Sensible tasks- while engine is out.

[rhysaccess]

Howdy all,

I'm removing the engine out of my (newly acquired) 1990 TZI - to facilitate replacing a broken gearbox.

While it's out, it's timely to replace the clutch, do the timing belt and check a variety of other bits.

Can those more familiar with BX's, recommend some other tasks while the engine is out and I have better access to the drivetrain and engine bay?

Thanks & regards,

Rhys

[Jaba]

I am not completely sure what I would do but some of the things that do fail eventually that are more easily accessed are:
Octopus
Height corrector
Flow distributor
Exhaust manifold studs and gasket
Water pump
Auxiliary belt tensioner

Your choice of course and others may add some more. You may equally decide to just wait until they fail at some time in the future

[rhysaccess]

Thanks Jaba,

The water pump replacement seems sensible (and typically replaced with all timing belts these days). The other items will inevitably curse me later...but I'll wait for the joy on the day.

I'd wondered if it was sensible to replace drive-shaft seals, engine core plugs or would anything else be beneficial - when the XU9 engine & BE3 gearbox separate?

Cheers,
Rhys

[rutter123]

Drive shaft seals...Why not
Core plugs..Not unless they're leaking
Gearlinkages always worth a shot.

[RobC]

I’d also add to the above the steering flexible connector, and brake valve. Both possible with engine in, but much easier with it out.

[Kaapelimies]

Can those more familiar with BX's, recommend some other tasks while the engine is out and I have better access to the drivetrain and engine bay?

Yes, clean everything you see, check and renew if needed. And the things you don't see are the crankshaft rear seal (and front seal as you do the timing belt anyway, and in that region you have the cam seal(s) also) and gearbox axle seal as well the allready mentioned driveshaft seals.

The height corrector probably just need a full dismantle&clean procedure, maybe new rubber parts. Octopus is allready old and if not leaking now it will a week after putting back to service..
And how about the brake valve? It would be an easy piesy to renew or repair now. (And next you think how a simple clutch & box change will take a month and £1200 )

[rhysaccess]

Howdy all,

Thanks for the suggestions. Most I'll have a sniff at them all, while access is available.

It seems there is no "Must do" activities - that present in many cars (particularly Citroens).

I have bad memories from my CX days where the single bruised tentacle of an octopus, necessitated replacement of the entire organism. Hoping to avoid that.

Regards,
Rhys

[rutter123]

Be aware when purchasing a clutch, years ago I bought a so called "new old stock" Valeo set off the fleabay, only to find 6 months later the pedal becoming very heavy and the shuddering returned, turns out it was a re-con set and had to be changed again.
There are plenty out there, stick to brand name and pay the extra for the right parts.

[Jaba]

Something else to consider is the sump gasket if there are signs of leakage and while you are there and doing the crankshaft seal the sealing strips for the flywheel end main bearing cap.