Poor acceleration Xantia 1.9td

[howiedean]

Hello,
I’ve been using a fairly high percentage of biofuel however, recently I’ve been experiencing poor acceleration and a slightly poorer tickover from cold (fuel filters have been changed as it feels like fuel starvation). New glow plugs have made the cold start better and I’ve filled the tank with diesel and the car has been much better.
I’m thinking that the leak off pipes might be starting to let air into the system when under load as biofuel is much thicker than diesel.

1. Has anyone else experienced such problems before?
2. What other than the leak off pipes is likely to cause such symptoms?



Thanks very much

Howie….

[TehAgent]

check your turbo pipe's for splits and cracks, also look to see if any jubilee clips need tightening.

injector leak off pipes are easy to fix, but having experience of a leaky injector leak off pipe, didn't have and effect on performance. just didn't like to start first thing in the morning.

Other things to check

Air filter, might be clogged
Exhaust for blows

I'm sure other people will have more technical things for you to check.

[DickieG]

I discovered that a TD Xantia suffering from fuel starvation symptoms was due to the plastic filter at the bottom of the fuel pick up becoming blocked with all manner of crud. Lift up the base of the O/S back seat to gain access.

[jmd]

I had the same problem as DickieG. This is a Fungus, that sometimes grows in the diesel tank, and causes a blockage. Since I couldn't get into this filter I soaked it in Petrol for a day-without result. Finally cleared it with Domestos and boiling water. Be careful that you get the (Circular) top of the tank back on the proper thread.

[howiedean]

Thanks guys,
I've just replaced the leak off pipes and it's like driving a new car. I'd never have thought that these pipes could be such a pain.
I had a look in fuel tank and luckily there are no signs of the fungus that a few people had mentioned to me.

Regards

[fastandfurryous]

I've just replaced the leak off pipes and it's like driving a new car. I'd never have thought that these pipes could be such a pain.

I'm guessing from this that you have a bosch pump? Dead & leaky "leak-off" pipes can really affect a bosch pump, wheras lucas-cav type pumps seem to work regardless.

[howiedean]

I've just replaced the leak off pipes and it's like driving a new car. I'd never have thought that these pipes could be such a pain.

I'm guessing from this that you have a bosch pump? Dead & leaky "leak-off" pipes can really affect a bosch pump, wheras lucas-cav type pumps seem to work regardless.

Yes your right its a bosch pump. Originally I thought that the car was down on acceleration due to it having a great big roof box, as it seemed to coincide with the poor performance.

[JamesQB]

I’m thinking that the leak off pipes might be starting to let air into the system when under load as biofuel is much thicker than diesel.

My 1.9TD was run on biofuel and veg oil before I bought it... Could you tell me what the leak off pipes are and where I'd find them, as I'd like to check mine.

When I filled my tank today, there was a hiss of air being sucked into the tank when I removed the filler cap. Is that connected, or normal?

Thanks,
James

[AndersDK]

The opening hiss obviously tells your tank vent is blocked.
This will further encourage any small imperfections on the pump's suction side to let air get in.
Better get the thing vented before your tank will only hold a few liters - as it will collapse slowly by the vacuum.

Its 'crumble down and crawl under' time to check the rear tank area piping.

The usual warnings applies : never dive under a hydropneumatic suspended Citroen, unless its firmly supported on jacks.

[JamesQB]

Thanks for that Anders, I will try it when I've recovered. Yesterday a mirror fell on me and smashed on my arm, cutting my elbow badly. And today I was trying to remove my old accumulator sphere when the plastic-handled strap wrench I was using suddenly snapped and so I fisted myself in the mouth and now have a fat lip which bled nicely from two big gashes caused by my teeth. Time to take it easy I think. Despite being plastic it looked tough and was marketed as being very strong...

Are the "leak off" pipes referring to these fuel tank vent pipes then?

[jeremy]

Leakoff pipes are the small flexible pipes running between the injectors and then on to a few other pipes then back to the tank. They suffer from old age and heat and eventually harden, crack and crumble. When checking them you must check the end cap on the circuit - usually on No 1 (next to flywheel on these engines.) Many accessory shops will sell a universal fuel tube (petrol and diesel) and the end cap and you can fit them with long nosed pliers.

[f00lzz]

Thanks for that Anders, I will try it when I've recovered. Yesterday a mirror fell on me and smashed on my arm, cutting my elbow badly. And today I was trying to remove my old accumulator sphere when the plastic-handled strap wrench I was using suddenly snapped and so I fisted myself in the mouth and now have a fat lip which bled nicely from two big gashes caused by my teeth. Time to take it easy I think. Despite being plastic it looked tough and was marketed as being very strong...

Are the "leak off" pipes referring to these fuel tank vent pipes then?

You sound like you could use a local Citroen Specialist... might be safer