2.1TD (98) Clutch job/engine removal?

[deian]

Anyone done it, I understand it's a bit of a big job, is it possible for the home mechanic to do it without too much hassles?

I know for some jobs the engine needs to come out because it's a big old lump that steals all the space. Does the engine need to come out for the clutch job? How big a job is that?

Any advice? Just curious at the moment, might do it on a long summer weekend to keep me busy. Thanks

[RichardW]

Not done one of these, but the 2.1 uses the same block as the other XUDs, so shouldn't be much more difficult than them. Haynes certainly thinks you can get the box out with the engine in situ. Shouldn't be too difficult if you are reasonably competent DIY - but I wouldn't try it without some sort of overhead lift (just done my mates 306 HDi, using a chain block, which makes it pretty easy - I can see it being tough with only a trolley jack). You will end up with a distressingly large pile of bits by the time the box is out though! According to Haynes, you will need to make a tool to re-engage the release bearing with the pressure plate once the box is back on though.

[AndersDK]

The XU range of engines do not have to come out for a clutch change. removing the g/b is fairly easy down under the LHS wing.
An engine hoist will make a world of difference as you can much better control the engine once the LHS and lower mounts are off.

Another point worth considering is the weight of the g/b. Its no problem moving it around once its out. But try lay on your back and lift it up while engaging the box to the engine block

As someone nailed it before : "hours of entertainment"

[mpr1956]

Hi there.. I did my HG last summer (on the drive), and I thought at the time that with all the work involved in removing the head... It really wasn't all that much extra work (time or effort) to have removed the engine/gearbox as a unit. I could also have done the other jobs that generally need doing -such as that plastic coolant housing on the back of the block.. and the timing belt is a doddle to do with the engine out! ( It's easy to look back back on what I should have done, but if I had known I was going to like the car so much that I kept it, then I would have done the job properly)

[mpr1956]

Hi again... read your other posts and had a thought(how it hurt).. The clutch pedal on xants is set very high as standard( about an inch or more above the brake pedal) so a high clutch pedal is not an indication that the clutch is necessarily on the way out... regards, martin

[deian]

i've never done a big engine job before but i'm on a mission to make this XUD 2.1 lump my first, will tackle most of the jobs that require an engine out while it's out, head gasket, clutch, exhaust manifold and gasket, and timing belt. etc

martin: about the clutch being high anyway, thats a nice thought u put in my head, i'm glad, still, it may go at any time as they are hydraulic clutches on the 2.1, therefore are self adjusting, so one can't really tell till it goes, summer is a few months away so i may get the engine out and fiddle a bit etc

andersdk: i will invest in an engine hoist/lift, seems i will need one at some point no doubt.

richard: i will investigate the bearing tool for the clutch more, and i won't be on my back, engine hoist on the way soon me thinks, also yea... you must weld the decap

[drewmunn]

my 1.9TDS had to have a new clutch last year. The cheapest quote was 300quid, and the citroen garage was 600quid. Its a big job that apparantly takes a skilled mechanic 7 - 9hrs.

Anyway, as i paid on the cheap, all was well, 7 months later the engine mounts/bolts came out, one of the bolts had been put back in cross threaded. I didnt have the time to re-thread it, so it cost me a further £100.