Couple of BX problems

Will2cv · Post by **Will2cv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:49 am

Hi All

After a period of faultless behaviour (apart from the lower arm bushes) this week has seen some strange happenings on the BX (TZD turbo). Firstly, it has started 'hunting' when idling, not massive amount, ony from between 750 to 1000 rpm but it is quite regular. This is over and above the usual dip when the accumulator kicks in. Also, it has taken to stalling randomly when pulling up to junctions. This is less regular, maybe once or twice on a trip. Are the two related in any way?

The fuel guage has taken to flickering between its proper reading and nearly empty (tank half full currently) again quite randomly, when it does it kinda behaves like a 2cv one which dances round with the movement of the car. Tank sender on the way or earth problem maybe?

Any advice appreciated. Cheers.
Will

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:14 am

Tank sender (under rear seat) sounds most likely to be the cause of random readings on the guage, they`re sort of famous for it.
As regards the hunting and occasional stalling have a look under the bonnet with it running and see if you can see any leaking/perished/broken fuel pipes, especially near the fuel filter. My TZD was doing exactly that (as well as not starting) until Vanny (I think it was Vanny!) had a look and discovered the bleed `bulb` was leaking. Just about to go and fit the new one this morning.

adamskibx · Post by **adamskibx** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:40 am

Yep id try that too. Only other thing I can think of is dirt in the injectors? Try putting some injector cleaner or a dash of petrol in the tank and taking it for a good old Italian tune up.

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:00 am

When did you last change the fuel filter?

Oscar

Stewart (oily!) · Post by **Stewart (oily!)** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:13 am

I would be looking at the filter first off too Oscar.
Stewart

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:27 am

Just in case it helps, here is the offending article on my TZD:

This is what it looks like....

This is it as a close up, if you look closely you can see where it has split in places and was chucking out fuel....

And as a random bonus here`s a pciture I downloaded by mistake.....

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:04 pm

The Roto-diesel (AKA Lucas, CAV) pump relies on fuel to operate its control mechanism and so is rather vulnerable to air in the fuel. The good thing about this pumpo is that if the leakoff tubes fall off it just makes a mess and smells - and air does NOT get into the fuel.

The Bosch pump is mechanical - but like the Roto-Diesel does not appreciate air in the fuel which may get in from hard or cracked leakoff tubes (including the end cap)

Air is the simplest problem to sort - and will still cause problems if you start on something else. It may help to substitute the last supply pipe to the pump with clear plastic so you can see whats going on.

Fuel filter may cause problems - and the rubber bulb will (if you have it). I don't think new ones are very expensive. Its unlikely to be injectors - if they are at fault it will feel sluggish, and be prone to smoking.

Worth checking the lead is firmly attached to the tank sender unit under the back seat - the one on my TD Estate is rather short and had come half way off when I got the car.

Will2cv · Post by **Will2cv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:14 pm

Thanks for the replies chaps, I'll go looking for any signs of split pipes as first port of call, I'll inspect the bleed bulb carefully too. Fuel filter was last changed about a year ago, probably renewal time.

I'll also have a look at the tank sender, sounds like I don't have to drop the tank to get at it then which is handy!

Hasn't had an Italian tune up for a while either, get a trip to Gloucestershire at the weekend so I'll give it some beans then

Will

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:45 pm

Will, the `bulb` was about £17.00 inc. VAT from Citroen, though just after I bought it a bloke who was there said the diesel specialists he worked for had some in and they`d be about a fiver. Bit bloody late then but possibly worth a try if you have a local diesel repair place and discover that your bulb is knackered?

Will2cv · Post by **Will2cv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:16 pm

Thanks Cavmad, I think there's a diesel place in town so if needs be I''ll head over there. If I ever get a lunch break today I'll go outside and have a look under the bonnet.

Will