Citroen Xantia 1.8 16v 1999 LHM leak

[Dolmenman]

Sticky finger, yes I agree....I'm in my 60's and was from a culture where we all fixed our own cars (mostly Fords in my case) although there were plenty of cowboy mechanics around then too.

Up until a week ago, I knew zilch about Citroen plumbing (still don't) and would much prefer to take the car to a good mechanic.

I N Ireland, where I'm from, I've managed to find a couple of good mechanics (it's taken 40 yrs). In France I can't even find a decent scrapyard, never mind a mechanic, and a good auto parts store is equally hard to find.

Old Citroens seem particularly different to what I'm used too and I suppose old DIYers (like myself) are hard to please. I still drive an '02 Fiesta, which has the upper limit of sensors for my liking.

I'm only trying to prevent the young lady from getting ripped off, hence my input and seeking help here, which I'm grateful for.

If it's dry in the morning, I'll get a good look and be back with any updates.

[Stickyfinger]

I have put a post up on the Xantia ACTIVA Club (France) Facebook pages for you to see if anyone can help in Brittany/know a good garage who can look at it....

Can you narrow "Brittany" down a little more to assist them (not full address)

[Dolmenman]

Ok, thanks...we are in Finistere, not far from Sizun...

[Stickyfinger]

I have added that Geo detail for you.....fingers crossed

[Dolmenman]

Ok...managed to get the car up on concrete blocks today (the neighbour has his car up on my axle stands for over a year...another story).

It was immediately evident where the disconnect pipe was from looking through the wheel arch with LH wheel removed.

It was exactly as Sticky finger and XantiaV6 suggested. Someone had 'bodged" the 3 way connector by putting nylon pipe over the existing pipes and used this plastic Tee....two of the pipes were clear plastic, small bore with a "blister" about 3cm in, and one was metal, connected to the subframe.

The ends of the nylon pipes, used for the repair had split, probably due to LHM contamination (and I see it has also ruined the gator on the steering rack). I removed the three joints and replaced all three with finer bore nylon pipe that I found lying around. I flared the ends in a saucepan of boiling water and inserted a pencil to widen the new joints. I just used the existing Tee and the car is no longer leaking and the car raised (after a top up of LHM) and the stop light went out. Took it for a test drive and brakes, steering and suspension all working and no leaks when I stop the car. (Left clean cardboard under it for an hour).

I have basically "rebodged" it, although my repair looks better than what the alleged mechanic had done. I've also secure the joint with cable ties, so it won't wobble around.
I've ve told my partner's daughter that she needs to take it to a garage and get a proper repair done. I might tackle it myself as I think the proper Citroen Tee (think it's green in colour) isn't too dear. She will need the gator fixed anyhows.

Thanks for all the advice I've received on here. Very Grateful. Here are some photos of my bodge.

A liberal helping of black tape to help hold pipes in place.

Joint cable tied to sub frame

[Dolmenman]

As an addendum, the car was apparently stalling at lights/junctions. I noticed a bit of slack in the throttle cable at the round connection to the throttle body. It was held in placed with an open ended, spring, circlip thing ( don't know the name) on a threaded black plastic shroud. The only way to tighten the slack was to tension it by moving the circlip on the threads and trial and error got the correct idling speed. It looks like another bodge but maybe it will do for now. I'll start another thread if it gives any more bother.

Must admit I'm feeling pleased with myself, as up until a few days ago, I'd never seen under the bonnet of any Citroen...

[xantia_v6]

The original T piece is no longer available from Citroen, but reproductions are available, of variable quality. There are several different versions with different combinations of hose diameter, but they are colour-coded. You would need the green one, part number 5270.14. if you do a web search for "citroen 527014" you should find what is available, beware that some are exorbitantly expensive. One UK supplier is: https://www.chevronics.co.uk/product/bx ... ts-xantia/

The Idle speed on that engine should be electronically regulated. There is a controlled air valve, I think somewhere on the manifold, which may need cleaning or replacing. There should normally be a little slack in the throttle cable to allow the butterfly to rest on its stop.

It is worth disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes to reset the engine ECU which can get confused about the correct idle setting.

[Dolmenman]

Many thanks....I guessed that something may be clogged/dirty....the rain is on here again but when I get time I'll do as you suggested....I've managed to download the Haynes manual so will study it first as electronics aren't my forte....

To be honest, I feel I've done my bit and have given her a list of things she needs to get done when she (eventually) takes it to a mechanic, such as changing the oil and filters, replacing spark plugs etc.

Like a lot of young people, they are rather negligent when it comes to servicing their cars, especially as she does high mileage, going to Spain etc. I suppose I was once like that too but as my father taught me, oil and grease are a cheap mechanic....lol

[xantia_v6]

For the hydraulic connector (if they want it replaced), it would be best to buy one and take it to the mechanic, as they are not available through normal trade sources.

[Dolmenman]

Yes...I've just spoken to her and told her to get the car serviced ASAP., in a garage. I've also forwarded the link you posted, to her so she can show the mechanic. As regards the throttle, the plastic nut that the black threaded shroud goes through has the threads worn away, hence the clip to set the idle speed. The ECU seems to have settled the idle around 1000/1100 rpm, which sounds about right.
As far as I'm concerned it's up to her now....many thanks for your advice.