Xantia Sx LHM leak.

[stevestix8]

Hi All,

Posted twice in a month, but am solving the problems slowly.

Have a problem I would hope someone can else has been through or has some advise on.

The black LHM pump (under the bonnet on left) appears to be occasionally dripping LHM down into the alternator. Have noticed the occasional smell in the cab and can see where the problem is. Directly under pump and directly on top of alternator there is the sign of black where it seems to have been dripping for some time.

I have to say that it is the slowest of leaks and the LHM resevoir has not been effected, have not needed to put anymore LHM in. The alternator is working fine and I have now cleaned up all around it and wrapped the pump in a bag to stop it leaking into the alternator.

Does anyone know of a way to reseat the piping on the pump or tighten up where necessary? Has anyone else had this problem?

Any advice appreciated.

Steve

[wurlycorner]

Is it leaking from where the metal pipes screw into the front of the pump?
If so, you can undo those and replace the seals around the fitting.
Fairly easy job - although from what I recall, the pipes don't have a lot of movement in them to pull out, even after unbolting the clamp below (although it's a lot of years since I did it and perhaps that's *#$~&@! Activa specific)?

My black Activa always leaked very slightly from one of those and replacing the seal unfortunately made no difference, though.

[stevestix8]

Hi Wurly,

Thanks for quick response.

Is hard to identify exactly where the leak on the LHM pump is, because it's so slow, one of those pipes in or out of the pump needs refitting or re-sealing.

Where did you get the seals from? Am struggling to find any youtube vids or seperate LHM pump parts anywhere?

Steve

[Stickyfinger]

1st...FIX it asap as it will destroy the alternator

(Protect the alternator with rages) then spray down the pump with brake cleaner...allow to dry and then (REMOVE rags) and start the engine and cycle up/down....this should show the leak.

Normally it is the large pipe on top and a TINY tweak tighter solves the problem.
New seals are easy but remember to undo all the pipe clamps along its length as not doing so will make the pipe bend.

If all leaks stop I have used brake cleaner to wash down/out alternators...the LHM will attract dust/dirt and make a grinding compound, the bet was it is better to clean it rather than leave the crud inside it..... I used a whole tin for that job to ensure it was cleaned as much as possible.

Chevronics will sell you some pipe seals.

[stevestix8]

Hi Sticky,

As ever thanks for the quality response.

Will track down and locate the actual pipe leaking next time I can get to it.

Can I ask what the process for tightening the pipe is? is it a spanner needed?

Can't seem to find much info about the LHM pump and how the pipes are secured.

Steve

[Stickyfinger]

Spanner, it (may) just need a TINY tweak....I stress TINY.....there are no Citroen pipes that need to (or should need to be) "a little bit of pee" tight.

IF it is that tight then a new seal will be needed as it is the seal that seals not the metal surfaces........I would be very tempted to get a new seal anyway, undo, clean and refresh when time allows.

A small alloy guard over the alternator would have been a good thing for Citroen to have fitted IMHO

[xantia_v6]

see: viewtopic.php?t=42785 for the size of the o-rings. It is usually the 19mm ones that leak first. Personally I don't think that the OEM seals are best of the job, and I fit Viton seals with a cross section 0.1 mm bigger than the original. So that is 16x2 and 19x2.5. If your search ebay for Viton o-rings you will find vendors with all sizes at reasonable cost (even if you have to buy a pack of 10).

[wurlycorner]

Personally I don't think that the OEM seals are best of the job, and I fit Viton seals with a cross section 0.1 mm bigger than the original.

This probably explains perfectly why mine still weeped slightly after replacing with new seals.

[stevestix8]

Hi All,

Am feeling like iv'e solved all my problems today, but am hoping there not just temporary fixes.

I posted a while back about a relay problem inhibiting the fuel pump from pushing fuel through. Have driven it again today and it's starting like a new car, I replaced the relay for the fuel pump a while back so am thinking there maybe some electrical work needed aswell to improve the connections but again today the relay is working fine and the car has no problem starting.

I also looked at the LHM pump today and could see that the top pipe was the 1 that had a slow leak, it was then draining down the back of the pump and into the top of the alternator. I managed to get about 1/8 th of a turn on the securing nut for the top pipe and all seems fine since. I cleaned up all around the area and there was no smell in the cab on the way back. Iv'e checked it now im back and no sign of a leak.

So thanks all for any advice and I will just have to keep an eye on it, with replacing the seals on the LHM pump (and the electrical problem).

Steve

[Stickyfinger]

Top job, well done