c15 1.9d mystery

[dets]

Help!! My c15 is like the majority of 80's designed french cars battling with dreaded rust but the mystery is the other day I noticed just behind where I parked on my drive the spring in the picture I'm struggling to figure out where it's come from if it's dangerous or even if it's a scrap job any help appreciated

[KennyW]

It's looks similar to the exhaust mounting bolts at the manifold/downpipe on a Xantia.

Kenny

[CitroJim]

I'd agree with that Kenny, the arrangement using the springs and bolts are used right across many PSA engines... It forms part of a semi-flexible joint.

Dets, have a look at your manifold flange... If one of the two bolts is still there it'll hold but not for long as there will be quite a strain on the remaining bolt...

And a warm welcome to the forum

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

likewise.... agree with both of above

you want to be looking between the back of the engine and the bulkhead, probably from underneath. They're a bit of a pig to do up on my 405. A cheap spanner cut down to just a couple of inches long can make the job easier.

[dets]

I was thinking it's something to do with exhaust as it's as rotten as a pear and snapped in 2 places lol was just hoping it was nothing major plus hain't thought of manifold will check in a bit and let you know thanks for the responses guys

[dets]

Ok had a good look at the manifold flange and both bolts are still there

[ekjdm14]

Likely an old one that's lodged on the subframe/rack or something then IMO, how long have you had the van? And how long since any exhaust work?

Or could it have fallen off another vehicle & possibly bounced to it's resting place?

Edit- on closer inspection it looks less like an exhaust bolt. Note the lack of rust and the tapered Spring... Perhaps part of the brake load sensing valve at worst, unlikely but worth a look. Otherwise all I can think is it was a flexible mounting for another bit of exhaust or heat shield

[dets]

Had the van since January probs a very long time since any exhaust work changed rear doors last week as old ones were a tad knackered poss have fallen out of that checked all underneath for any evidence of broken join but nothing plus I think it's a little too clean for underside of an ex building fleet van other possibility is I was given a box of spares when I bouget the doors bonnet and wings from a local french guy box has a hole in the bottom so maybe fell out of that I'm flummoxed

[xantia_v6]

Is it something like a drum brake shoe retainer?

[dets]

I should see those on the rear of the hub?

[white exec]

No, too big for brake shoe retainer. Has to be the exhaust manifold/downpipe part.

[dets]

Other than the too already on the manifold which look a lot shorter than this is wouldn't know what else to look for its about 10-12 cm long

[van ordinaire]

It does look like a manifold bolt BUT, it's not rusty + it looks too small (although difficult to judge from photo): I think they are 13mm.

Also isn't that a ridge around it at the top of the thread? That would limit how far in the bolt could be tightened but, then, what does the spring act on/do?

Tempted to suggest headlamp adjuster - but certain they don't have springs.

[dets]

The thread on the bolt itself is only about 3 cm long

[dets]

Sorry my estimates are miles out lol
7.5cm