Dacia Logan MCV LPG #3: Repairs, maintenance and improvements

After the car came back from the repair shop a few days later with a rather hefty bill, and the brakes were working again and the air conditioning was blowing cool air again, I first went in search of a second set of original rims or, better yet, complete wheels with winter or all-season tires. What is needed:

Bolt circle 4 x 100
185/65 R15 88T
5.5 J x 15 ET 43.0

After a quick search, I found what I was looking for less than 20 km away in the classified ads: a complete set of slightly older but well-profiled Yokohama all-season tires on original steel rims from exactly this Dacia model. The price was low (€120), so the deal was quickly closed.

I deflated the tires, masked everything off neatly, and, after lightly sanding the rims, painted them with several coats of “rim silver” acrylic paint from a spray can. I did the same with the summer tires on the car, so I now have two sets of freshly painted complete wheels, one with summer tires and one with all-season tires. The long-term plan is to wear out the summer tires and replace them with all-season tires as soon as the other all-season tires are also worn out.

The driver’s seat

Next, it got more difficult. I needed a replacement for the defective driver’s seat—but once again, classified ads were a huge help, albeit much further away (approx. 80 km). A driver’s seat was being offered there for a very reasonable €50, but unfortunately in a different fabric color. However, I wanted new seat covers anyway, so the color was acceptable at that price (the original seats were gray and made of fabric, the “new” ones are now black, made of fabric and imitation leather).

Clearing the maintenance backlog

To address all remaining maintenance issues, I researched what parts or tools were needed and ordered them from various online shops and on eBay.

After a few days, everything was ready, and I went through the list of defects piece by piece; everything was feasible.

Replacing the rear muffler would have been difficult without a lift, especially since it was welded on in addition to the usual clamps. I screwed a “diesel-look*” tailpipe onto it so that the rear apron would not melt any further – this now points downwards. I also cut out and deburred the melted area to make room for the tailpipe.

I ordered the worn-out central locking motors for the four doors directly from China on AliExpress*, as the price difference compared to local dealers was quite significant and the components were probably the same. Replacing them was a cramped affair and took quite some time.

I changed the engine* and transmission oil* on the lift, naturally with a new oil filter* and new copper sealing rings. The original oil drain plug for the engine and transmission is the same type, a typical Renault 8 mm square*. A compression test and cylinder head endoscopy revealed no abnormalities; everything looks good. The spark plugs were also replaced, of course, as it was a good opportunity to do so.

The key was quickly converted to a very inexpensive new housing* and is now presentable and fully functional again.

5W-40 motor oil, fully synthetic from Mannol

Adjust valve clearance

Adjusting the valve clearance was convenient, as the valve cover gasket was being replaced anyway. To do this, you first have to remove the air filter box and air filter, and then bend the existing hoses and cables out of the way a little. This gives you access to the valve cover, which is secured with 8 screws and can be loosened with a standard 8 mm ratchet socket.

To adjust it, you need a feeler gauge with the appropriate thickness* and something to turn the crankshaft. The following dimensions should be observed when the engine is cold:

Intake (rear): 0.10 to 0.15 mm
Exhaust (front): 0.25 to 0.30 mm

I chose the steel version from Elring with part number 773.700* as the new valve cover gasket. Although this is slightly more expensive than the original coated paper/rubber version, it should be able to withstand significantly more (especially thermally).

Improvements?

Finally, everything that needed repairing and servicing had been taken care of, and now it was time to expand on what was already there. I added the following items: