xantia ignition timing

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
stephen burch
Posts: 58
Joined: 20 Mar 2002, 03:02
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

xantia ignition timing

Post by stephen burch »

My xantia activa 2.0 8 valve turbo pinks even with fairly light throttle. I rung a citroen specialist who said that it was adjustable on their diagnostic equipment. I booked the car in and drove down. The mechanic test drove the car,said he couldn't hear any pinking ,then informed me that it wasn't adjustable anyway.
I also contacted a Citroen dealer who told me to use LRP every third tankful. Please does anyone know the answer to this question as I have had enough of these so called specialists. The car is a 1997 model. I realise that it may not be the timing ie cambelt incorrectly fitted/ possible head skim increasing the compression ratio etc but I just need to know the answer to this one question for elimination purposes. Thanks.
alan s
RIP 2010
Posts: 2542
Joined: 26 Jan 2001, 15:53
Location: Australia
My Cars:
x 6

Post by alan s »

Stephen,
I don't know the model at all, but I can tell you a couple of things.
If your car is a 97 model, then it will have a cat in which case don't use LRP under any circumstances; that's a big replacement bill looking strauight at you. PULP maybe (Premium ULP) but I would suggest you have a close look at the distributor if this model does have one & see if there are any slotted holes in the metal base with bolts (possibly 10mm) in them. If so then it can be adjusted.
I was told that our BX TZi was also not adjustable (by a specialist as wellas a dealer) but it took me 5 minutes with a timing light & 10mm spanner to prove them wrong; that was 11K klms ago & no trouble since.
Alan S
stephen burch
Posts: 58
Joined: 20 Mar 2002, 03:02
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by stephen burch »

Alan S
I forgot to mention that the model I have is distributorless and it's ok I didn't use LRP as I knew it would kill the cat.
User avatar
AndersDK
Posts: 6060
Joined: 21 Feb 2003, 04:56
Location: Denmark
My Cars:
x 1

Post by AndersDK »

It is disappointing at times to communicate with branded garage specialists.
It's NOT possible to adjust the timing - it's all electronic & controlled from the ECU by a fixed TDC sensor.
Any talks about using LRP every third tankfull - is genuine low octane brain rubbish.
You're at your brains being concerned about the pinking - it's indicative of an engine problem.
The xantia 2.0 engine is fitted with a knock sensor = pinking sensor.
This sensor is exactly used by the ECU to retard the timing a bit - untill the pinking stops. This all happens within milli-seconds - fully electronic.
The sensor is located on the rear of the engine block - best reached from under the car. My bet it's cabling is at fault. Not a pleasant environment for any electrical connector/cabling. Or the connector may simply be a loose fit/corroded/dirty - even had fallen off/broken during other work.
wheeler
Posts: 6847
Joined: 21 Sep 2002, 19:07
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 717

Post by wheeler »

try using shell optimax.it has been known to do the trick on some saxos.
stephen burch
Posts: 58
Joined: 20 Mar 2002, 03:02
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by stephen burch »

Thanks for the info. I'll check the knock sensor/cables over the weekend. If all seems to be ok I may try optimax and see how it goes.
kafkaian
Posts: 221
Joined: 01 Sep 2003, 16:05
Location:
My Cars:

Post by kafkaian »

Anyone know if I have a knock sensor on my 18cc 16Valve petrol (97)? My Xantia's pinking like mad even on the mildest load
Post Reply