TU3 Lifespan - Comments or Opinions Invited

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addo
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TU3 Lifespan - Comments or Opinions Invited

Post by addo »

Asking because I have seen two in a fortnight present with oil in the water. One at 200K kilometres (~120K miles) the other at 385K (approx 235K miles).

Do the gaskets fail, or does the head corrode away at the gasket interface?
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Re: TU3 Lifespan - Comments or Opinions Invited

Post by spider »

I'd suggest the gasket fails due to lack of coolant changes ie rust as a first thought. The longer extended service intervals do no assist in its longevity either I'd suspect.

*new* coolant is "for life" now no ? , whereas before it was changed every 36K or every 72K at most if I remember correctly.

I was told the older E8 coolant (No longer available?, Citroen number probably slightly different) the green stuff was more likely to cause problems however I generally found it better than the newer 'red' and used the green where possible...

Having said that, on a petrol TU unit I would of expected some oil on that "shelf" so to speak on the block for a few thousand miles ( months? :D ) before it turned to an oil / water mix so I guess the warning signs were there for a long time ? :-k

Just my quick thoughts, nothing more. :)
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Re: TU3 Lifespan - Comments or Opinions Invited

Post by RichardW »

1.4 TU leaks oil into the water for fun. You can change the head gasket, and it will be back after only a few k miles :lol:
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Post by addo »

Good info chaps, thanks.

I'd love to see an Mi16 motor in there, replacing the TU lump...
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