BX fuel pipes

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JimW
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BX fuel pipes

Post by JimW »

I'm just about to replace the 2 steel fuel pipes on the BX, as the old ones are getting quite rusty.
Peering up into the gap at the front of the fuel tank, I can see the 2 flexible pipes and the pipe clips (for securing onto the steel pipes), which are just a bit too far "up" to get at.
Once the steel pipes are otherwise free, will there be enough play (or flex) in the flexible pipes for me to access the clips?
Or do I have to drop the fuel tank?
The parts man at my local Citroën dealer reckons that they used to sell a lot of (one of) these pipes - for the Diesels, apparently - so I'm hopeful that someone on here has been there before.
Also - the new pipes have that dull grey look about them - is it likely that they are galvanised (Zinc plated) ?
Thanks in advance for any pointers,
Jim.
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AndersDK
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Post by AndersDK »

Under the rear seat you have 2 large circular plastic caps. The right most hide the flexible hose connections.
Using some 1m long thread to hold the pipes then remove pipes from studs - and withdraw the the steel pipes with hoses from underneath.
Swap hoses to your new piping - then draw home the hoses with the thread as you need.
The new pipes are simply clipped into place.
The grey finish is zink - as the old pipes had.
oilyspanner
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Post by oilyspanner »

The best bet might be to replace the rubber bits from the tank to the new steel while you are at it, to get to them lift the rear seat squab and remove the black plastic disc, under there you will see the top ends of the rubber lines, they are both different diameters, get new fuel line rubber and feed it through, if you allow a bit of extra length it should be easy to attach to the steel before locating them beside the tank[:)] it will save trouble later too
Stewart
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Post by tonespeed1999 »

ive fitted loads of fuel pipes to petrol and diesel models.never had to remove the fuel tank or the rubber pipes.
all you need is a good pair of long pointed nose pliers to grip the rubber fuel pipes. abit tricky, but can be done!
citronut
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Post by citronut »

hi i have changed quite a few metal pipes on bxs lift plastic lid under rear seat disconect both rubber lines tie thin soft wire to each of them then from under car ease them down enough so you can fit new pipes i have never had problem this way best of luck malcolm
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by BX_1990 »

Sorry to resurrect this post after a ridiculous amount of time, but I have a similar issue:

Due to the introduction of E10 petrol, I am about to swap the rubber fuel hoses to Gates Barricade hose on my BX St. Tropez, but whilst I am doing this it might be a good opportunity to sort out the rusty metal fuel pipes - I thought of dropping them down and sanding them (they aren't leaking at the moment!) and then painting them before putting them back on the car. I am also curious to see the idea of using 1m long thread to "hold" the pipes - what is the reason for this?

Firstly - will my sanding and painting idea work?
Secondly - I have been told that hammerite paint is not very good for the job and that maybe stone chip paint would be better - can anyone recommend a good solution please - maybe zinc primer?
Thirdly - my reason for replacing the hoses (E10 fuel) - does anyone know if there are kits (or DIY ways) to replace gaskets and other components in the carburettor and fuel pump to make them safe for use with E10 (or higher) ethanol-containing petrol?

Many thanks,
John
Last edited by BX_1990 on 25 Nov 2021, 11:55, edited 1 time in total.
Stewart(oily)
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by Stewart(oily) »

Quite a blast from the past seeing my old post there, I found that my local caravan shop sold copper gas pipe at the diameters suitable for the pipes, this can be hand formed and will last forever, the idea of attatching string as you pull the old rubber pipes through is to make pulling the new stuff in easier, otherwise you are trying to make a rubber pipe bend 90 degrees in a space you cannot access or see. Your existing steel pipes might not survive sanding without getting a pinhole somewhere.
BXs since 1993 built 1.9 TZD turbo, got a S2 Xantia estate, brilliant car! 2013, Xantia HDI LX 110 2000 new car with 122,000, l C2 HDI Rusty rocket, C3 Picasso HDI new to me.
BX_1990
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by BX_1990 »

Thanks for the copper pipe tip, Stewart - did you use a handheld pipe bending tool, or just bend them using your hands?
thorter
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by thorter »

I vaguely remember using standard plumbing microbore copper pipe for this. Feed pipe 10mm and return 8mm. It is soft and comes as a coil, is easilty formed though might need a bending guide for a tight bend.

T
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white exec
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by white exec »

One of those hand-held bending tools will avoid kinking or flattening the pipe.
Chris
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by moizeau »

Completely agree Chris, especially as there's not that much copper in copper pipe compared to 30 ago
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BX_1990
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by BX_1990 »

Have managed to find some genuine Citroen zinc plated pipes for £30 the pair - just got a long drive to pick them up!
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white exec
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1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
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Re: BX fuel pipes

Post by white exec »

Make sure they get waxed, after fitting.
Chris
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