14-02-15, 12:06 AM
I don't know where the water pump is dead eye, haven't had a proper look but nothing was immediately obvious and a lot of the engine is hidden by stuff and a big plastic cover which I haven't removed yet. There is no mention of a coolant change on the receipt, I would have expected it was a service item though even if it is possible they didn't need to drain the coolant to do the water pump? Either way, I'll ask for it to be flushed and replaced at the new garage I'm taking it to or if he can measure the antifreeze age first I'll get him to check it before changing. Does look very manky though, can't imagine the engine is THAT dirty after 60 miles of driving.
I have been reading about glow plugs and what you say is all correct, although apparently they are not actually regarded as service items. I have read in particularly cold weather it is a good idea to double warm them by ignition on and off twice. My problem is the light comes on now and then never goes off. The manual states this is either a glow plug or other electrical warning issue. Youtube and google shows it's quite a common fault among renaults, not just diesels either as it's also the electrical fault warning in petrol engines.
The van is 2002 so not mega old, it is the power steering pump that makes the squeal worse as if I turn the wheel it goes from a minor noise to a loud squeal. Like I say, it has got much quieter now and is only present for the first 30 seconds or so, turning the wheel only makes a small difference now compared to before where it sounded awful. I think one of the pulleys may be loose, I'll try and check.
I agree the garage may well have done everything, they're always busy and I go there for my Fazer mot but I have gone there before and they have been a bit crap twice leading me to feel a bit unsure of the work they've done now. 1st time I took my original downpipes to get them welded (lost cause I know) and they assured me they had been pressure tested for leaks, but I pointed out a huge 2-3cm hole they had missed right near the top of the header...Guy looked embarrassed to say the least. I also gave them my calipers for them to change the seals as I wasn't too confident about getting the pistons out and had just bought a new fazer 1000 rear caliper. It took them over a week to even start the job, only when I went in and sat in the office did they finally begin it one friday afternoon. The main mechanic then came out and asked why I had so many seals and why they were different sizes??? I had to explain it was a 4 piston caliper, 2 seals per piston and the rear caliper has 2 bigger pistons. Wasn't brimming with confidence at that point. Maybe I should have gone elsewhere this time, I thought they may be better with cars but they are literally about 200m down the road so its convenient and like I say always very busy with bikes and cars.
I have been reading about glow plugs and what you say is all correct, although apparently they are not actually regarded as service items. I have read in particularly cold weather it is a good idea to double warm them by ignition on and off twice. My problem is the light comes on now and then never goes off. The manual states this is either a glow plug or other electrical warning issue. Youtube and google shows it's quite a common fault among renaults, not just diesels either as it's also the electrical fault warning in petrol engines.
The van is 2002 so not mega old, it is the power steering pump that makes the squeal worse as if I turn the wheel it goes from a minor noise to a loud squeal. Like I say, it has got much quieter now and is only present for the first 30 seconds or so, turning the wheel only makes a small difference now compared to before where it sounded awful. I think one of the pulleys may be loose, I'll try and check.
I agree the garage may well have done everything, they're always busy and I go there for my Fazer mot but I have gone there before and they have been a bit crap twice leading me to feel a bit unsure of the work they've done now. 1st time I took my original downpipes to get them welded (lost cause I know) and they assured me they had been pressure tested for leaks, but I pointed out a huge 2-3cm hole they had missed right near the top of the header...Guy looked embarrassed to say the least. I also gave them my calipers for them to change the seals as I wasn't too confident about getting the pistons out and had just bought a new fazer 1000 rear caliper. It took them over a week to even start the job, only when I went in and sat in the office did they finally begin it one friday afternoon. The main mechanic then came out and asked why I had so many seals and why they were different sizes??? I had to explain it was a 4 piston caliper, 2 seals per piston and the rear caliper has 2 bigger pistons. Wasn't brimming with confidence at that point. Maybe I should have gone elsewhere this time, I thought they may be better with cars but they are literally about 200m down the road so its convenient and like I say always very busy with bikes and cars.