Xantia fluid leak

[fridgedoc]

Hi All
I am leaking lhm fluid from my Mk 1 I thought it might be a pipe but it is very wet on the top of the reservoir, I have cleaned it a couple of times but after a run it is wet again, could it be the filters blocked?
Many thanks
Stephen

[electronmirror]

It's unlikely to be blocked filters but if you've not checked them they are worth cleaning because they can accumulate a lot of crud from the system.

LHM collecting on top of the reservoir is more likely to be that big seal or the retaining clip not seating properly. The seal does harden with age, my Mk2 is suffering with exactly the same problem. 'Hydraulic block Seal' as Citroen describe it is on order from the local dealer, cost approx £9.

[fridgedoc]

Thanks Ted I'll check that out

[CitroJim]

Ted, you're bang-on. My Activa suffers the same problem, which I live with but Gabriel is as dry as a bone...

I have noted they are often fine until disturbed...

Pro-tem, until sorted, just run with slightly lower levels of LHM in the reservoir. I run my Activa at just below the bottom ring on the sight-glass.

Don't use sealants on the joint and especially not any kind of silicone - LHM eats it!

[fridgedoc]

listening to what you say Jim I think I have a leak elsewhere as well as I'm using a far bit of fluid

[xantia_v6]

Don't use sealants on the joint and especially not any kind of silicone - LHM eats it!

I have found that Loctite 5910 (as used by Citroen for V6 sump gaskets) works well in this role, I have had success with a couple of Xantias.

Clean the surfaces with a solvent so that they are oil free, Only apply a thin layer of sealant to the underside of the rubber seal (that presses against the tank body), none between the seal and tank lid.

[CitroJim]

Mike, that's very useful to know. I have a fair quantity of that Also found it works well on lavatory cisterns too...

Stephen, if the leak is in that general area check the Anti-Sink valve under the LHM reservoir and the two rubber pipes that return LHM from the front struts - they terminate under the reservoir...

[Stickyfinger]

BL Auto's told me the LHM tank leaks because it goes concave over time.....

[CitroJim]

BL Auto's told me the LHM tank leaks because it goes concave over time.....

I reckon there's a lot of truth in that Alasdair...

[xantia_v6]

BL Auto's told me the LHM tank leaks because it goes concave over time.....

I reckon there's a lot of truth in that Alasdair...

That is why glueing the seal to the tank (so that the seal follows the concavity*) stops it leaking.




*I thought that this was a good time to invent a new word.

[white exec]

I like the idea of concavity. It's what my tummy does on a good day.

[CitroJim]

I like the idea of concavity. It's what my tummy does on a good day.

[fridgedoc]

Hi Jim, I have a horrible feeling you are right about the Anti-Sink valve under the LHM reservoir or the rubber pipes that return LHM from the front struts - that terminate under the reservoir.
You have obviously done this before and I would be grateful for some pointers as there is quite a bit lhm fluid on the ground
How do I approach this, do I need to remove the reservoir totally? is the anti-sink valve part of it?
sorry so many questions.
Many thanks for any assistance
Stephen

[CitroJim]

Stephen, yes, a few times!!!

The reservoir will need to be removed but this is easy. Run and set the suspension on low, unclip all the pipes going to the top (filter head) housing, undo the two 10mm nuts at the rear of the reservoir and then carefully lift it - full of LHM - from it's bracket and remove from the vicinity... Be aware it is heavy as it will have a good 4 litres of LHM sitting in it. The pipes you removed will drip so plug their ends with clean rag. You don't want them dripping where you are now going to inspect as this could hide the real source of the leak...

You will see the anti-sink valve now... It looks like a tube with two round end caps. These end caps are threaded and are screwed on. Under the caps are O rings and these can perish and cause the leak. The caps can be unscrewed and the O rings replaced.

If this is the cause of the issue then new O rings will be needed. They are not a service part so suitable ones will need selecting. Whichever ones you choose, make sure they are LHM-proof by soaking them in LHM for a few days... Not all are and if they are not they may swell and go soft and sticky or go hard.

If not the anti-sink, with the reservoir out of the way the leak should be easier to spot.

Check all the rubber pipes you disconnected from the filter head and the rubber pipes that carries leakage LHM from the brake dosuer valve and the rubber pipe that carries return LHM from the steering pinion valve... All are known culprits for the sort of leak you have.

Let us know what you find...

[fridgedoc]

Thanks for the advice Jim, it will have to leak a bit longer as it's too bloody cold at the moment