Renault Clio Cambelt Failure

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Sun 4 Mar 2007 12:48
Renault Clio Cambelt Failure - BobC
Can anyone advise how much damage is normally caused when the cambelt fails on an N reg Clio Oasis (1171cc engine (DA01243))? I understand that it was running at approximately 2000 rpm when the failure occured. I assume that it is an interferance engine and the valves will have been bent - is this correct? I have tried searching the site but have not found specific information for this engine. All replies gratefully received!
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Sun 4 Mar 2007 13:53
Renault Clio Cambelt Failure - Rattle
The only well to tell is to get that rocker cover off but bent valves will be very likely. I would imagine if its an 8 valve single cam engine it won't be too much of a major job but with the new belts and pulleys and the top end rebuild its not going to be cheap. Unless you are attached to the car or can get the work done yourself or cheaply it might not be worth it.

Happened to my mums friends Escort, the car needed every valve replaced and it was a twin cam engine - ouch.
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Sun 4 Mar 2007 17:42
Renault Clio Cambelt Failure - Talking Hoarse
Sorry to hear this BobC. Same happened to my shed (Clio Oasis 1171cc) 3 years ago at about 40k, just pulling away at a junction so probably doing less revs.
I put a belt on, but had bent 6 valves, so head had to come off for all that. I reckon that I am a reasonably competant DIYer, having done similar fixes in past on XR3i's etc. But I found this to be a truly horrible, fiddly job! Maybe I am older now. And Mr Haynes seemed of little help at the time.
Its all do-able, but I had access probs with the cam belt covers (shoved the engine across the bay to get bolts out), couldnt get the inlet manifold off until the head was off. etc etc. Then Renault use a mix up of hex and torx headed bolts bless them.
Having said that, my friends Andrew Page & Eurocarparts between them had all the bits in stock (incl valves) at the time, and with a head overhaul & lots of compression, a new water pump (whilst in there) the car got a new lease of life, still goes well now. And I WILL make sure I change the belt this year!
However I still havent worked out how to adjust the alternator drive belt single handedly!
Good luck.
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Sun 4 Mar 2007 20:20
Renault Clio Cambelt Failure - BobC
Many thanks for your helpful comments. The car belongs to a friend and is stranded at his house, so I have not seen what the access around the engine is like - I was hoping that, being a fairly basic model, the engine bay would not be too cluttered. I am hoping to help him fix it and it is good to hear the experiences others have had (TH - I'm pleased to hear your repairs have given you another 3 years use of the car).
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Sun 4 Mar 2007 21:42
Renault Clio Cambelt Failure - bathtub tom
I knew I'd seen it somewhere on the forum.
Here's a list of engines, interference and non-interference.
Perhaps the moderators could provide a link somewhere, as it's a question that seems to recur.
www.familycar.com/CarCare/GatesFrame.htm
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