purge valve.

Steve.

[demag]

Thanks Steve,
Sorry for being so numpty, would the purge valve be fitted to the canister?
I had four new tyres fitted today and the ride and steering are transformed.

[steelcityuk]

I can't say for sure but usually not, the canister is often tucked away and the purge valve in the pipe closer to the engine.

Steve.

[demag]

Yes had a quick look and could see the pipework going to the valve on the engine.

[demag]

Done a couple of motorway runs this week and have noticed a few things:
The steering wanders slightly but I remember a couple of advisories on the mot for suspension wear.
I thought the engine sounded rough when pulling but I think its the gearbox as it has a pronounced whine through the gears. There are plenty of boxes on eBay. Will anyone fit? 1.4 or 1.6 or do I need the correct one for 1.4 only?

[demag]

Still running and running well actually. MPG 41.1 on the last tank full! It has no onboard computer so I am doing the maths the old way. I checked my figures three times and they are correct. So yes very pleased with this.

[steelcityuk]

Sounds great. Can't help with the gearbox compatibility I'm afraid.

Steve.

[lexi]

Only a guess but gearboxes are likely to be the same.
The difference in 1.4 and 1.6 is only in the stroke. Check out dimensions of bellhousing first of course.

[demag]

It's gone...... Sorry but I'm a diesel bloke really. I got 600 quid for it part x so can't grumble. I've got a Fiat Doblo now 1.9 jtd. I still have the Bx though which ain't going anywhere soon.