182 question

[GarryM]

Recently bought a 182 - great little car! Something is puzzling me and wondered if any other owners have noticed the same. There is a bit of a kick at 5500 revs and at this point I get a rear screen full of steam from the exhausts. It happens in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (not tried in 5th! ) so it's not speed related. I know the weather at the moment produces more steam than on warmer days and the shape of the car makes the air swirl around the rear window. Anyone else notice this - or is just me, in which case what sort of problem could it be? The car has been fully warmed up and feels fine.

[jhlcr]

they all do it mate!my 172 did,but more with the 182, been mentioned on clio sport forum. who knows why its french

[Fishy Dave]

If the 182 has a stainless exhaust these are more likely to produce steam. Also, is it definately steam? Clios do seem prone to thermostat problems (mine had this last month), and this causes occasional puffs of smoke from a rich mixture when under full throttle. Higher fuel consumption and fluctuating temp gauge gave it away for me.

Good luck

[Polarbert]

I had it once and got a little worried, but didn't seem to be anything wrong with it, although it was really cold so that may have contributed.


The 5500rpm feeling is when the cam changes profile. Or something like that anyway.

[GarryM]

Thanks guys. I couldn't really believe there was anything wrong with it but it's still a bit of a relief to hear mine's not the only one!

It is steam, not smoke. Once or twice I've had droplets of water thrown up onto the rear screen. I have had a look at the exhaust and there is a lip around the edge where water collects. I'm surprised this doesn't evaporate after a short time but I guess it doesn't on very cold days - and then when the engine comes on cam perhaps the exhaust pressure spits it out?

[egomeister]

I think its a case of "They all do that sir"

The 182 exhaust system is quite complex (2 tailpipes, silencers etc) so I think this gives a lot of scope for condensation to collect within the system which takes a long while to come out (even after the engine is warm)

I think this is also why the 182 system doesn't last very long (lots of water to corrode) - I'll be replacing mine with a stainless system when the time comes!

[Polarbert]

Same here, I would buy a Haward and Scott tomorrow if I had the money!