Are these car issues linked or separate?

aliasojo

Renault Clio, 8 years old but is a second family car and only has 50k on the clock.

Had the feeling it hasn't been driving right for a wee while but couldn't really say specifically was what wrong.

Today, it was very noticeable that when the engine is just idling, it is not ticking over smoothly, it is 'chuggy', (can't think how else to describe it). Then driving home after a day out, it seemed to be like I was driving through mud, it wasn't as responsive, it was a lot slower to accelerate and and it sounded louder and rougher.

I wondered a) if my exhaust has blown and b) might the ticking over issue be linked or is that a seperate timing thing?

Obviously I'll be putting it in for repair asap but I have an appointment on Monday and need the car, IF it is the exhaust, will it matter if I drive it like this on one occasion?

Wee_Willy_Harris

Sounds like it's not firing on all cylinders. Is it petrol?

Hammyman

Is this a well maintained car, regularly serviced as it should, or one owned by someone who thinks a MOT is a service?

I think its due a cambelt if its not been replaced.

aliasojo

Yes it's petrol. It does get serviced but the last one was missed.

Wee_Willy_Harris

aliasojo wrote: »

Yes it's petrol. It does get serviced but the last one was missed.

Sight unseen, and from your "chuggy" description, I'd say it was firing on only 3 of its 4 cylinders. Could be.....

1. HT problem (Spark plug, HT lead, distributer cap).
2. Fuel (blocked injector)
3. Mechanical (valve seat, piston rings)

in that order.