Xantia V6 Smells of Petrol

Post by **DHallworth** » 29 Mar 2010, 00:14

Hello!

We've got a Series 1 V6 24v Xantia which seems to be using an immense amount of petrol.

When you are parking or going round a corner it smells really strongly of raw petrol.

I've had it up on the ramp in the workshop with it running and I can't find anything anywhere that appears to be dripping or anything.

Has anybody experienced this sort of thing before? I was wondering about replacing the fuel lines on it but thought I'd ask here.

David.

addo · Post by **addo** » 29 Mar 2010, 00:33

Look at the front edge of the OSR wheelarch where the fuel pipe goes into the tank.

Also pull up the rear seat and look at the tank pump/sender closure for signs of leakage.

Check your motor mounts and the junctures between hard line and rubber flex down low on the firewall - excessive engine movement may strain them.

Examine the infeed and return lines where they are mounted to the fuel rail or regulator.

Post by **CitroJim** » 29 Mar 2010, 09:43

Hi David,

I'd suggest rather than a leak, you are running a very rich mixture. V6s do smell very "petroley" when cold and running rich.

First ports of call would be manifold leaks. On the Mk1 there is a blanked-off spigot on the rear (RH) side of the inlet manifold. The blanking cap often perishes and lets in air. Basically, any air leaks will upset the mixture as the mixture is under MAP control. It might be an idea to check the connector to the MAP sensor (rear of inlet manifold LH side) is nicely home.

Do you have a Lexia or access to one? It would be good to check the coolant temperature sensor is not telling the ECU porkies and keeping the mixture too rich.

Post by **DHallworth** » 29 Mar 2010, 10:31

Hi Jim,

I've got a Lexia so I'll stick it on the car on Wednesday and see what I can find.

It's just the way that it smells worse after going round a corner or braking that made me think it was a leak.

I'm pretty sure it's got a vacuum leak now you mention it, the car has a habit of revving itself occasionally and it doesn't sound quite like it's running "right".

I'll have a good poke around and see what I can find when I'm next off work.

Thanks again!

David.

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 29 Mar 2010, 12:46

The blanking plug that Jim speaks of was perished on mine David. It came away in my hand when I had a pull at it....I just made a new one. It sounds like overfueling. I am getting over 30mpg on the long runs mate with this one........... unless I am Chastising Chavs

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 29 Mar 2010, 15:41

Smells of petrol when going around corners may come from spillage of petrol accumulated in the recess around the fuel pump.
The pump outlet may be split.

Post by **DHallworth** » 29 Mar 2010, 17:25

All good points!

I'll give it a good going over on Wednesday when I'm off.

Has anyone else noticed the petrol pin on theirs talks gibberish?

David.

nejati2010 · Post by **nejati2010** » 30 Mar 2010, 06:34

Hi,

I smell the same from my Citroen Xantia 2.0 (automatic) sometimes. How much is a normal consumption for these cars, so that I can check if mine is over-consuming or not. Can anyone tell please?

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 30 Mar 2010, 14:07

the petrol pin on theirs talks gibberish?

Yes, it does, and I ran out of petrol twice without warning.

@ nejati: Xantia 2.0i automatic with air conditioning on in city driving or crawling: nearly 10 l/100 km.

Post by **CitroJim** » 30 Mar 2010, 14:34

Clogzz wrote:
the petrol pin on theirs talks gibberish?
Yes, it does, and I ran out of petrol twice without warning.

Must say, in all the Xantiae I have owned over the years, none have had badly inaccurate fuel gauges. Mind you, in a V6 or an Activa the needle gets plenty of exercise so maybe that keeps it fit, a bit like Citarobics for fuel gauges...

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 30 Mar 2010, 15:46

The only fuel leak I've had on the V6 was from a split hose where it connects to the injector rail, might be worth a look there.

spider · Post by **spider** » 30 Mar 2010, 15:46

nejati2010 wrote:Hi,

I smell the same from my Citroen Xantia 2.0 (automatic) sometimes. How much is a normal consumption for these cars, so that I can check if mine is over-consuming or not. Can anyone tell please?

If your's is the 16v engine, the fuel pipes where they are around the timing belt (the plastic square joins) can leak here. There was a recall on some 406's actually for this from memory (same engine) although not many were effected, I think only a certain build code around 98.

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 30 Mar 2010, 17:03

Sorry DHallworth, don't know about V6 but answering to nejati2010's post.

nejati2010 wrote:I smell the same from my Citroen Xantia 2.0 (automatic) sometimes...

In mine, fuel pressure regulator hoses (on top of engine) leaked and
as a solution I replaced clips as seen in pic

Problem solved.

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Xantia V6 Smells of Petrol

Xantia V6 Smells of Petrol

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