Engine:
OHV Engine, OHC Engine, Engine Electrics
Powertrain:
Clutch & Gearbox, Automatic Transmission
Chassis:
Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes
Electrical:
Engine Electrics, General Electrics
Bodywork:
Body & Fittings, Accessories
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and heater matrix.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor(s), and air filter assembly.
Steering:
Steering column, steering rack/box, tie rods, and power steering (if equipped).
Front Suspension:
Wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, and anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension:
Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and associated bushings.
Brakes:
Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and handbrake mechanism.
General Electrics:
Lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), dashboard instruments, wipers, horn, starter motor, alternator, battery, and fuse box.
Body And Fittings:
Door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, trim, seats, and interior panels.
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance, Service Schedule, Tune-up
Diagnosis And Repair:
Troubleshooting, Component Repair, System Overhaul
Compliance:
Pass the MOT (Vehicle Inspection)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, ignition system diagnostics, fuel system adjustments, and electrical circuit tracing.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Rebuild Procedures:
Includes detailed instructions for engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and suspension component replacements.
Diagnostic Charts:
Likely includes diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting tables.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for various vehicle configurations.
Engine Types Covered:
Renault's OHV (Overhead Valve) and OHC (Overhead Camshaft) petrol engines, commonly the "Douvrin" series.
Engine Block Material:
Typically cast iron.
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum alloy for OHC engines, cast iron for OHV engines.
Engine Displacements Typical:
1.3L (1289cc), 1.4L (1397cc), 1.6L (1565cc), 2.0L (1995cc), often in naturally aspirated configurations.
Carburetion:
Primarily single or twin-barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Solex, Weber).
Injection Systems:
Likely limited to basic mechanical fuel injection on higher-specification models.
Body Styles:
Saloon (Sedan), Estate (Station Wagon), GTX variants, Convertible (Coachbuilt).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2580 mm.
Track Width:
Refer to manual for specific front/rear track dimensions.
Wheel Size:
Typically 13-inch or 14-inch wheels.
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 165 SR 13, 175/70 SR 13, 185/65 HR 14 depending on model and trim.
Bolt Pattern:
Typically 4x130 mm.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 950 - 1100 kg, depending on body style and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Refer to specific model variants within the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specification).
Tune Up Schedule:
Periodic checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, carburetor settings, and fluid levels as detailed in the service schedule.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50) and API service classification. Likely API SF or SG era oils.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture. Manual will specify correct ratio and type (e.g., green or orange).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent.
Rust Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in lower body sections, wheel arches, and sills.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors may require periodic cleaning and adjustment due to age and potential fuel contamination.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring loom degradation and connector issues can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers may exhibit wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
Renault History:
Renault, a historic French automotive manufacturer with a long tradition of innovation and practical vehicle design.
Renault 18 Development:
Developed as a successor to the Renault 12, the R18 introduced front-wheel drive (in most variants) and a more modern European styling, competing in the family car segment.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France, but also produced under license in other countries like Romania (Dacia) and Argentina.
Production Period:
1978 - 1986 (with initial models covered by this manual).
