idle / cutting out problem

[Davy.t]

Hi Guys,
Renault Clio 1.2 16v 2001 51 plate.
Car has been running really well untill today.
Tried to pull out of a parking space and the engine started to rev up and down on it's own and then died.
Started it up again and again it began to rev up and down on it's own.
After trying several times it then started ok and drove home without anymore problems.
No idea what caused it so any help would be welcomed.
Thanks
Just remembered that the temp gauge has been a bit erratic lately but no loss of water and temp has not gone above half way on gauge (has tended to drop rather than go up. The engine management light comes on when the revving happens.

 

[hooverphonique]

if you look 7 threads below this one, you will find this ...

 

[Davy.t]

oops !!

Thanks Hooverphonique i missed that post Nice post by Chris ta very much,will give it a go this weekend .

 

[Davy.t]

Friday 13th !!!!!!!

:cry:Well i was going to the tb clean out as detailed in the post by Chris H but Friday 13th got to me first !!!!!
It looks like the head gasket has gone!
The toxic light is flashing and water level has gone down in the expansion bottle along with the lovely mayo in the oil filler cap !!!
Can anyone tell me if these heads are prone to warping or can i get away without having the head skimmed ? I know i will only find the extent of the damage when i take the head off but need to sort it out as soon as poss and don't want to have to send the head off if i can help it.

Cheers Dave

 

[Chris H]

usually ok, I have done a fair few of them and they just need a good clean up then a new gasket.

The gasket usually rots rather than damage from blow by.

 

[Davy.t]

Thanks Chris,i will start stripping it down tomorrow and let you know how it goes.I got the car for the mrs to use as a run around £450 but needed a clutch as it was knackered so was hoping we had got a bargain lol.
It is in really good nick all round and is lovely to drive.The electric power steering is much lighter than the belt driven unit on my Y reg 1.4 8v Clio and makes it a doddle to drive around town.
Cheers
/SIZE]