Urgent - Leaking banjo on Xantia V6 4HP20 (now fixed)

[Mandrake]

Thanks for all your help guys!

Jim if you think the box of assorted copper washers from halfords has one that will do the trick temporarily that's good enough for me The nearest halfords is too far to walk but I can catch a bus there tomorrow, even though its a long weekend it should be open as usual on the Sunday (?) I'll get the packet of the assorted 14mm washers James found as well (which includes some copper ones) to give myself the best chance of finding one suitable.

I've located my blow torch and gas cylinder from my packed items so I should be good to go for annealing the copper Thanks old guy for the advice on quenching it, that sounds similar to advice from my Dad years ago.

If I'm able to get it working again tomorrow it will save us a LOT of trouble in the last few days of tidying our flat and handing back the keys...

I can order the genuine items on Tuesday and fit them next weekend or the weekend after assuming the copper ones last ok. I was planning to do a second oil change in a couple of weeks to add the Lubegard anyway! Even if I don't I will have a spare litre of oil left to top up any oil that I loose when disconnecting the banjo a second time.

One further question, recommended torque on the bolt ? I understand its important not to over tighten the bolt (and its possible me tightening the bolt to try to stop the leak split the already corroded washer and finished it off...) and I don't have a torque gauge... So, nipped, or tight ?

Do the faces need any special cleaning to get a good seal ?

[Hell Razor5543]

Hello Simon,

According to Stempy (in the post I added a link to) the torque is 25Nm, and he did clean the faces to make sure of a clean seal. Over-tightening them (according to Stempy again) was probably responsible (in his case) for the washers failing.

[RichardW]

If you need any help tomorrow Simon, give me a call. There's a Halfords in Lanark.... If you only have a short distance to go, a couple of turns of PTFE tape round each washer will probably be enough. A box of assorted copper washers is not something that graces my garage sadly....!

[Hell Razor5543]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (no doubt). THIS is why I LOVE this forum!

[Mandrake]

If you need any help tomorrow Simon, give me a call. There's a Halfords in Lanark.... If you only have a short distance to go, a couple of turns of PTFE tape round each washer will probably be enough. A box of assorted copper washers is not something that graces my garage sadly....!

Thanks for the offer of help Richard, most appreciated!

I think I should be alright though, the hurdle is finding a suitable size copper washer, as long as I can find a couple fitting them will be easy as access is excellent. I have the suspension up and the wheels on full left lock, that gives plenty of access through the wheel arch. (and almost my entire tool collection is in the boot, and hopefully still there tomorrow! ) I don't know if there is supposed to be a plastic wheel arch cover over the side of the gearbox but if there is its missing ever since I've had the car!

The nearest halfords which I normally go to is in Airdrie, I checked and they have stock of both washer packs so I'll catch the bus there tomorrow and pick them up. (In fact I might reserve them online to avoid a wasted trip)

Fingers crossed everything goes well. I'm not so keen on a quick bodge like PTFE as we still need to be driving the car back and forth over the next few days to finish up moving, so something a bit more sturdy like copper that will last at least a few weeks until I get a convenient chance to fit the OEM washers is really needed.

[Mandrake]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (no doubt). THIS is why I LOVE this forum!

Me too James. This car wouldn't be running without this forum and the people on it.

Only problem is in the last year since I've had this car I feel like I'm always crying out for help and not spending enough time helping other people!

[addo]

No joy with Pirtek?

[CitroJim]

Only problem is in the last year since I've had this car I feel like I'm always crying out for help and not spending enough time helping other people!

That's not at all true Simon. You 'crying for help' as you describe it actually helps many others by dint of the replies posted to your questions so you see, you do...

If you want to pop down here today, I can let you have a couple of the genuine washers

I'm home all day...

[Mandrake]

At halfords about to start the long trip home (the nearest ones didn't end up having them so two train trips and a half hour walk saw me to Halfords Rutherglen...) and I have the packs of washers and I think it will do the trick. They're a tight fit on the banjo bolt but do go right up to the head.

The washers are slightly rolled though with sharp edges and a slightly abraised surface on one side, is that likely to present a problem ? See below: (one facing smooth side up one facing down)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ba7zydb5g57bv ... 7%20PM.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should I face the smooth sides without the lip towards the right angle banjo coupling for best sealing ?

Perhaps I should take the lips off with a half round file ?

In any case it's what I have to work with so hopefully after annealing it will last a week or two.

[CitroJim]

Yes, It'll not be a bad idea just to touch them up a little with a file Simon but if you anneal them soft enough they'll mould to the shape they need to anyway..

Shame you had to make such a trek for them

[addo]

He'll be set for a long soak in the bubble bath after all this!

[lexi]

Just seen this. There are copper washers here in quite a few sizes....different boxes of them. Also copper sheet and wad punches to make washers.

Always PM Uncle Lexi first in case I am not Gone Fishin

I didn't even know you had a banjo Simon...........are you one of them Beatnicks from the Fleet Foxes?

[Mandrake]

All fixed.

Will post details after I've had some time to recuperate. It's been a VERY long day.

[CitroJim]

All fixed.

Excellent news Simon

[Hell Razor5543]

Great news Simon. Now all you need to do is have a long soak to unwind.