I also have a V8 LR and always use low range when reversing up to a trailer or van. It makes sense Double Chevron I agree.
After experiencing no clutch in a car park I had to start it in gear (reverse to begin with) which is actually quite scary how high geared it is in reverse.
I quickly pulled out the main HT ignition lead so it wouldn't fire me into parked cars, until I could put it in forward gears and get it home.
1st gear is pretty high, which would make serious off roading without cooking clutches difficult.
RX4 excels on 'soft roads' unsealed and decent grip on a paddock, but it gets a bit awkward when you really go offroad and have any wheels off the ground.
A boat ramp isn't going to be kind to the clutch going slow, it really likes a bit of momentum.
Best towing vehicle I ever owned was the yellow 'Tonka' 80s model Nissan patrol.
Although a manual, it was a straight 6 diesel with a low range gearbox.
I could take my foot off the accelerator and the straight 6 could idle a heavy load up a steep incline with little to no effort.
Weight helps, and the little RX4s are light and a little top heavy.
Keeps reminding me of a 16.
Top heavy? Have a look at the size of their roll bars! Make a Bathurst Supercar's look anemic......
My experiences with Renaults go back to the late 50's, when my Mother would take us to Ocean Grove to spend the day at the beach from Geelong. I remember counting how many we had in the little Renault 4. Nine. Yes 8 kids(must have had one friend with us as our family was 7 kids) and Mum driving.
The next Renault was a Dauphine which I bought after gaining my license in Queensland. I removed the doors and fitted dual wheels on the back and this was used to go up the beach from Noosa to Double Island Point. I remember we had to tow my brother's Renault 4 that had the same "beach buggy" treatment for the remaining few miles before the high tide caught us out.
I'd so like to see a photo of that!
Or that:
passed the roadworthy with flying colours. The mechanic was quite impressed with it this morning."A very tidy car in good condition".
The engine number that we found (with your help) is the one we're going with so "crossed fingers".
It looks like my brother is going to take this car on. Well he has the boat!
So the appointment for the Scenic has been made.
I take on board all the comments on TOWING. I finished with my Landrovers selling the TD5 Discovery while I could still get $9500 for it. Dropping in at the Romsey "All British Automotive" occasionally, I'd see yet another Discovery TD5 up on the hoist getting an engine replacement. "Got rid of it". Also having owned the V8 County Landrover I know all about the Low Range transfer Case.
So this Scenic is a very differant experience and we are certainly aware of any problems forthcoming. So thanks again.
My experiences with Renaults go back to the late 50's, when my Mother would take us to Ocean Grove to spend the day at the beach from Geelong. I remember counting how many we had in the little Renault 4. Nine. Yes 8 kids(must have had one friend with us as our family was 7 kids) and Mum driving.
During winter with the Renault parked in the street, we'd remove the hessian bag, keeping the engine warm overnight, and Mum would clutch start it with us kids pushing.
The next Renault was a Dauphine which I bought after gaining my license in Queensland. I removed the doors and fitted dual wheels on the back and this was used to go up the beach from Noosa to Double Island Point. I remember we had to tow my brother's Renault 4 that had the same "beach buggy" treatment for the remaining few miles before the high tide caught us out.
So ofcourse I've been into Citroens for the last 30 years although the Vintage bug is slowly taking over.
I'm just getting my '64 id 19 Citroen prepared for a roadworthy, as I've swapped it with a restored 1923 Hupmobile.
Well you didn't want to hear all that!
A TOWBAR. That is where we are at now. I'll put in a request in the PARTS thread.
Michael
Is clunk the sound the piston makes when it collides with a valve (after the timing belt looses a few teeth or snaps)??It has been around a year since brother Hans was readying this Scenic for a roadworthy.
It has been a brilliant car ,,,,,,,,,,, ticking all the boxes. No problem at all. towing the boat and straight up the boat ramp with the "surefooted" traction.
Hans has been using the Scenic as a daily driver. Today we picked up a "freebie" twin, even the same colour. I have the battery on the charger but not having been cranked over for the last 2 years ......... "who knows."
We'll try to start it but the owner said there was "a clunk" and that was the end of it. "A clunk" ............ not much to go on
Michael
HiCould have a point there ! After charging the battery and turning the key, it started straight away and it drove around the yard. The engine sounds a bit like a diesel so your point about "slipping with the timing belt" might be something to act on.
Hans has got it booked in with his mechanic on Monday to check it out. He has a permit to do the half hour drive but I'm wondering if we should trailer it inste
Michael
I'm just looking now. I'll include our Renault in the early 1960's.Hi
Possible trailering it might be wise. The timing belt failure is legendry for that engine. Actually it is not the belt failing but the belt pulleys covering failure that starts the shit happening IMHO. Other wise remove the covers and look at them. Not much room though to look properly. Change the belt and pullies etc and it might be a good 'freebie' ! Use your permit to drive it home !
Jaahn
PS the story of you and your brother using the Rennos with duals on the sand as kids was here on AFs before but I cannot find it now. Can you publish it again ? Please !