C3 Picasso gearbox

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Pablo
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C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

Are there any known problems with a C3 Picasso manual gearbox?

As I changed up into 2nd there was a dull clunk which I felt through the clutch pedal. I carried on half a mile to home and there were a few more random clunks, not heavy and not loud. When I got home and checked there was oil pouring out of the bell housing. It was clear oil so I'm thinking gearbox oil.

My opinion is that it has popped the front gearbox seal but unless the input shaft or bearing has moved, I can't imagine how. Also there is no crunching of gears or anything and it is still driving ok, still selecting ok, just oil pouring out (not dribbling).

Any thoughts please?
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by myglaren »

Check the gearbox casing for damage.
Same thing happened to my BX. Presumed it was LHM from a burst pipe but suspension wasn't affected.
Took it to a Citroen specialist and it was a sun gear had broken and smashed its way through the gearbox casing.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by RichardW »

It could be clutch fluid, does it smell like cat pee??
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

Hard to get any smell off it. It is ultra thin and clear and feels oily to me. It's been a long time since I handled brake/clutch fluid but it always felt gritty and abrasive, this doesn't.

Am I right in thinking these have an internal slave cyl? I could live with that as a possibility but for the fact that the amount of fluid it has dumped would have meant the clutch hydraulics would be empty. The clutch is still working fine at the minute.
Pablo
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

After having another look I think this could be clutch fluid after all.
Does the box have to come out to change the slave cylinder?
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by RichardW »

I tried to look it up last night, but service.citroen was down. PSA usually use external slaves on their manual boxes, it will be obvious on the front of the box if so. If there is only a pipe going in then it's a concentric slave and box out required.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

Many thanks Richard
I can see a rubber bellows on the outside of the box.
Only question this poses then is the clunking noise. The garage I bought it from is collecting the car shortly so I'll hopefully update with a conclusion.

Thanks again for your help
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

Well I've just heard back from the garage.

There is a massive hole in the bell housing. I assume he means within the bell housing i.e. front of gearbox, as it's lost all the oil.
He's going to try and find a replacement box as the cheapest option. Could anyone please tell me the spec/ model number of the box we need? Thanks.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by white exec »

Could you post a photo of the hole?
Thanks.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

'Fraid not. The garage has passed it to their g/box specialist I don't know where and I'm without transport at the moment.

I will ask and see if I can get a photo mailed over.

Currently everyone is baffled as to how the car was still driving and they cannot figure out what caused the hole.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Pablo, if your garage can't do it, we can assist with PSA part numbers, but it will require upgrading your Forum membership, then pop your VIN up, as this info is chargeable from PSA. But it will cover you for up to 2 years of parts requests / parts diagrams from us if intrereted.

Details below:
A response to your question by a Forum Admin requiring Parts or additional information requires you to have made a current contribution (£10 min.) to the Forum.
To Upgrade Your Membership & Donate Click Here

For Further Information About Parts Information and VIN Numbers Click Here
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Pablo
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by Pablo »

Marc,
Thanks I will upgrade anyway but it looks like the garage has located a box. I'm awaiting confirmation.
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Re: C3 Picasso gearbox

Post by GiveMeABreak »

No problems.
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
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