Timex and friends

[citsncycles]

Still not convinced I've got the pump timing spot on as it runs out of steam earlier than I'd expect, but it's certainly more flexible than it was. I'm in uncharted territory now the square port head's fitted, but the fact that it's got better torque and is more economic while (in theory) losing 6 or 7 bhp shows how poorly it was before. I'm hoping that a complete exhaust system that isn't choked up will improve matters further - that's if I can find the last bit of pipe I need!

[citsncycles]

All is well on the Timex front up here in Scotland - it's been good to compare it with Daisy, and I think my worries about pump timing are unfounded. I fitted the new exhaust bits before coming up, although 1 joint is still blowing, and I had to adjust the clutch yesterday, but all in all it's done well, keeping up with the rest on all but the steepest hills and returning 54mpg while doing it!

[Mothman]

Well done Mike for keeping her on the 'road' for such a long trip. Love to have been with you all but have to
prioritise, the sharks are calling from Cornwall, will be there in Gloria in a few days.

Andy

[Tim Leech]

Asides the comical blue smoke timex did very well indeed! I was amazed how well it pulled up those inclines.

[DavidRutherford]

I've only just read through this thread from beginning to current day, and a couple of things spring to mind:

A fantastic, little short of herculean amount of effort has gone in to this, so absolute kudos for the work you've done.

I absolutely love the tattyness of Timex. I'd drive that as an every day driver not just to piss my boss off, but 'cos I'd love it!

This:

Is without doubt the best photo of the year!

Just as a mention, if you are looking for square-port engine parts for authenticity, bear in mind that every single Peugeot 309 non-turbo-diesel that was made had a square-port engine in, right up until 1992ish. The TD's were oval port (as all TD's are) but for some odd reason, the non-turbo didn't ever change to oval ports. Consequently, a good square-port engine can be had for peanuts from a breakers.

and if you're now getting over 50mpg from it, then that injection pump timing must be very good indeed. I've owned many XUD9 square-port engined cars, and never achieved more than about 47-48 mpg.

I think I might even have some odd XUD9 bits still kicking about. If I have, you're welcome to them if they're of any value.

[Dollywobbler]

Super! 54mpg sounds pretty darned good - I have managed that on an NA diesel, but only driving far more gently than I normally do.

[DavidRutherford]

I have to say, my comment of "never achieved economy like that" is not just a statement about how good 54mpg is, but also how heavily I tend to drive.

Never had to do an Italian tune-up to pass an emissions test though...

[MULLEY]

Never had to do an Italian tune-up to pass an emissions test though...

[citsncycles]

Ah yes, the emissions - with all the smoke when I floor it for a hill (If Tim thought it was funny in the highlands, he should have seen it comig out of some roadworks somewhere between Glasgow & Carlisle!) I'm wondering how it'll do on the MOT in September!

I know what the problem is - worn valve guides, which because it's an early head have no provision for stem seals, and I'm obviously hoping that I don't need to pull the head again to change them. I'll either change or remove the air filter in order to improve air flow into the engine (hopefully reducing any tendancy to suck oil through the guides), but any other tips would be greatfully recieved.

And as always, thanks for the kind comments!

[mds141]

You tried some Millers ecomax Mike? Certainly does wonders for the XM. It used to chuck out smoke on a regular basis at first, but after a couple of years of regular dosing with Millers, I only get a puff of smoke when I'm using the 'kick down' on the auto box.

[Tim Leech]

Burning oil isnt the same as combustion smoke though?

[mds141]

Didn't realise it was burning oil. My bad.

[Tim Leech]

Didn't realise it was burning oil. My bad.

yes the smoke from timex was definatly blue not black! very comical all the same and kept everything lubricated!!!, that new exhaust wont rust through in a hurry!

[Tinkley]

Fantastic job keeping this BX on the road, I can only echo David R's comments above. My No1 tip for reducing emmisssions on a petrol that's worn is vent the crankcase breather to atmosphere. Make sure its discreet but you will get an oily 'mist' on its trail. By not regurgitating oil into the air filter it helps keep things a bit cleaner for the pistons to work on. Hope this helps as it should work for a diesel too.

[Dollywobbler]

It always did pump out blue smoke when I had it - hilarious levels from a cold start.