Sump Drain Plug and low oil pressure

[The Saint]

Thanks again John,
I was lost in translation but I now seem to have placed an order.. lets just see if they get back to me!!

Yes I took a reading of the sensor... 325 Ohm.. so way off scale!!
As for the switch, I carefully poked a small allen key up into it, and pressed the diapham. It started to click and for a while it worked. but then stopped... I gave it a few taps on the desk and it worked again.. but I dare not use it like that.. never know when it will stop working again, so getting a new one!

BTW I almost forgot to say.. that I eventually got the sum plug out!!
I WD40'd and left it a few days, then used the 8mm square key thing and spanner with a trolley jack to very slowly put enough pressure on the spanner to crack off and loosen the bolt... and it did crack off, scared the crap out of me!! was expecting the sum pan too have broken.
I will keep an eye on this bolt from now on... All fitted and sorted now, including the crushable copper washer. Must check the A610's when I get that back as well.

Yes I took a reading of the sensor... 325 Ohm.. so way off scale!!

Yes .... way off ..... the carbon granules are preloaded under pressure to get the correct passive resistance in manufacture, I suspect the diaphragm has let go and the pressure on the granules has gone hence the high resistance.

As for the switch, I carefully poked a small allen key up into it, and pressed the diapham. It started to click and for a while it worked. but then stopped... I gave it a few taps on the desk and it worked again.. but I dare not use it like that.. never know when it will stop working again, so getting a new one!

Well for 4.58 euros for a new one its not worth messing around for.
However .... don't even think of getting one from Simon Autos as his price for the same pressure switch is ...... wait for it ...... 249 euros. ............. can't help feeling its a mistake, but I am not going to ask.

BTW I almost forgot to say.. that I eventually got the sum plug out!!
I WD40'd and left it a few days, then used the 8mm square key thing and spanner with a trolley jack to very slowly put enough pressure on the spanner to crack off and loosen the bolt...

Unfortunately with those 8mm square key things, depending on the radial angle that the plug tightness up on, it is impossible to get a reasonable leverage as it can only fit in two positions from the underneath, that's why I suggested a 3/8 ratchet if it can be got to engage, as you can then adjust the position of its handle to be pointing downwards ..... if the angle of the key is around 45 degrees either side of vertical, it is almost impossible to get the leverage with the car on the ground. I usually lay across the car where you can get a better pull than putting your hand in from the back of the car so to speak, but yes, they will always let go with a crack.
Anyway glad to hear you got it off in the end.

[The Saint]

yes I seen that price on Simon Auto's site.. but if you look at the description, it refers to a full set of gaskets??? so yes I think he has something wrong there!!

One for JohnC probably - John, do you know which sensor provides the reading for the oil level (prior to start up).

Mine's never worked (in approx 19 years of owning it). I was told ages ago it was the sensor, but never did get round to replacing it. All this talk has made me think I should actually cross that off the list.

Ah .... that's what it is ..... my German is not that good obviously ...... but thanks for the info Vince.

[The Saint]

Darren,
I will take a photo of the oil level sensor for you later.... it's just above the oil filter behind the engine mount. not that easy to get at if I am remember.

Sorry Darren ...... I did not see your post till this morning.
Below is a pic of the general area of the oil filter. If you go to the connector at 5 o'clock from the filter, you will see two small white wires which disappear behind that connector, follow them to the oil level sensor.

Darren if you change the sensor and it,s still not working then it will be the control box located under the dash board . I have a spare one if you need it
Andrew

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I was lost in translation but I now seem to have placed an order.. lets just see if they get back to me!!

Have you confirmed the order yet Vince? Shipping costs to UK from Meca are rather high in my experience & I need a couple of wheel bearings for the R5, so would be happy to share the shipping with you - you are not too far from me, so can pick them up easily. Can PayPal you the money in advance

[The Saint]

Sorry I have already completed the order.....
Yes their shipping is expensive... 30 euros for 38 euros in parts!! then UK tax... but I need the parts and they know this!!
Sorry.. maybe next time we have someone placing an order and others want stuff.. we can sort something.

I was lost in translation but I now seem to have placed an order.. lets just see if they get back to me!!

Have you confirmed the order yet Vince? Shipping costs to UK from Meca are rather high in my experience & I need a couple of wheel bearings for the R5, so would be happy to share the shipping with you - you are not too far from me, so can pick them up easily. Can PayPal you the money in advance

Whoa...... Steady Rob, before you let them pull your pants and trousers down, which are you wanting ? Fronts or rears?
Fronts are pretty standard fare 5,12,15,17,18 ......I think £15 here there,...may have some, may not be standard 5 but may be same as R12/15/17 ? Part no.s?

Hi Ryan, it's fronts I need. Can order from Andrew Page at £25 per set, but quoting 3-4 weeks delivery. Meca only a bit more expensive & as Vince says, they have them in stock. You are correct, they are bigger than standard 5 - Andrew Page website says it also fits R18 & Dacia Denem (!!!!!), so very likely R12/R15/R17 as well. Part no is 7701460639 if you can trust the website of Autosales in Latvia PM me if you find a set amongst your amazing hoard

Rob,

Just came across this when looking through A310 things. They're rear wheel bearings but are listed for your car.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-WHEEL ... 58c1dc0084

[The Saint]

Quick update...

Today my purchase from Mecaparts arrived....

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Yes.. as some of you expected.. the oil sensor is wrong even though they show the correct part, with the extended extension for the oil switch, they only seem to have the short version.
The switch is perfect.... So this means I will now have to manufacture some kind of adaptor on a lathe at work...

Deep Joy!!!

Thanks John & Ryan for the tips!

It seems that cross referencing part numbers with other Renault models and not using the words Alpine, Gordini or Turbo can produce substantial savings. eBay search turned up new (very) old stock bearings listed for R12 for just a couple of quid & only a few miles from me