BX Octopus Replacement - Another Tip

ScottFromNZ · Unread post by **ScottFromNZ** » 28 Feb 2004, 02:47

My mechanic that replaced the octopus on my '91 BX said that he removes the driveshaft to do them as it only takes a few minutes to remove and replace and makes it alot easier to see what he is doing.
He charged me for 3 hours labour which including checking brakes and gearbox oil for me.
My old octopus had a pipe broken where it connects into it - probably just old age. How long do they ususlly last?

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 28 Feb 2004, 14:37

Some do remove the driveshaft to gain access, but you can also manage by removing the top engine mount and raising the engine. I chose to do the latter. As far as I remember my octopus lasted from new, about eight years. If you´ve only just needed one on a 91 BX, you´ve had your money´s worth.

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 28 Feb 2004, 15:13

I replaced mine with the engine out, it still took over an hour!
Stewart

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 28 Feb 2004, 21:17

Scott -
I think that mechanic knows his work !
3hrs in total - removing the RHS axle for better work access and work quality - other work items done too - is a very fair job & charge indeed !
It's not just gaining adequate work access and then replace the Octopus. The work is quite fiddly routing each hose from the Octopus to various places - and removing/refitting retaining brackets for hose bundles.
Hat off to that mechanic !

ScottFromNZ · Unread post by **ScottFromNZ** » 29 Feb 2004, 00:05

Yes, he said that fitting the various hoses was a fiddly job.
Just out of curiosity - how do our labour charges compare with elsewhere in the world?
My chap charged out at NZ$51 per hour (about 18 pounds) and a franchise dealer is considered expensive at NZ$80 - 95 per hour (about 29 pounds per hour)
In NZ average yearly salary is about NZ$36,000.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 29 Feb 2004, 00:59

Hourly rates approx the same - if corrected for average yearly salaries - here in DK.
Just that we have to donate some 40% of our salaries - to pay for our reputed high DK social securities.
Which makes even "common" car repairs next-to-catastrophic for the average DK owner.
That's also why s/h cars in DK have a scaringly high price level - when looked at from outside DK.
Despite this - few DK owners are DIY'ers !

Johnno · Unread post by **Johnno** » 01 Mar 2004, 17:51

I replaced the octopus on my BX19 TRS from underneath, whilst lying in the snow! I found that dislocating both thumbs made the job possible[:D]. That BX has now gone to the Great Sphere in the sky.
Scott, when I lived in NZ I didn't notice too many Citroens around, apart from the odd DS. In fact, whilst living in Wellington during the early '80s, someone began importing 2CVs at ludicrous prices! That was before the Japanese second hand import business started (which caused a major crash in second hand car values). Has there been an increase in the numbers of continental vehicles?

ScottFromNZ · Unread post by **ScottFromNZ** » 01 Mar 2004, 22:03

Johnno,
Mostly Jap imports I afraid. Ver reliable but boring in the main.
One of the things I enjoyed most about a UK and Europe holiday last year was seeing all the Euro cars driving around! Made a nice change.