UK Car Repair: renault clio possible large air leak in inlet manifold, renault clio 1, inlet manifold


Question
Hi,

I hope you can help me. I've just had to take my renault clio 1.4RT (1999 built) into the garage for repair, as the engine was over-revving at idle and also the revs would oscillate from about 1500-2000 rpm at idle. I thought maybe it could be a problem with the autochoke or maybe the fuel injection sytem. However, the mechanic has just got back to me and said that there is likely a large hole leaking air into the inlet manifold where it joins the cylinder, alternatively he believes it could be a blown gasket. Now I know very little about car engine repairs (if it was a computer it would be much easier for me) I was wondering if the sounds like a likely scenario and also what does an inlet manifold do?
If you know of any good links on the web that can teach me about car components, that would be great.

Thanks for any help you can give.

yours

Neil Gregory

Answer
The inlet or intake manifold is the connection between the cylinder head and the injection system. I agree with your mechanics findings, it probably is a vacumn leak in that area,as long as the mechanic has ruled out the low idle valve or solonoid. Your local library has many good books on car repair and components. Len.