Starting Your methods ?

[Martin Hall]

Hi
What is the proper method of starting a Renault 4 or 5

All my cars are hard to start when cold or not used for a while
I pull the choke out fully and give a couple of pumps on the accelerator
But they still seem to take several minutes on the starter motor

I have tried no choke and pumping the accelerator

guess I am too used to Modern Fords !!!!!!!!! with presserised injection systems

Any advise I would be grateful It is getting rather cold in Northern France now

 

[Steve Hennessey]

That's a difficult one for me to answer because my 4 started first time on the starter in all weathers in the 4 years it was on the road.

I can't remember if your car has the 28IF carb, but if it has, pumping won't make any difference. Providing the plugs, points and cap are in good condition, try substituting a new coil to see if that helps.

 

[malcolm]

Here's Clementine's magic technique for starting R4s:

I use full choke and no pumping of the throttle. My latest (photos soon) starts within a couple of turns. Immediately once it's started I push the choke back to half.

If the starter motor or battery is a tired, the weather is very cold, or I've filled the car with really heavy oil, I'll use less choke and a bit of throttle to get the engine turning quickly, then let off the throttle and pull the choke fully out.

 

[Martin Hall]

Thanks Clementine Yes it does seem better that way
Its just so hard not to push the accelerator
Seems to work on later Renault 5`s as well I left one for 2 months and it started first time full choke no accelerator