New (sort of) member

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Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
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New (sort of) member

Post by Rob81 »

Hi all,

This is my first post here so I thoought I'd better introduce myself. I've been a lifetime Citroen fan (grew up with my parents running 2CV's and CX's, then owned four 2CV's, a Visa RD, two BX's and two Xantia). I run a Xantia TD now (bought from FDV on ebay in April and given the engine from my old written off one).

I've been reading this board (both in this guise and as andyspares), the Q and A forum and the old BX forum on a daily basis for three years now. All these boards have proven to be an invaluable source of information. However, as I had problems registering for the andspares forum for some reason, and as I have nothing particularly interesting to add(despite being very enthuasitc about Citroen's, I have very limited mechanical knowledge), I have never posted.

I have recently (Wednesday) bought a CX 25 Pallas Automatic from ebay (owned by the same guy who was selling the decap) and am picking it up tommorrow lunchtime. I can't wait to collect the car - I haven't been in a CX for years and have always wanted my own. My plan is to use the car as a second car and continue to use my Xantia for work (I'm a community nurse and do loads of work miles - a 20ish mpg CX wouldn't be good everyday!).

Also, the CX I have bought needs a new speedo cable, I understand that these are difficult to find - particularly for the auto. I've emailed several specialists (including Andrew Brodie) in the hope of getting one. I'm also hoping that my local specialist might have one. Does anybody on here have any suggestions for where one might be found? Citronut - did you not collect a van load of CX spares recently? I was hoping there maybe one lurking in there.....

Anyway, I'll continue to read the board with great interest and will report back on my experiences of the CX.

Regards, Rob
jeremy
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Post by jeremy »

I don't think there is anything magical about making a speedo cable and so you may be able to find someone who does them - either locally in yellow pages or on the net or in classic mags.
jeremy
Rob81
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Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
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Post by Rob81 »

Thanks for that - I'll have a look in the morning.

I've just driven the car ninty miles - it goes very well and seems to be in good condition. I'm very pleased with it. Can't stop smiling!
Stinkwheel
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Post by Stinkwheel »

You got it from the right guy, Dylan Harris is a true CX guru.
"Rust Never Sleeps" said Neil Young. Did he own old citroens?
1998 Xantia TD exclusive auto estate +3 x BX's +77' ami 8 break + 73' dyane 6 + '83 2CV6 + 94' XM 2.1 sx auto + 89' XM2.0i
+ '85' GSA + '97 XM 2.0 16v + '81 Visa super E
Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
My Cars:

Post by Rob81 »

Yup, Dylan seemed a very nice bloke. The car seems to be in remarkably good condition - it's cut out twice today but Dylan did mention that he suspected the coil or flywheel sensor was playing up.

I'll get it booked into my local specialist this week. They'll give it a good going over and hopefully i'll be able to properly enjoy it.
Stinkwheel
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Post by Stinkwheel »

you can bet its flywheel sensor, a bugbear of the Distributorlss Ignition CX's.

They are about 60 quid to replace if i rememeber rightly, and take about 5 minutes to do, depending on theyear of your car you may have one or two. Ask your specialist to point them out. They generally fail when hot but have been known to go totally open circuit.

Hope that helps.
"Rust Never Sleeps" said Neil Young. Did he own old citroens?
1998 Xantia TD exclusive auto estate +3 x BX's +77' ami 8 break + 73' dyane 6 + '83 2CV6 + 94' XM 2.1 sx auto + 89' XM2.0i
+ '85' GSA + '97 XM 2.0 16v + '81 Visa super E
Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
My Cars:

Post by Rob81 »

That great Stinkwheel - Dylan pointed them out yesterday. I think there are two. I'll get them checked out. each time the car has cut out, it has been hot - lucky it didn't do it on the A14 yesterday!

Thanks again,

Rob
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Tourer
Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi Camper (conversation)

Previously;
Lots of Citroens including 2CVs, Dyane, Acadiane, Bx, Activa, XM CX and Picasso
mpr1956
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Post by mpr1956 »

Hi Rob, its also worth a look over on the aussiefrogs forum... They might talk a bit funny and (almost always) keep beating us at our own games, but very many more CX's survive there and there is a wealth of info. I'm glad to see another CX surviving, as I always promised myself one when I had the room to look after it properly. I've always thought that a CX has a road presence that is pretty hard to beat -especially when it is getting a move on ! best wishes.. Martin
I won't do that again
Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
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Post by Rob81 »

Cheers Martin,

I've been reading the AussieFrogs forum a lot this week - it's very good. Have got the CX running well now it seems. Replacing both flywheel sensors has done the trick. Have also tracked down a drive unit for speedo cable, so hopefully all will be well with it soon.

Just got back from a long drive in it. I absolutely love driving it - it's so comfortable and looks like nothing else on the road. Also, my girlfriend is growing to like it too (she like comfy seats and blue paint, so it scores on both counts!).

