406 td Air leak

CANDO · Post by **CANDO** » 12 Jun 2004, 17:43

I Appear to have an air leak on my 406 2.1 td. (1998 125K)
Accelaterion is down and it will only just maintain 70 mph with my foot to the floor.
When revved by hand air bubbles can clearly be seen in the outlet pipe from the filter canister. I showed a local diesel fitter yesterday and confirmed it was air. And it would appear to originate at the canister as no bubbles can be seen in the inlet pipe He suggested changing the fuel filter, which I tried, but with no improvement. He also told me that the canister’s are notorious for air leaks.
Does this mean I need drain the coolant and to replace the entire canister assembly? Any idea of the price of this? Is it worth changing the hose clips first?
All comments appreciated.

rossd · Post by **rossd** » 12 Jun 2004, 21:47

Try the simplest things first, so yes change the clips and then the hose from the filter. Then if that doesn't work, blame the filter housing!

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 13 Jun 2004, 03:33

I agree - those crimped clips don't look very secure. Also I'd change that short two inch piece of pipe. I would try a wipe of non-setting sealant around the joint in the top of the fuel filter.

CANDO · Post by **CANDO** » 13 Jun 2004, 21:21

Thank you both for your replies
I will definitely try changing the clips and hose.
John, further to your answer, would you propose I remove the canister lid and refit using the sealant or just smear it on the outside? . Also, a couple of other points if you can help: -
Is the short piping a standard size or must I get it from a Pug dealer?
Do you know what the small white knob on the side of the canister (just above the inlet pipe) is for?
Also, are the inlet, outlet & lid joints the only places air can be drawn in to the system via the canister?

CANDO · Post by **CANDO** » 14 Jun 2004, 23:53

Changed the short piece of pipe (got hold of a piece of fuel hose as pug only sells the entire section to the pump.) fitted two new clips and tried some sealant on the canister lid, doesn’t seem to be any improvement. Did not have time to replace the inlet hose clips today. I am now unsure if there is any air coming in the inlet pipe. I will try opening the drain valve and pump using the priming valve.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 16 Jun 2004, 00:04

[quote]<i>Originally posted by CANDO</i>
John, further to your answer, would you propose I remove the canister lid and refit using the sealant or just smear it on the outside? . Also, a couple of other points if you can help: -
Any sealant should go in the joint. And regard it only as a temporary measure (should it help)
Do you know what the small white knob on the side of the canister (just above the inlet pipe) is for?
I think you are looking at the water drain off.

CANDO · Post by **CANDO** » 17 Jun 2004, 00:32

Thanks for that JohnD
Changed hose clips on the inlet pipe. Still no improvement.
Decided to seek yet another opinion. Consulted an independent citron/pug specialist. This guy really knows Pug’s
Showed him the air in pipe. (Which still looked bad to me) he said it wasn't air but even it was it could not be considered excessive and would not be causing my problem despite what the diesel specialist said.
He suggested a test drive. Within 20 seconds of setting off he diagnosed (correctly) that the horseshoe shaped clip must be incorrectly placed or missing from the accelerator cable at the throttle sensor. Back at base he lifted the bonnet. Removed a clip from a scrap vehicle and fitted it. Instant cure! Response is even better then when I got the car. So the clip was probably incorrectly set and must have been weakened to have worked it’s way loose. Ahh the value of experience. My problem solved for the price of a drink!