Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[White Exec]

Having just given the lower section of the sills a couple of coats of black stonechip paint, I thought that was a job done. Checking on the web, though, the recommendation does seem to be to top off stonechip paint with topcoat. The stonechip acts as a flexible layer to deter chips, but the topcoat keeps the water out. Many stonechip pains are low on solvent, or are water based, and so take topcoat well - as opposed to the old use of bitumen paint, which just doesn't like cellulose or solvent paint on it at all. (My stonechip paint was a brand called Teknox, bought here in Spain. Nice to use, but can't find any data on it.)

So, out with the spraygun again tomorrow (just done the driveway gates).

[russ92xmsed]

Yes thats what I found too Chris. Any stone chip needs a topcoat. Fortunately I have only used the stone chip on the inside of the spare wheel carrier. Everywhere else has thick layers of black gunky underseal. So not too much to do actually on mine.

[russ92xmsed]

Not sure what to do.... a dilemma. I have traced the leak to the o ring connecters to the Matrix. A very visible dribble is evident. No other leaks from the bottom of the matrix as you would expect if it had sprung a leak and it then drained into the footwell. So my dilemma is, do i replace the whole lot, or just the rubber o rings. One thing is for sure doing the o rings is a bit easier than the whole lot.

At least I know what the issue is. O rings.

Just spoken to a very nice stranger in the street who turned out to be a Citroenist. Having owned one of the last BX 16V for 14 years and loved it, a CX, 2Cv's, and an AMi8. which is still about but rotting nicely in a field somewhere round here, after a friend of his had totally destroyed the brakes. He was most upset to hear Citroen are abandoning Hydraulics and was also very interested in the XM. Although it got the usual comment..Complex!

[xmexclusive]

O ring replacement is worth a try if you can minimise the coolant spillage in the car.
Turn all the heating controls right down,
Run the engine just long enough to be sure the theromostat is closed.
Drain the coolant header tank and save the mix for reuse.

That should reduce the amount of coolant you get from the heater pipes.
Put a bowl under and unscrew the clamp bolt.
Swap the O rings or try PeterN's trick of just adding extra ones.
Smear with Vaseline or similar and wind screw up tight.

John

[russ92xmsed]

Thanks very much for the explanation John. Very useful. I have been running the heating on low recently and actually just had to move the car so popped it on 15 and ran it for a bit. I did I read Dean suggested to reuse the o rings but silicone sealant them in place. Seems they can be a bit tricky to seal properly.

[White Exec]

Would use blue Hylomar (? Halfords), or maybe Hermetite (ditto), rather than standard silicone sealant, which can separate from mating surfaces when subjected to heat, pressure and moisture.

[russ92xmsed]

Thanks for the tips Chris. I have ordered some Blue Hylomar. Can't get it at Halfords, but I'm not too worried at waiting because the car is tucked away in the garage..... Due to this.....





Some little so and so has tried to force entry. I think last night. Thank god unsuccessfully. And I'm not sure what they were after, as I keep nothing on display. It is quite unsettling and doesn't usually happen in this area.
Sorry the pic is a tad too dark, but a screw driver has been used to chew up the lock ( still works however) and try to force the cover of it, scraping the paint behind. I'm fuming. So the car is in hiding for now. When it is allowed back out it will be alarmed. Thank goodness XM locks are good and spin when anything apart from the key is put into them.
So now it means I really should replace the locks with my spare set. Another job to do.

Tried to shut the squealing hydro belt up too today. And it still is wailing away....Until it warms up. I think it's time for a new belt, hopefully that will cure it.

Also slapped on some top coat on the spare wheel tray this morning. So that is drying and will hopefully now mean it is good for a few more years.

[Dieselman]

For the heater, just do the O rings. They are 22x3mm.

If you can't get any locally, let me know, I'm sure I've got some.

You will need to drain the coolant to do this as the heater is a full flow type, with no water shutoff valve.

[russ92xmsed]

Many thanks Will.

[White Exec]

Sorry to hear about the attempted break-in - obviously a very amateur job. Just when you thought your to-do list was already long enough....!
22x3mm shouldn't be difficult to find - I've got a quantity of them here, 22mm being the mean diameter. Standard plumber's size.