xantia 2.0HDI Core Plug water leak

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 29 Mar 2008, 20:35

Hi All,
My 'new' Xantia 2.0 HDI (90) engine has a water leak!!!
The water seems to be running down the front of the engine, although it is night time and can see proper till tomorrow. I wondered if it could be something as simple as the thermostat not sealed or something, any other ideas???? Matrix is ok too

Paul

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 30 Mar 2008, 13:03

Ok Guys,
I have found out what the problem is...... its (looking from the front) the 2nd 'core/welch plug'.
Now, how easy is it to replace this????? and, any tips about how to do it too???

Paul

Post by **CitroJim** » 30 Mar 2008, 16:24

Hi Paul,

Depening on access, it's very easy. I replaced a core plug on Dad's 205D not too long ago, the one right behind the injection pump

Get the old one out by drilling a small hole in it and screwing in a self-tapper; then you can lever it out on the self-tapper.

Simply tap the new one home. Wipe a smear of Hylomar around it if you like but there is really no real need..

Downside is you have to buy a full set of coreplugs usually

99% you'll never use...

I'd wonder why it went. Has the coolant changes been neglected perhaps? Is the coolant rusty? Has there been a leak and the system regularly topped up with water?

Dad's 205D had a leaky heater matrix that had been bypassed but in the meantime, the ex-owner had been topping up with ordinary water and what was in it was as rusty as a horse shoe.

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 30 Mar 2008, 21:29

I have looked at it and it looks just like minute arc weld in the middle about half a mm in width, or it looks like when you touch metal with a live wire.

Paul

Post by **CitroJim** » 30 Mar 2008, 21:43

wrinklet1 wrote:I have looked at it and it looks just like minute arc weld in the middle about half a mm in width, or it looks like when you touch metal with a live wire.

I know the look exactly..

That'll be a tiny rust hole Paul, possibly as a result of bad plating when the coreplug was made.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 01 Apr 2008, 16:04

May be an easy option drilling and tapping a threaded hole to fit a small bolt holding a flat section seal.
The coolant pressure is no more than approx 1bar, as then the filler cap valve will open and expell the over-pressure.
Also keep in mind that standard bathroom or building silicone paste easily withstands temperatures up to approx 140degC, more than adequate for non critical engine sealing purposes.

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 06 Apr 2008, 21:17

Ok, Job done. Stripped the common rail off the car, to get to the core plug. Screwed a self tapping screw into the hole, prized the core plug out, wiped it clean then tapped in a new one. Took about 1 hour to do the job. No leaks at the moment (thank goodness)

Thanks for the help again.
Paul