XM 2.1 TD Glowplugs

[Doc]

Has anyone out there had the misfortune to have needed to change the glowplugs on a Citroen XM 2.1 Turbo diesel?
Went to change the plugs as the car was getting harder to start in the cold (and would run like a pig until it warmed up) and low and behold, Citroen have seen fit to place number 4 plug (Timing belt end) about a spanner's width from the diesel pump!
Now does Citroen have a unique spanner to unfasten it or do I have to dislocate my fingers so I can reach the feed cable nut?
Apart from this problem and a possible seized/sticking wastegate actuator I find the car a superb means of transport.
By the way, can the wastegate turbo assembly be accessed from underneath the car as even with the inlet manifold casting removed, there is only a finger's width gap between the bulkhead and I still cannot see enough to work on it.
Regards
Doc

[JohnD]

Hi Doc - Having had my computer in the workshop for the past ten days, I've only just seen this post. I've had XUD engines for the last twelve years, and the 2.1TD glowplugs must be the most inaccessable of them all. Only one of the four plugs can be removed with the standard 12mm deep socket. The others need to be done with a ring spanner. On the 2.1 Xantia you must also remove the upper manifold and break the EGR pipe joint.

[Doc]

[quote]
Hi Doc - Having had my computer in the workshop for the past ten days, I've only just seen this post. I've had XUD engines for the last twelve years, and the 2.1TD glowplugs must be the most inaccessable of them all. Only one of the four plugs can be removed with the standard 12mm deep socket. The others need to be done with a ring spanner. On the 2.1 Xantia you must also remove the upper manifold and break the EGR pipe joint.

[Thanks John. I started the job but had to stop as the last owner has rounded off the plug nearest the pump. I suspect the pump may have to come off so I can use a large stud extractor on it.

[JohnD]

Having to take off the pump seems a bit extreme - can't you do something with a pipe wrench

[Doc]

I think you are right. If I remove the pump I risk upsetting the timing and getting dirt in the system. As the plug has covered 91,000 miles and is shot I will dig out the pipe wrench.

[Hydropneumatics]

Hi , I am relatively new to this, mine is a 1992, RP 5782, but registered as a 1994, due to its late new sale at the time. Also mine is a LHD, from Italy, I had changed all my glow plugs, as soon as I had purchased the car, I never had any difficulty, only the one near the pump, I made a contraption, that had allowed me to remove the old plug, replacing one was simple enough.

Also too, I have never had a diesel before, first time for everyone , I suppose.

[chinkostu]

12mm swan neck spanner, lots of plusgas and patience got the ones in my Xantia 1.9 out. Best to start them off by hand when fitting new ones so you don't crossthread them

[Hydropneumatics]

thanks, in fact I did just like that , upon tightening them, thanks for the tip though.

[Peter.N.]

I ran XMs for 15 years+ and must have changed the glow plugs at some time, they certainly are not easy to get at but I don't think I have ever had to remove anything. I have quite a selection of spanners of different lengths and angles and have always been able to get them out somehow.

Peter

[chinkostu]

Doing the 1.9 i removed the intercooler hosing, an oil breather, the pipe on top of the filter housing and the coolant pipe next to plug 4 (behind pump). Sounds a lot but made the plug change easier and only took an extra 10 to remove the above!

[citroenxm]

The original setup of the 2.1 psa engine was Lucas fuel pumps in 1990. The lucas pump is far flatter and half the height of the bosch pump becuase the overfueling device os on the front of it and because of pump internal timing also the lucas pump also sits further forward away from the engine in pysical different position to the bosch. So originally all 4 heater plugs could easyilly be accessed without any cursing or swearing. Removing a pump can be done without disturbing the timing belt at all. Though thd engine needs tdc and the belt cover off the pump pully removed you can then at tdc put two 13mm headed bolts into the pump pully and this then holds the belt and timing in place while the pump is removed. As mentioned there is a chance of dirt getting into the fuel pipes but care is taken shouldnt be that bad. The 2.1 bosch pump is slightly more complex then a xantia bosch pump.. because of the added water controled advance mechanisem on the front of the pump which is not on the xantia pumps.

lucas fuel pumps were only fitted to 2.1 td engines from 1990 to late 1991/2..

[Hydropneumatics]

Thank you all for all the tips, I certainly appreciate it. Its winter, lots of snow and about minus 20 deg C with the wind chill factor, hence also just before the winter, I had replaced all the leak offs, I missed the end one with a blank, it appeared okay, but I will check it again.


*getting a 1969 DS BVH, car stuck in gear, hence I will have to visit another site for the help*