1989 XM V6 - New Member

[Flegmaatikko]

Yes, it was a Series 1 24V.

Citroen say they aren't, but I bet they say that because they haven't tested them. Of course I can't say for sure, but my experience is that these lines can take E10 and I actually ran mine on a 3/4 ethanol mix for a winter.

That picture is also from '15 and ethanol was introduced here in '11 and most people, myself included, didn't use it on older stuff. Like I said, my theory is that hot and cramped engine bays are the main reason for failures. Never had any problems with my mum's 2.0 XM or with my BX van, but on both mine and my brother's V6 XMs the fuel lines at the engine bay were full of small cracks and lost signs of failing braiding.

[Seravian]

do you have an example of a V6 Xm setting fire due to fuel, or hydraulic hose failure, I've never heard of one doing it.

I know of quite some, but as "examples" do you mean pictures? It's hard to have a register. On Facebook and the german forum there are several cases. Yes, several, not a few. All V6 or V6 24 PRVs. On two of them the owners report having had the STOP! red light lit seconds before smoke was seen, and quick then a flame coming between the windscreen and the bonnet.

One tip I read often is when the fuel hoses start to get brittle, they leak fuel that falls on hot areas. Nevertheless, fuel tends to evaporate quickly, I think it's more LHM falling on hot areas such as the exhaust.

"But the car that catches fire the most in Sweden is the Citroën XM. "
https://www.aftonbladet.se/bil/a/L0llo1 ... in-bil-eld

[Seravian]

Like I said, my theory is that hot and cramped engine bays are the main reason for failures.

I agree, and I understand the V6 PRV tends to gather quite some heat especially behind the engine, which is where some important LHM hoses are. And right above the exhaust...

[Dieselman]

I read the article you linked to and note some points:
1. it's an old article, Published 2003-06-18, so most Xm would then simply be cheap, old, cars in use, not cared for classics.
2. It doesn't mention any specific engine variant. We already know 2.0i had a fire risk issue.
3. It states "The engine compartment in an old car is often very dirty with spilled oil and the like".

I'm not sure how you are assuming this is due to hydraulic leaks on V6 engined, Xm.

I suspect it is poorly maintained cars that have leaking engine oil from cam covers, causing oil fires, or poorly installed aftermarket electrical equipment. I am aware of a cam cover leak causing a new Mercedes cdi to set fire.
The majority of car fires are caused by an electrical issue.
The Stop lamp doesn't only cover hydraulic pressure, but even if it did you can't assume that means the Lhm suction pipe was ruptured, or the cause of the fire.

All the above doesn't mean one shouldn't be vigilant to fire risks and the V6 does create a lot more heat in a confined space, so rubber deterioration is greater.