Citroen GS - Air intake control valve

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » 15 Dec 2010, 07:26

Hello to all,

I'm new to the forum, having joined at the suggestion of a serial Citroen owning friend. Back in August I aquired a nice GS for use as my everyday car, and have so far led a charmed life with it in terms of lack of things going wrong/ breaking/falling off.

However, the recent cold weather has highlighted the fact that the air intake control valve has ceased to function, causing carburettor icing. The actual mechanism seems OK, it isn't seized, but it is no longer being actuated by the thermostat.

Has anyone experienced this before, and is there a solution which doesn't involve a new thermostat, which AFAIK, are no longer obtainable.

Thanks,

Chris

Post by **RichardW** » 15 Dec 2010, 08:04

Hi Chris - welcome to FCF.

There are not that many GS ers here, but some have experience going back that far

I have memories of getting mucky watching my Dad swearing at GS's in the early 80's

This is probably a case for a bodge - can you not disconnect the thermostat, and then wind the setting to cold - it won't matter this weather- just set it back to cold in the 'summer'!

Let's see some pics of the beast!

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 15 Dec 2010, 08:15

hi and very welcome as a G owner

is this a GS or GSA, as i think the GS had a manualy operated flap in the air intake,

if its a GSA i have probably got some second hand air filter houseing's with said thermostat atatchet,

were about are you,

im in St Leonards on sea East Sussex,

regards malcolm

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » 15 Dec 2010, 22:28

Thanks for your replies Richard & Malcolm,

I think that in the short term the quick and dirty solution of disconnecting the failed thermostat and moving the valve to the closed position will do the trick.

However it is nice to have everything working as intended, so Malcolm, if you do have a spare thermostat kicking about I could definitely make good use of it. I'm up in North Yorkshire, but will happily pay for postage etc.

The car is a 1979 GS Club, and as requested here are a few pics:

Citroening · Post by **Citroening** » 15 Dec 2010, 22:31

Very nice indeed...you can't beat a nice GS!

addo · Post by **addo** » 16 Dec 2010, 00:18

What's the rubber - Nankang or the real deal?

hattershaun · Post by **hattershaun** » 16 Dec 2010, 00:42

Hi Chrisn,

Very nice looking GS you have there, I'm sure you're proud to own that, I would be.
I recently acquired a GSA and have had 3 GSs in the past; a 1220 Estate, a 1976 1220 saloon & a Birotor, as well as another GSA in the dim & distant past.

You may well have come across www.Chevronics.co.uk, they specialise in GS(A) and keep parts.

All the best with your carb flap.

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » 16 Dec 2010, 03:18

Thanks everyone for your kind comments, if a car could blush it would probably do so!

In the photos its shod with Michelins finest. However, due to the weather conditions we've had recently, and the fact I live some distance from a main road, its now on Vredestein 155x80x15 Snow tyres!

Hattershaun: Sounds like you've got a g series fetish going on there, can't say I blame you! Rather envy you the Birotor! I have had a few things from Chevronics before, oil filters & HT leads mainly. They'll probably be getting a call about this before the weekend.

All the best,

Chris

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 16 Dec 2010, 07:36

The G is a truly superb car and I'm genuinely thrilled to see yours in such
fine fettle and running merrily in the way only a happy G can! The colour
has to be my favourite for these being the exact same as my EFJ522T,
a 1222 GSpecial my first car / Citroen over 20 years ago now but sadly
gone. It easily besotted me into becoming a long term Citroen fanatic and
is the reason I still own several today, including two LHD 1973 cars from
France among a wide selection of other Citroens.

I got so paranoid and nervous should anything nasty accidentally befall one,
I stopped using them as daily transport.

It's great to see these pictures, it's too easy to forget just how fabulous
these cars look when you don't drive them regularly, thanks!!

Andrew

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 16 Dec 2010, 07:57

stunning looker (no the car),

if you pm me your details i will dig one or two out, is there any other bits and bobs you are after,

regards malcolm

Post by **myglaren** » 16 Dec 2010, 17:50

That looks to be in exceptionally fine condition. They are a truly remarkable car. My first Citroen was a GS 1220 club. S-reg. Used to eat driveshafts for fun but was a superb ride.

davewithington · Post by **davewithington** » 16 Dec 2010, 19:53

That is one gorgeous GS.

Never had one in French blue - both mine were Geranium - but it was always a favourite.

Keep it out of the salt though, they do'n 'arf rust.