Donated C3 running like a bag of spanners!!!

mikksue · Post by **mikksue** » 19 Jun 2010, 19:37

Hi guys, im a noob here so hopefully you can help.

I have been given a C3 (2003) which is running rough as! Starts first time, then misses like a pig and stalls in idle. If you keep it running, it struggles to reach 40 mph judders and stuff.

Now, im thinking injector problem? Any other advice would be welcome.

Cheers Mike

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 19 Jun 2010, 19:57

Hi Mike, welcome to the FCF

What engine is it you have?

Sounds quite like a 1.4HDi 16v 90bhp by its symptoms.

mikksue · Post by **mikksue** » 19 Jun 2010, 20:08

You right on the money there mate!

So what do you think?
Any advice welcome.

Mike

JamesQB · Post by **JamesQB** » 19 Jun 2010, 21:11

If it's starting first time despite what's occurring afterwards, I'd be inclined to have codes read and then cleared. Our C3 with same engine was terrible after I changed a faulty injector even though the poor starting had become instant starting, until a whole host of fault codes were erased from the ECU. It now runs sweetly with only a lack of turbo boost which I'm hoping is down to the turbo solenoid valve being knackered.

I'd do that first then go from there, especially since our C3 was identical even to limp home mode after injector change. Who knows how good it'll be when I finally get the new injector coded in.

danielsydney · Post by **danielsydney** » 09 Jul 2010, 12:25

I think the injectors are Sagem? They are in my 8V 1.4 petrol. I have had 2 injectors fail. Something to do with bad design of windscreen washers.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 09 Jul 2010, 16:16

I didnt realise injector were much of a problem with the petrol C3s?

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 09 Jul 2010, 21:47

It's not the injectors that are the problem,it's the leaky washer jets that let water into them.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 10 Jul 2010, 09:19

Thats quite a nice design feature there then

Mad Dave · Post by **Mad Dave** » 11 Jul 2010, 08:41

Hi Mik, I might be way off here m8, but I had a similar problem with my Relay van 2.0 Hdi, it was idling very rough, and eventually cutting out.
It would also run on, after ignition was turned off, etc.
Have you tried a fuel treatment, i.e Millers Ecomax, I started to use on every fill up for a few weeks, and the engine started to run very sweet.
Also I kept away from the Supermarket pumps where fuel was concerned, and touch wood everything has been fine so far.

Cheers,

Dave.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 11 Jul 2010, 08:48

Mad Dave wrote: Also I kept away from the Supermarket pumps where fuel was concerned, and touch wood everything has been fine so far.

Cheers,

Dave.

That would be my tip too, supermarket fuel is not as good as the top brands as it lacks some of the lubricating factors which you find in the high branded fuels. This is very important for modern high pressure injection systems.

A local diesel injector specialists said its mainly supermarket fuels which keeps him in business, as they are not good for long periods with modern cars.

I have never used supermarket fuel in my C5, i only use Shell or BP if im not near a Shell garage. Supermarket fuels are no cheaper to buy anyway.

I use forte fuel system cleaners, which are very good and again contain lubrication for the injectors etc.

Old-Guy · Post by **Old-Guy** » 11 Jul 2010, 11:43

Without knowing the engine, I'd also be inclined to look at the fuel filters as this sounds like classic fuel starvation with an electric lift (or low pressure) pump. The LP pump can push enough fuel thorough for the engine to start, but not enough for it to run.

Getting the codes checked and cleared is a lot more expensive than the other suggestions (all good).

Certainly I'd never run anything on supermarket fuel - what, if anything, you appear to save at the pump you pay for several times over in terms of poor running, extra maintenance, and poor fuel consumption. I too only buy Shell or BP (Esso, Texaco or Total in extremis), and avoid the minor brands and the supermarkets like the plague.

chadders · Post by **chadders** » 15 Mar 2013, 19:28

Hi all
Another C3 wow. We have a 05 1.4 hdi (92) bought it last June it's been great up to now then yesterday a phone call from my wife saying that it was misfiring with em light on then stopped. Thought ha ha fuel filter got it home changed fuel filter got it started (just) and it runs like a bag of nails sounding like it's runing on about 2 cylinders and sometimes ticking over and sometimes not so i took the battery leads off for 10 mins or so hoping it would re boot itself but no luck any advice would be greatly recieved. Chadders

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Donated C3 running like a bag of spanners!!!

Donated C3 running like a bag of spanners!!!

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