Clio 197 - Preventative Maintenance

Clio 197 - Preventative Maintenance

Author
Discussion

chrisp84

Original Poster:

408 posts

212 months

Monday 30th May 2022
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Bought a 197 a month ago and I’m loving it! Come from an E53 and it’s so much more fun.

Everything works (well, the drivers side door is hanging a bit low) and it’s a good runner but it’s at 120000 miles with no real history and want the keep it this way.

It’s a bit jerky for the first 20 seconds driving and has a bit of a whiney sound on tick over so wondered what to do first.

Also any places near Peterborough with a good reputation for these Clios? Thanks!

Zarco

17,702 posts

208 months

Thursday 2nd June 2022
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Think the whiney sound and being a bit rough from cold are normal for these engines. My 172, 182, and Megane 275 were/are the same.

Worth finding a specialist for maintenance though.

PH.sausages

64 posts

95 months

Saturday 4th June 2022
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I've been driving a 200 for the last 7 years which is almost identical to your 197.

Powerflex lower engine mount and dog bone mount are worth installing, will reduce the engine rocking in 1st & 2nd which eventually ruins the manifold flexis.

Engine will be sluggish & jerky untill up to temperature, they all do this so nothing to worry about there.

I'd recommend checking the wiper jets aren't leaking. Common issue and leaks right onto the ignition coil for cylinder 1. Happened to me which causes a slight miss fire.

Hub carrier ball joints don't last that long, probably had a couple of sets to get to that mileage already. Not too bad to replace though.

Few other minor things may pop up, but generally speaking if you've found one with a working gearbox I doubt you'll have any major issues. These engines are very reliable and are pretty robust if looked after.

Hope you enjoy it.

chrisp84

Original Poster:

408 posts

212 months

Saturday 30th July 2022
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Cheers guys. Good o know the whine and jerky/sluggishness when cold is normal.

It needs a service as I’ve no idea when it was last done but it’s running ok for now. Only doing 30-40 miles a week in it at the moment so it’s not getting heavy use but plays on my mind. Struggling to find the money for that tho so going to have to trust in it….annoys me as I like to know I’m looking after my cars usually!

Martyn76

616 posts

116 months

Friday 5th August 2022
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The Cliosport.net forum might be a good place to try, had a 182 from new many (, many) years ago and it was a a great place for info and help, not sure what state it is now though.

chrisp84

Original Poster:

408 posts

212 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Got a bit of money to spend on the car so will look at the Clio forums for somewhere to take it. Thanks