Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

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lancia58
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Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by lancia58 »

Hi

There is an LHM leak between the reservoir block and the reservoir. I changed the seal to a new one but it steal leaks. A year ago or so I replaced the reservoir block with a new one ( found a cheap deal on eBay ) and I think since then the leak becomes worse. The block came with a new seal but it leaked. So I bought a new seal and it still leaks. What can be done to stop the leak ?

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Thanks
Zohar
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by xantia_v6 »

To solve that problem, I cleaned and degreased the top of the tank and the bottom of the reservoir, and then reassembled with a thin smear of black silicone sealant (I think I used Loctite 5910, anything would probably do).
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by Zelandeth »

That's an interesting one. The LHM level in the tank is generally low enough that the seal there is more to keep dust and grime out of the tank than the LHM in.

Are you sure that the leak isn't coming from one of the return hoses and simply pooling on the top of the tank? Certain that I recall hearing at least one incident of the plastic barb onto which the hoses fit cracking and causing a leak.
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by chinkostu »

Zelandeth wrote:That's an interesting one. The LHM level in the tank is generally low enough that the seal there is more to keep dust and grime out of the tank than the LHM in.

Are you sure that the leak isn't coming from one of the return hoses and simply pooling on the top of the tank? Certain that I recall hearing at least one incident of the plastic barb onto which the hoses fit cracking and causing a leak.
This happened to me, i hadn't quite nipped the clamp up and it leaked all over the top.
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by xantia_v6 »

Zelandeth wrote:That's an interesting one. The LHM level in the tank is generally low enough that the seal there is more to keep dust and grime out of the tank than the LHM in.
It depends how much enthusiasm you put into your driving :wink:
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by Old-Guy »

I think this problem is a combination of two things:

1. Over time, the top of the reservoir gets permanently distorted downwards under the pressure of the spring clip.

2. If the LHM is correctly topped up to the mark when the spheres (and the Nitrogen in them) are cold, if the level is checked again when the spheres are hot (rise in ambient temperature coupled with doing enough miles to get the hydraulic system thoroughly warmed), then the reservoir will be over-filled.

For some years now, I have avoided topping-up over half-way between the marks and I no longer get any leakage from the top seal.
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Re: Xantia - LHM reservoir leak

Post by CitroJim »

None of mine have ever sealed that well except on my last V6...

Guy, I believe you are correct..
Jim

Runner, cyclist, time triallist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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