new member, new to citroen, need help!

pete the bus · Post by **pete the bus** » 09 Jun 2007, 13:18

Aaarrrggghhhh!!!!!
Its all gone pete tong!
I thought i had sorted the PR problem, but i now find that, although the leak from the end cup has stopped, it now leaks from the pipe connections on the top of the unit, but only when the engine is stopped ( when running, there is no leak at all!). I have used new seals, coated in LHM before assembly. Is it possible I may have overtightened the unions?
I did do them up very tightly!
Peter

Stewart(oily) · Post by **Stewart(oily)** » 09 Jun 2007, 13:40

They dont need to be tight at all, just nip them up

you may have damaged the seals. good job theyre cheap

Stewart

pete the bus · Post by **pete the bus** » 09 Jun 2007, 13:58

Thanks Stewart.
I bought an extra set of seals just in case !!!
I will have another go and this time I will be more careful!
Peter

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jun 2007, 17:36

It's one of those things where what you would naturally think and what happens is totally at odds. It seems totally right and logical that a pipe carrying some 170 bars of pressure needs to be tight.

In fact, how the seals work is they expand under the pressure of the LHM and thus seal very tightly. The higher the pressure, the more better they seal. You have seen this happening when they leak when the engine is stopped but seal when it is running.

Sphere seals work in the same way.

It's a bit like plumbing and compression fittings. Nip them up lightly and if they leak, nip 'em up a little more.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 09 Jun 2007, 19:19

I agree entirely with what's been said. The correct torque figures are probably below what a normal torque wrench will read - but are in fact the sort of figure you would achieve with a normal length open-ended spanner at a comfortable tightness (ie no danger of it slipping)

A couple of points - its very important that the pipe goes straight into the hole and is not strained or tipped over at an angle and pipes can crack if they are not properly secured. If they crack you get drips at first - then the deluge.

New pipes from Citroen generally aren't expensive and are beautifully bent to fit - they really are a work of art!

Quackers · Post by **Quackers** » 10 Jun 2007, 00:44

pete the bus wrote: But despite all this...I LIKE THE CAR!!!

Try the Activa model Xantia

Now that is a love hate relationship! But handles like no other car on earth, o god its orgasmic when it corners......

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 10 Jun 2007, 11:17

Quackers wrote:
pete the bus wrote: But despite all this...I LIKE THE CAR!!!
Try the Activa model Xantia Now that is a love hate relationship! But handles like no other car on earth, o god its orgasmic when it corners......

I wondered why you were making those noises on the way to Northampton yesterday Jim!

Post by **CitroJim** » 10 Jun 2007, 13:07

Xac wrote:
Quackers wrote:
pete the bus wrote: But despite all this...I LIKE THE CAR!!!
Try the Activa model Xantia Now that is a love hate relationship! But handles like no other car on earth, o god its orgasmic when it corners......
I wondered why you were making those noises on the way to Northampton yesterday!

Quackers, you never made a truer statement about Activas and a love-hate relationship

It's all worth it though!

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 10 Jun 2007, 13:52

Hi Pete,
When you was refitting the pressure pipes, did you check the there was no seals left in the part where the pipes go in?
Its easily done and would even tighten up as though the new seals were ok.

pete the bus · Post by **pete the bus** » 10 Jun 2007, 20:03

I have'nt been able to do anything with the car this weekend, as I've been partying

.
I did remove the old seals and cleaned the 2nd hand PR thoroughly before fitting. Hopefully it's a case of overtightening and can be easily rectified. Will have a look tomorrow.
One new thing to add to the list of problems

- its now developed an oil leak. Haven't had chance to find out where from - (possibly the rocker cover. Is this a common problem?)
Peter

Stewart(oily) · Post by **Stewart(oily)** » 10 Jun 2007, 20:23

Rocker covers are common, sometimes tightening the bolts helps otherwise its a new gasket too.
Stewart

pete the bus · Post by **pete the bus** » 12 Jun 2007, 15:29

UPDATE:

Re-seated pipes and seals on the PR. No more leaks, engine running or not-running

Put it in for an MOT - and PASSED

3 advisorys though - steering column top bearing slightly worn
offside front (rack knuckle) ball joint has slight play
oil leak
Not too bad!

2 things to do 1st though, 1. new anti-sink sphere
2. Adjust the clutch ( there is no play whatsoever, and occasionally it slips slightly. I am hoping it is out of adjustment, and not the clutch wearing!. Any help on how to adjust the clutch, as I cant see any adjusting points under the bonnet!)
Peter

Post by **RichardW** » 12 Jun 2007, 16:17

A '98 car should have a self adjusting clutch cable. Try pushing it to the floor then letting it bang up - this may wake up the adjuster. However, the TD uses a pull clutch, and as it wears the bite point comes up. I suspect that you will find that the clutch is worn out

pete the bus · Post by **pete the bus** » 12 Jun 2007, 16:53

Thanks for that, Richard.
I will have a go at "wakin up" the adjuster like you suggest. Otherwise, it's gonna have to be a case of driving like a granny for the next few months until I can afford to get the clutch done

Peter

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new member, new to citroen, need help!

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