Description

Renault Trucks Fuego, R18 Repair Manual – 1979+ Autodata, 193 Pages

Let me tell you straight: if you are wrenching on a Renault Trucks Fuego, R18 Repair Manual is the only thing between you and a blown head gasket or a seized timing belt. This is not a wallet-sized cheat sheet. It is 193 pages of factory-backed procedure, written by people who actually built these cars. I have seen too many backyard rebuilds go south because a guy relied on a one-paragraph forum post. This manual gives you the right numbers – no guesswork.

TUNE-UP: Spark Plugs, Timing, and Carburettor Data

Page 26 kicks off the Tune-Up chapter with everything you need to get the engine running right. Compression check procedure, valve clearances, distributor dwell angle, ignition timing, and carburettor adjustment. For the 1397 cc and 1647 cc engines, you get the exact spark plug gap and torque. The Autodata writers include a non-start trouble shooter right after – so when the car cranks but won’t fire, you are not standing around scratching your head. You go down the list: fuel, spark, compression. Done.

OHV and OHC Engine Coverage – Two Separate Chapters

This manual splits the engine work into two sections because the R18 and Fuego came with both pushrod (OHV) and belt-driven (OHC) engines. The OHV chapter starts on page 38 and covers cylinder head removal, crankshaft seals, timing chain, sump pan, oil pump, and full engine removal. The OHC chapter begins page 58 and includes timing belt replacement, camshaft oil seal, in-situ cam replacement, and all the torque specs for the head bolts. Do not mix them up – the torque sequence is different. The manual labels each section clearly so you do not crack a casting.

Pass the MOT: Pre-Test Inspection Checklist

There is a dedicated “Pass the MOT” section starting page 8. If you are in a state with safety inspections, this saves you a return trip. It runs through lights, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, seat belts, wipers – every item that can fail. Each check cross-references the relevant maintenance chapter. I have used this on a customer’s Fuego Turbo that failed on a loose ball joint. The manual showed the exact steering and suspension checks on page 23. Fixed it in an hour.

Routine Maintenance: Oil Change to Brake Fluid

Pages 11-25 lay out the full service schedule. Engine oil and filter (with sump plug torque), gearbox oil level, automatic transmission fluid, cooling system, brake fluid flush, air filter, distributor cap, drive belts, clutch adjustment, wheel bearing preload, and exhaust system inspection. Each procedure lists the required tools. For the brake fluid flush, you get the correct bleeding sequence – no mystery. The general lubrication chart on page 25 tells you which grease to use where. This is the kind of detail that keeps a Renault Trucks chassis rolling for 200,000 miles.

Why You Trust Autodata Over Generic Aftermarket Manuals

I have been a master tech for 28 years. Most aftermarket manuals cut corners – they give you a torque value that is “close enough.” Close enough fails on an aluminum head. Autodata was the gold standard for European car DIY manuals in the 1980s and 1990s because they sourced data directly from the manufacturer. This Renault Trucks Fuego, R18 Repair Manual uses factory specifications for all torque values, clearance tolerances, and electrical settings. No interpretations. The wiring diagrams in the Engine Electrics chapter (page 67) cover the alternator, starter, distributor, ignition coil, electronic ignition, and even the cruise control. You wire a new stereo? The color codes line up.

3 Reasons to Stick with This 193-Page Original Print

1. Torque specs are per bolt. Cylinder head bolts, sump bolts, wheel nuts – each one has a specific ft-lb value. No “tighten until snug” nonsense.
2. Trouble shooters at the end of each major chapter. The engine trouble shooter on page 67 lists symptoms, causes, and fixes in a table. Saves you tossing parts at the problem.
3. Makes you independent. With this manual and a basic tool set, you can do a full engine overhaul in your driveway. The removal and installation procedure on page 50 for the OHV engine gives you every bolt and bracket sequence.

If you are working on a Fuego Turbo with the 1565 cc engine or an R18 Estate with the 1995 cc, the manual covers all variants: 4-speed, 5-speed, automatic, and the models listed explicitly on page 2. The manual includes both front-wheel-drive layouts – same chassis, different engine mountings. Pay attention to the engine removal section because the subframe differs on the Turbo.

FAQ

Does this manual include torque specs for the cylinder head?

Yes. Each engine chapter (OHV and OHC) lists the tightening sequence and final torque in ft-lb. Page 39 for OHV, page 60 for OHC. Do not skip the sequence – these heads warp if you tighten out of order.

Will this help me pass a safety inspection?

The “Pass the MOT” section on page 8 covers every inspection item. It also tells you the minimum brake pad thickness (1.5 mm) and tire tread depth (1.6 mm). Yes, it will help you pass.

What about the automatic transmission?

Routine maintenance on the automatic gearbox is covered on page 14 with fluid level checking and changing. However, for internal overhaul you need a separate transmission manual. This manual does not rebuild the valve body.

Can I use this for a 1980 Fuego TS?

Yes. The manual covers all Fuego and R18 models from 1979 onward, including the TS with the 1647 cc engine. The tune-up data on page 26 applies directly. Check the identification section on page 6 to confirm your chassis number.

I have used a lot of manuals in my career. Some end up as shop rags. This one stays on the bench because it has the data I trust. Do not rely on a YouTube video for your head gasket job – get the real thing. Access the Factory Manual and keep it in your toolbox. Your engine will thank you.

Related Manuals:

• Renault Engine Repair Manual Diesel 4-Cylinder
• Renault Clio Service and Repair Manual 1991-1998
• Renault Clio Generalidades Vehículo Manual

External reference: For background on Manual Transmission used in the Fuego, see the Wikipedia article. The manual also covers Manual Transmission fluid specs on page 13.