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I know a place that'd fix it, if you're interested.

The condenser in the picture doesn't look in the best of health. In particular, the connection at the top looks worn. I'd replace it anyway. It should have a value of 2.7 micro-farads somewhere on it.

Yes, it would. Although I understood the condenser to be new. Mind you, "new" doesn't always mean "good"! There's a way of testing condensers, using a multi-meter, should you need to know it.

If memory serves (and it was a long time ago when last I opened the bonnet of a Renault 5....) the H.T. leads are 4 different lengths, so it is onto which plug they go (longest furthest from the distributor, shortest nearest & the other two as per) However, their positions on the distributor cap...

When you wrote that you'd "rebuilt the distributor" I was wondering if you were certain you had replaced it in the block correctly. It is possible, in some circumstances, to replace it one half of a cycle "out". It's unlikely, but it might be worth checking it. What made me think of this was...

A few thoughts: 1/ Is it possible you've set the ignition 180 degrees out? Many French cars (and others!) have cylinders numbered in a different way to those in England (or Wales...) 2/ New parts aren't always as good as old ones. If you've not thrown the old ones away, try refitting them...

Is that assumption correct....? I'd investigate the electrical side of things first! Is there a spark at the plug? Remove a plug, reconnect the H.T. lead to it & place it on the top of the engine, where it can earth out through the block. Now operate the starter & you should see a series of blue...

I've never heard of a dwell angle as low as 18 degrees, although I'm willing to be corrected if anyone knows better... Generally they're of the order of 40-60 degrees in a four cylinder engine. Might I tentatively suggest that 10 degrees is the static timing point and that the vacuum advance is...

It's normal that the coil would become hot in these circumstances, as the engine may have been stopped in a position where the points were closed, thus passing current through the coil. It's impossible to say if the coil has been damaged; running the car would assist in determining this. Go out...

....And there aren't many of either left....!

Unless you've already done this, I'd suggest the use of t'internet, and ask "wheel balancing near me", ring the companies and ask them. If they don't offer it, ask for suggestions of those who might.

I can....... but it's in east London, so not a lot of help as you're in Cheltenham! I know a technique that I've used on my Daf 33, which also solid centre 3 stud wheels though; try this: 1/ As the Renault 4 is front wheel drive, this might involve quite a bit of jacking up and lowering...

Old engine oil might be a starting point. If you have any left over from previous work it would be cheaper than diesel.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I take it the wheel turns when the gearbox is in neutral. If it does your analysis may well be correct.... Having removed the head, pouring diesel down the cylinder bores sometimes helps.

STOP! Have you clamped the cylinder liners in place? Do this before you do ANYTHING, as disturbing the position of the liners will lead to a whole hill of extra work, which is usually unnecessary if they're clamped first. As to turning the engine over in the way you describe, it ought to...

I'm not sure how far you're prepared to follow, although thinking about it, my recommendation is equi-distant from Cambridge and Wiltshire! Reeds Garage, of St. Albans Road, Barnet are an excellent "classic friendly" garage, who've sorted my Daf 33, Wartburg, Lada Citroën Xantia and several...

It sounds like the one cylinder that's not firing properly is building up compression before it starts to run properly. This is sometimes caused by fuel washing the oil film from the cylinder wall, thereby reducing the compression, thus preventing it from firing. After a few seconds the oil...

Details: Age, mileage, type, LHD or RHD, current MOT etc., location. Oh, and pictures (which paint a thousand words...)

This picture should be in the "Gallery of the Gorgeous"!

Apropos this scamming, the following might be on interest: About 20 years ago I worked for the Foreign Office and travelled extensively on its behalf, mostly to "odd" and "strange" countries. Before embarking I contacted my mobile phone company, to ensure I would have adequate coverage in these...