Hydroflush how Long

jmd · Post by **jmd** » 18 Jan 2003, 07:25

During the recent frosty spell here in Ireland i experienced stifness in my steering for a few minutes after starting in the mornings.I have now discarded my LHM oil,and filled up with Hydroflush.Haynes recommend that this be emptied after 600Mls.Can anybody advise if any benefit is to be had by leaving the Hydroflush in the tank longer?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 18 Jan 2003, 16:11

Leave it for 1000 miles.

jmd · Post by **jmd** » 18 Jan 2003, 21:05

Thanks for your rely John D.Is it essential to get rid of the Hydroflush 100%,before refilling with LHM (eg,bleed brakes).

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 18 Jan 2003, 23:18

Unless you bled the brakes when you first put the hydraflush into the tank, the brake lines will still be full of the old LHM, because the fluid in the lines doesn't circulate. You could bleed them now and again when you refill, or leave it until you change the hydraflush. Either way, you'll get rid of some gooey, brown liquid. Before attempting to loosen the bleed nipples, give them a prior squirt with WD40. Also a sharp, end-on tap with a hammer is helpful.

jmd · Post by **jmd** » 19 Jan 2003, 07:28

Thank you JohnD,.My system did not take quite the full 5Ltrs of Hydroflush,so I reckon I will bleed the brakes immediately,since as you say the LHM in the brake pipes does not circulate, and use the remainder of my Hydroflush,And bleed the brakes again when I refill with LHM.I bought the car at 50,000Mls assured by the Citroen main dealer from whom it was purchased that the LHM had just been renewed.Curiosity prompted me to have a look at the filters after I had the car a week,and the appearance of the filters indicated that the LHM probably was never renewed.I have now got 150,000 on the speedometer,and have renewed the LHM every 25,000 since purchase. Although I have the Hydroflush in the system only for the past 150miles I notice a change for the better. Regret I didn't clean the system with Hydroflush at 100k,but it is my first Xantia,(and very pleased)also my first time to use H'flush,so we live and learn.
Edited by - jmd on 19 Jan 2003 02:33:23

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 19 Jan 2003, 09:28

jmd,
Wise precaution I'd reckon. We've had two BXs "dealer serviced" with similar experiences. Latest one had bright green LHM but filters black with muck; that was 10,000klms after supposed service. Mine previous to this was also supposedly done at recommended interval & looked like this.......
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/snippets/lhm_story.htm
As regards the time frame; I have heard it often said that 3000 miles (5000 klms) can be driven with hydraflush in the system but I would be a bit wary going that far. I mention this in case circumstances dictate that you go over the 1000 & start to worry about it. I couldn't imagine too long being in the systems best interests as it does have all the contaminents floating around in there once it's done its job.
Alan S

jmd · Post by **jmd** » 23 Jan 2003, 05:55

Thanks Alan S,and JohnD for your replies.I have bled the brakes,just got a nice clean sample of clean LHM Fluid,but I have no regrets for having used the Hydroflush,as my steering is perfect on those recent frosty mornings..