Renault Avantime Recomissioning Part 1

The process of getting a mates Renault Avantime V6 back up and running again.
As far as i know this car has not run for approximately 7 years, 1 of which it sat outside my shed waiting as i got through a 406 then 407 project.
The first steps mainly in this video concern getting the Avantime started and running. By the end of the video it was running and a nasty ticking sound was cured with an oil flush and new oil.
The next videos will cover the removal of the engine, dealing with the rust on removable parts such as the subframe, rear axle and radiator support bar. With the engine out the timing belt and rocker covers will be addressed.
If you have any tips or advice regarding working on these Avantimes that is more than welcome.
Part 2 of this video:
• Renault Avantime Disas...

[@garysmith2632]

I have an Avantime… had it for 7 years now. Dont expect it to drive like a sports car, though it is called a GT coupe. The V6 does go well, as does the 2 litre turbo, but its all about the experience. You sit high up in a very glassy vehicle, in leather trimmed luxury. The cars are very refined, and very relaxed. Its the sort of car that winds you down after a hectic day. It can cruise effortlessly all day, in total comfort. The front is particularly roomy and the enormous screen with dash pushed forward, just exaggerates the feel. I love the ridiculously mad styling, and the phrase “why bloody not”, often springs to mind when justifying the car. I totally understand the marmite temperament with the car, im just glad im one of the likers.

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

I would love to get a drive in one just to say i tried it. Did get a go in a Vel Satis one night, but also tried it back to back with a 607 and found the big pug miles better. The avantime though is a much different car to the vel satis, more espace than anything else so probably has a good waft factor. Sitting up high in a premium looking cabin (sticky trim that transfers colour to anything it touches) with all the glass open does have a certain je ne sais quoi. I love that about french cars they were not afraid to try something different. Unfortunately this avantime is a basket case, i have not yet edited a part 2 yet. However the engine came out and its full of sludge so would need to go to an engine rebuilders to be comprehensively washed out, the gearbox had no oil left in it, the suspension components are all in a bad state, and the rust is quite a lot worse the more you look at it. Easily could have cost thousands to put back on the road.

[@garysmith2632]

@@peugeotCitroen2CV thats a shame. If you decide to part it out, let the owners club know. Its parts can save another. A few members offer restorations on them.

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

@@garysmith2632 It does still have a raft of useable parts, i think he already has had an offer from another Avantime owner for it, but i will let him know.

[@opas2597]

Looking forward to P2.

[@RestorationBiker]

I have an Avantime. It too needs re-commissioning , so, your videos are a great help. I am a mechanic too, but it is so much easier to see what you will encounter once you start to take stuff off. The 'hidden' clips on the front indicators is just one great find that you have pointed out. Looking forward to watching the other videos in the series. This is exactly what I am hoping to do with mine. Should be a nice drive once completed. Thanks

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

Great to hear from another avantime owner. So far the engine is out, need to remove the intake manifold and do a compression test just to see if the head gaskets are ok, never know with it having sat for so long. A fairly interesting car to work on, even with a few of the captive nuts for the subframe spinning no expletives have been used in the direction of this car.

[@RestorationBiker]

@@peugeotCitroen2CV Hi, Yes, I was going to buy a Vel Satis. They were very cheap when I was looking, and then this Avantime came up very cheap (for an Avantime) So, I made the purchase with the express intention of doing a re-commission like you. This car has sat for many years apparently, but it does run. But, there must be a reason why they stopped using it. What I do not know. Lets hope it isn't something terminal. .The blower fans don't work?? Heard that can be a problem!! . Like you I am going to replace the fuel pump, alternator, starter, rad , timing belt kit etc. Plus any other bits that show their heads whilst I am working on it. It has a set of drilled discs front and rear, a stainless exhaust, and the underneath is superb. I have never driven one of these so, it should be good once it is completed. Have you published a video of the engine coming out yet?

