Hi,
Further to my earlier posts, I've ironed out some of the factory fitted design flaws on my recently aquired 1999 Laguna RT dTI eg seized bonnet catches, snapped exhaust hangers, leaking door membranes etc etc
So now its back to the engine....
The only TDI I can closely compare my Laguna with is an Audi 80-TDI 90bhp which I ran for 3 yrs problem free. Despite its 256000 miles, the Audi always started instantly and returned a consistant 51 mpg just like the figures on the Parkers guide. It wasn't a quick car, but it never consumed oil or smoked etc..but maybe it was a little bit rattly especially when cold
In comparison, the Renault F9Q engine has done 134000, it seems quiet ( well ..not rattly ), it doesn't smoke. Its too early to tell if it sups oil, but it isn't a good starter and its only returning 46.5mpg....plus it doesn't feel particulary quick for 100BHP. It is supposed to be 2 secs quicker 0-60 than the Audi, but feels slower and flat especially when cold.
Starting: It has had a new battery the day I bought it in December, but even considering this ( and its since had a full service with air&fuel filter change plus 2 doses of injector cleaner in the tank) it is a cow to start especially when the ambient is less than say 5°C. It needs to be cranked for
10-15 seconds, then let the glowplugs have a second or even third go before it fires up. I didn't think the glowplugs were knacked, because when it does start it isn't lumpy/misfiring/smokey etc, just flat.MPG : Using the Parkers website guide for reference, the A80-TDI averages
51mpg which is precisely what mine consistantly did. Sometimes I reached 680miles on a 60ltr tank, usually managed 630miles for about 55ltrs of diesel. The 1.9dTI is listed on Parkers as 50mpg ( although I'm sure I've seen 51.4mpg in other literature elsewhere). This moring I needed to refuel and I put 57 ltrs in the Laguna for 583 miles, which equates to only 46.5mpg. I'm a bit miffed if this is all it can do, because I could of had my pick of Pug 406'std TDs but opted for a direct injection diesel to maintain 50+ mpgPower : I've had a play in a 2001 Mondeo TdCI and a 130PD Passat and they feel like rockets. I didn't expect this Laguna to be a dragster, but similarly I hoped it would accelerate quite nippy. To be honest it feels quite lathargic. As mentioned above it is very flat when cold and doesn't get much better. There is no instant turbo surge, more like a 2 second time delay from pressing the accelerator to getting some limited action. When it does accelerate, it doesn't feel smooth, it does vibrate more than the Audi ever did.
In consideration of the above, I'd like to receive Renault F9Q driver's views on what MPG they get, plus anybody elses thoughts on whether my car is nursing a problem, such as fuel delivery , air intake probs ( MAF failing or turbo pipes leaking ), or exhaust/cat probs.
Does anybody know any diesel tuning specialists in or around the Manchaester
Also, has anybody any knowledge of whether these engines can have their ECU's sucessfully remapped for eg 30bhp gains ? i.e I can suffer 46.5mpg if i can outdrag a 130PD Passat, but want 50+mpg if I have to get used to the power it currently offers.
Thx