Kieran's BX blog

[kieran.l]

Got my second BX today so decided to start a blog as this car is going to need quite a bit of work. Its a '93 17TZD Turbo. Got it for €350 (about £290). Its been sitting for 7 years with a damaged octopus. Original engine blew its head gasket so the guy replaced it with another 17 but damaged the octopus at the same time. Up to 5 years ago he was still starting it until the battery went flat. He had originally planned to get another and use this one for parts but that didn't happen. So when I saw it for sale (at €500), I kind of impulsively decided to go have a look at it with my dad (being only 2hrs from me and given they're even rarer in this country). The guy was into BXs before and see that it was going to a "good home" and not to someone who hadn't a clue, he accepted €350. (Probably could have got it for less but didn't want to insult the guy). Anyway, the 19RD now has company...

Even though it didn't rise, this recovery truck had no problems






Looks tatty and haven't been able to look under it yet


Rear of door sills not too bad




Same can't be said about the boot floor!


But hinges OK




Pram handle has broken off




There was no start We thinks its a dozed starter motor so its been ripped out to be overhauled this week hopefully


Now for the worst VISIBLE bit. Above windscreen


Bottom of same pillar


Hopefully it can be fixed and isn't too far gone...

Also...anyone know what this is?

Under this plastic sheet


Mk1 pops out to say hello

[Paul296]

Good luck with the new purchase - that windscreen surround looks a bit scary!

[mat_fenwick]

The mystery item looks like some kind of alarm (+immobiliser?) If no feed to the starter motor then work checking this out. I have once seen what appeared to be a factor/dealer fit alarm on a BX, as it plugged into existing connections rather than simply spliced in mid wire. Don't think it looked like yours though.

[Tim Leech]

Love the MK1

[kieran.l]

The mystery item looks like some kind of alarm (+immobiliser?) If no feed to the starter motor then work checking this out. I have once seen what appeared to be a factor/dealer fit alarm on a BX, as it plugged into existing connections rather than simply spliced in mid wire. Don't think it looked like yours though.

The starter was attempting to turn when the key was turned (with a perfect battery), but it was very weak. It made a bit more of an effort when the jump leads were on. I wonder, if this mystery box was an immobilising the car then there would be nothing at all from the starter?

[Tim Leech]

It could be a bad connection to the starter/solenoid, which is a common problem and well documented on here.

[Dollywobbler]

Boot floor looks identical to how my TXD looked before Christmas. Bodged up for now. Will need a proper job doing at some point.

[kieran.l]

It could be a bad connection to the starter/solenoid, which is a common problem and well documented on here.

Of course, it totally slipped my mind to do a search on here! Leant my lesson now

Starter is out now and off for refurb this week so I'll take it from there when its back...

[kieran.l]

Managed to start the BX today. Turns out the earth lead was at fault. Attached another lead and earthed it via the back of the starter. Car is ticking over lovely now. It rose up when LHM was topped up, but the octopus is leaking alright. Could only drive in reverse as an engine mount is off and I couldn't get 1st gear. Hoping to get the car on a lift next week...

[Tim Leech]

Well thats a "start" excuse the pun, i runs and rises, thats the first hurdle!