It just got worse!

cliftyhanger · Post by **cliftyhanger** » 18 Sep 2004, 20:06

A more thorough inspection has shown some potentially nasty problems with my 98R Xantia TD. Once running (a bit lumpy) it seems to be smoking from the exhaust all the time, and worse still, puffing out the oil filler if I take it off[:(]. This seems to be piston ring troubles at a guess, but could it be anything else? The helpful bloke at the local citroen specialist had a look, sucked his teeth and shook his head, looked at the air filter and reckoned the car was also overfuelling, so I have put a new air filter, fuel filter and chucked a couple of bottles of trade "We're not supposed to sell you this" injector cleaner. He also whittered something about a bit of wear in the pump spindle bush, could this make it worse?
All in all I reckon this could be a bit heavy on the wallet!

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 18 Sep 2004, 21:10

What mileage? Has it had the head for any reason? Have the injectors been changed at all?
The 'puffing' at the filler - does this feel as if there is some pressure there when you put your hand across the top? Won't be very much because of the breather/ventilation system anyway.

cliftyhanger · Post by **cliftyhanger** » 18 Sep 2004, 21:55

No engine work besides clutch since bought at 65000, currently 100,000 so barely run in really, the mechanic thought it was early for the engine to expire (if it has). The puffing has a little pressure, and is certainly not normal. Forgot to mention, the missus[:X] had to put oil in it earlier this week, the first time ever between oil changes[:(][:(].
carrying on the theme, any ideas how much a good s/h engine costs fitted? otherwise it may have to go as a trade in or something.
Cheers, a sad Cliftyhanger

Mosser · Post by **Mosser** » 18 Sep 2004, 23:30

you might want to change the valve stem seals before you start thinking nasty thoughts on this one, could be something as easy as that!

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 19 Sep 2004, 00:49

At 100k a change of injectors is due. But thats not the oil problem.
Can anyone say if turbo seals could be an issue here?
Wrong oil, too low a viscosity or a fully synthetic instead of usual mineral can cause oil burning. Blocked or restricted ventilation/breather for the crankcase can cause smoking in some instances too.
Casting round for ideas really. 100k is a very low mileage for these normally great engines. If there is any doubt about the oil quality I would start there before turning to anything mechanical and then consider renewing the injectors. After that it's a proper compression check by a reputable outfit. Robin

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 19 Sep 2004, 13:13

Does it seem generally lumpy or is it in fact running on 3 cylinders? If its running on 3 and smoking heavily then you probably have broken rings in that piston/cylinder. Generally if ring wear has become a problem oil comes out all over the place and the engine is covered in the stuff.
Jeremy

cliftyhanger · Post by **cliftyhanger** » 19 Sep 2004, 15:26

Running on all 4 cylinders, but blue smoke at exhaust and definately pumping smoke out of the oil cap if opened, or air intake if not. Really does seem like the rings to me, too bad for valve stem seals. It does seem to have been a recent problem though, only in the last week or so. Could be engine swap on the cards!
Cheers for all the advice so far!
Cliftyhanger