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

@@RestorationBiker The vel satis is an interesting one, i drove one a mate had back to back with a 607, the vel satis was a bit crashy and didnt feel as comfortable inside as the big pug. Although it did look more quirky on the outside i think the 607 would be a better choice. To be honest i dont actually know how the avantime drives, but it will at the very least be unique sitting up so high with the windows and sunroof open. Not sure about the blower fans, the dash top on these i think lifts off which improves access to components below, a bit like the MK2 clio did, a huge job to change a radio display bulb but a doddle to fix one after an airbag went off. So far no video edited together of the engine coming out. I am busy with the day job and dont have a huge amount of time. Although i did get the engine and box split the other night, next step is to take the inlet manifold off and pull out the plugs to do a compression test, see if the engine is healthy inside.

[@Roberto_79]

Nice video… was looking for part 2 as my engine needs some work

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

Hi there, thanks for the comment I have the footage recorded, unfortunately the car was beyond repair. Although i do plan to edit it but its all on hold for a while as i went back to uni to do a masters. Might get a go at editing it around the Christmas break.

[@jamesleeharris]

I remember the avantime getting some flack on release , I really like them. Im sure your right and they are a nightmare but at least its not a bland modern suv. Keep up the great work. Love your vids.

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

The most important thing about the Avantime is it is one car that Clarkson, Hammond and May all like that makes it good in my book. Its been here in the yard for a year. Reactions have varied from it being the ugliest thing ever seen to sheer amazement and awe at its design. I think they are superb, the idea of a 2 door coupe people carrier with a V6 engine was Renault at its very best levels of madness. Remember they also had the Clio V6 and Vel Satis around the time of this. While i say nightmare to work on, your typical mechanic would simply dismiss it as french sh1te and tell the owner to scrap it. I will not try to say its a doddle to work on but then few transverse V6 cars are, compared to any other V6 its not that bad. The timing belt and rear rocker covers id say could be done in situ but its all coming out to properly deal with rust and inspect everything after the car has sat for this long. As something to work on for an hour or two after work its a pure pleasure, so far not one curse word has been uttered at this avantime yet.

[@zoidberg444]

Talk about a rare beast - I have only ever seen 1 or 2 of these in the flesh. Is it me or is this car to rusty for its age - either someone parked it by the sea or its last owner loved ragging it up and down Downhill before it got parked?

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

They are very rusty indeed, seen a couple at shows and one on the road. Not many sold. This one was quite rusty, dont think they are all that bad. The shell is galvanised so usually not too bad. However when the alternator seized on this one the owner parked it up in a field and left it for about 7 years. Over a gravel yard it wouldnt have been as bad but over grass a few years can cause rust to the floors. Rain getting in through the slightly open windows would have also added to the issues. I think the drivers side window was opened a crack and that rusted the sill from above as there was a puddle under the rear seat which probably worked its way down

[@Darren-DJL-1]

Is there a part 2 coming on this?

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

I have recorded the footage but have not got round to editing it yet. Spoiler... the rust on the sill was worse than initially imagined, the engine full of sludge inside and the gearbox devoid of any oil. It was not worth spending money on the car and it was sent back to the owner.

[@Darren-DJL-1]

@@peugeotCitroen2CV are you still uploading the rest of the footage? I'd still be interested in watching it even though it's not going back on the road

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

@@Darren-DJL-1 I do plan to get round to it as it will still hopefully be of any use to someone that needs to take the engine or gearbox out of an avantime or mk2 espace. I like to cater to those niche markets haha. Just getting time to do it after work is a hassle, then i just started a masters last week so it's going to take some time. Although the footage is all in reserve to get edited.

[@SzwarcuKX5]

Keep the mirrors, they are worth a little fortune :v

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

Mirrors, and the back lights especially i belive are the big ticket items. Apparently the headlights are the same as those fitted to phase 2 safranes although i dont think they are particularly common either haha.

[@Kubu250]

Hi. how did you deal with the rust and rotten sills? are there any photos of the office? the same awaits me

[@peugeotCitroen2CV]

There is a part 2 to this video Unfortunately the rust was too severe to deal with, the car was beyond economical repair so it went back to the owner.