Bought a Xantia TD

blueboy2001 · Post by **blueboy2001** » 29 Jan 2003, 04:56

Hello all,
I have just collected my '93 Xantia SX TD and have had it in the garage giving it going over. There are a few issues that have come to my attention. The car has covered 193k, but has a full main dealer history for the first 120k, and came with a bundle of bills; it had a full diagnostic done at a diesel centre at 140k and the glow plugs and injectors were replaced then. Clutch was done at about 112k, and the timing belt at 137k. A new HP pump went on 2 yrs ago at 170k. It drives brilliantly, the engine seems sweet as a nut and the previous keeper has done oil changes every 6k so I'm hoping theres a bit of life left in it yet. Its in remarkably good condition, the interior in particular is spotless. I'm new to both the Xantia and diesel engines (although my last 3 cars have been Citroen's) I'm after a bit of general maintenance advice as well as solutions to a couple of problems I've spotted. I dont mind doing my own maintenance where I have time, but I do often give work to a very good local garage, but even so I like to know whats going on.
Right, first off the car seems to rise (and fall) in good time from flat, the brakes and PAS seem fine, and it responds to the ride height lever. However there is a click about once every 2 seconds from the engine bay. From reading here, I believe that necessetates a new accumilator sphere. Am I right there? In the paperwork I've got I can't find any information on it being changed, so it looks likely to me. Where exactly is the sphere to be found in the engine bay?
Secondly, there is evidence of an LHM leak from around the resevoir area, and this is collecting to the left of the tank down to the RH side of the airbox. I only know its LHM becuase i stuffed a rag down there and it came up green. Although I haven't been far, the car does not seem to have lost any major amount of LHM, and its not pouring onto the drive or anything like that. Is there a common source for leaks in this area that I should start looking for? I will remove the airbox for better access, but would it be advisable to take a look from underneath the car as well to search for leaks. If I do find a leaky hose, what exactly do I need to replace it with?
Thirdly, there is a tiny leak from one of the black braided pipes that run between 2 injectors. I presume the best course of action would be to replace it, what kind of tube do I need and do AS sell it?
Finally, the steering wheel is the car is well worn (not surprising considering the mileage). I am considering replacing it, and I noticed the 94> wheels with airbag modules were much nicer, and if I am looking to source a part from a scrapyard then obviously if I can go for either sort it would making finding one a bit easier. Will the later wheel fit my car? Obviously the airbag will never work, but will the steering wheel radio controls work with my radio (its a 3030 according to the manual)?
Maintenance - is there any specific bits I would be advised to replace now? I intend to do the following as soon as possible - Oil filter and refil with Total 5000 diesel oil, Air filter, Fuel filter, and LHM. Is it worth doing the glow plugs (its starts ok, but they're 60k old)? Any other advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Chris

Post by **RichardW** » 29 Jan 2003, 13:28

Chris,
Accumulator sphere is located down the front of the engine, almost in the middle of the car. 2s click indicates replacement almost certainly necessary. Don't expect the tick time to go much above 15s on a 190k car - the internal leaks will probably necessitate frequent pump action!
LHM round the tank may be a leak from one of the various return hoses, or just somebody being careless when refilling the tank. Clean down all the hoses and look for obvious splits etc. Replace with hose for LHM only - from Andyspares (but maybe only in big rolls!) or not too expensive from Citroen.
The injector leak off pipe needs replacing - it can start to suck air in which makes starting difficult. I'd imagine you will be able to get new hose from a motor factor or diesel specialist.
Don't know about the steering wheel - others might!
Maintenance - I wouldn't bother with the glow plugs unless you find it difficult to start from cold or it runs rough for the first few seconds. If there is no evidence that the timing belt has been changed since 137k I would get it done before it breaks! At 190k probably worth changing the tensioner and water pump at the same time. I would also change the coolant and thermostat and make sure the radiator is not blocked, and the cooling fans are working - Cit TDs do not take kindly to being overheated!
Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the ride!
Richard

Post by **Jon** » 29 Jan 2003, 13:48

We do sell the injector leak off pipe. It comes in a length and you just cut it up as required.
Its genuine Citroen and the cost is a mere £2.75 plus VAT.
Part number is N18600.
Jon Wood
Forum Admin
<img src="http://www.andyspares.com/images/2cv.jpg" border=0>

adrianeaton · Post by **adrianeaton** » 29 Jan 2003, 16:01

Chris
I would strongly recommend you don't try and fit an airbag equipped steering wheel to the car. Most manufacturers had to change the design of their steering columns to accomodate the airbag, although knowing Citroen's slow take up on airbags they probably didn't <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
If you did get one to fit, and you had an accident, the airbag cover is much harder than a standard steering wheel so you'd end up with worse facial injuries!
I suspect a brand new standard steering wheel would be less expensive than a 2nd hand airbag wheel anyway! If the Activa has a nicer wheel maybe find one of those?
Adrian

surfer · Post by **surfer** » 29 Jan 2003, 17:46

Hi,
I have a '96 Activa which does indeed have a nice steering wheel: stereo controls and leather rim etc.
But, it's still an Airbag equipped item, so for the reasons mentioned in the previous reply, you might be better off not fitting one.
Simon.

blueboy2001 · Post by **blueboy2001** » 29 Jan 2003, 21:15

Right, I'll abandon any thoughts of fitting an airbag wheel. I phoned the local Citroen dealer for a laugh to price a new wheel. I was offered a rubber or leather wheel, so there must be some early ones that had a leather wheel. Anyway its a good job I was sat down becuase they quoted me £111.95+VAT for rubber and £162.78+VAT for leather!! I think a trip to the breakers is in order.