Makes the xantia seem boring though!
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Tourer
Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi Camper (conversation)

Previously;
Lots of Citroens including 2CVs, Dyane, Acadiane, Bx, Activa, XM CX and Picasso
Stinkwheel
Posts: 562
Joined: 28 May 2004, 01:02
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Post by Stinkwheel »

You have just discovered the CX driving experience....................

Unfirtunatly everything will now seem bland and normal.
Diravi steering will be second nature, fully powered brakes with no pedal movement will make everything else seem horrid and spongy..............

This is the road to ruin (or redemption depending on your viewpoint)
"Rust Never Sleeps" said Neil Young. Did he own old citroens?
1998 Xantia TD exclusive auto estate +3 x BX's +77' ami 8 break + 73' dyane 6 + '83 2CV6 + 94' XM 2.1 sx auto + 89' XM2.0i
+ '85' GSA + '97 XM 2.0 16v + '81 Visa super E
Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
My Cars:

Post by Rob81 »

You're right - it really is like nothing else to drive (except maybe a SM or LHD early V6 XM!!), the steering is incredible and it's very refined.

Proper Citroen brakes are also great.

It's a shame that I can't run it as my only car - the economy of the Xantia would be sorely missed around town.

How much are LPG conversions.......?
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Tourer
Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi Camper (conversation)

Previously;
Lots of Citroens including 2CVs, Dyane, Acadiane, Bx, Activa, XM CX and Picasso
zzf00l
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Post by zzf00l »

Wish I had the courage to go out and buy one, but I havent, so how about a few pics of yours?
Sutton Coldfield, West Mids
Xantia V6 Exclusive (2000
Xantia 1.9TD SX (2000)
Previously owned
Xantia V6 Exclusive (97)
XM V6 Exclusive (95)
AX 1.4
ACTIVE8
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Re: New (sort of) member

Post by ACTIVE8 »

Rob81 wrote:
Also, the CX I have bought needs a new speedo cable, I understand that these are difficult to find - particularly for the auto. I've emailed several specialists (including Andrew Brodie) in the hope of getting one. I'm also hoping that my local specialist might have one. Does anybody on here have any suggestions for where one might be found? Citronut - did you not collect a van load of CX spares recently? I was hoping there maybe one lurking in there.....

Anyway, I'll continue to read the board with great interest and will report back on my experiences of the CX.

Regards, Rob

Welcome Rob81 to our "warm & friendly place," :D thanks for posting.

Did you manage to sort your speedo cable problem out :?:

If you are still attending to it, then maybe this company can be of use to you.

www.speedycables.co.uk 8)

They are experts, certainly are very helpful, and can attend to any cable or instrument needs a customer might have.
ACTIVA

The car that looks like a family car, but has special secret hidden abilities.
tomsheppard
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Joined: 19 Dec 2002, 14:46
Location: United Kingdom
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Post by tomsheppard »

CX speedo cables are not easy to get. THe last one I broke had a plastic end like a screwdriver blade. I sourced one fron an epave for 5€ which had a metal end. It gave no trouble and fastandfurryous uses it still.
Few CXs in French scrappies though so I would look at making your own part up in brass. Running an old CX, you learn how to make things!
Be happy: it is a way of being wise. (Confucius.)
'92 TZD Estate(Grolliffe), Gone but never to be forgotten.
'95 405 GLX TD Estate. too new to name.
Rob81
Posts: 90
Joined: 02 Dec 2005, 23:14
Location: Suffolk
My Cars:

Post by Rob81 »

Hi Guys,

Tahnks for your comments and suggestions so far.

The Speedo cable was briefly fixed - the drive unit was at fault - but after 30.7 miles, it failed again! This time, I think it is the dash connector.

Hopefully, I'll be able to source one from Edwards (very good Citroen breakers in Essex) but if not, will try that link.

So far, the CX exsperience has been reasonably pain free - the flywheel sensors and ECU were replaced, which has cured the cutting out problem. Other than that and a few electrical (!) glitches, it's been great.

Despite the steering wheel (I think) squeaking occassionally (any ideas?), it's a wonderful car to drive and not a thirsty as I thought it would be - I've esitmated about 24 mpg so far. It's also interesting to compare it to my Xantia. The Xantia has recent spheres and hydrflush and the CX prob needs spheres soon. The Xantia rides better round town (except on speedbumps where the CX is invincible) but not as smoothly on the road. The one area where the xantia seem vastly better is wind noise (or lack of). The CX has an annoying whistle from the drivers door pillar which seems to drive my girlfriend insane - she wears earplugs in the car now! The Xantia maybe going in Feb to be replaced with a 2CV, so I doubt I'll be making valid comparisons for long!

Oh, and I'm also fantasising about a respray in very dark, almost black blue.

Sorry to ramble on, but I am still very excited bout owning a CX!

Cheers,

Rob
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Tourer
Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi Camper (conversation)

Previously;
Lots of Citroens including 2CVs, Dyane, Acadiane, Bx, Activa, XM CX and Picasso
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