New Australian BX member with cooling fan problems

[MULLEY]

Is there any way to check a water pump for wear & tear? When they've had it they start to leak, but was wondering if there was a way of seeing if the old one was perfectly fine or not?

[kiwi]

Is there any way to check a water pump for wear & tear? When they've had it they start to leak, but was wondering if there was a way of seeing if the old one was perfectly fine or not?

I always regarded that as being a sure fire way of knowing when they had had it.

Not so apparently they can just sieze up or break apart without leaking just causing pressure to build up in the engine. Thats how I found out the TZS water pump had failed! Then againit was an Aussie factor part I scorn so much. The saying if it aint broke dont fix applies I believe.

[michaelr]

Then againit was an Aussie factor part I scorn so much.

Then again, let me repeat: "To be fair I doubt that any pumps sold in Australia are actually manufactured in Aus. "

BX pumps that is

On a happier note, I checked sphere pressures yesterday. 20 bar main accumulator, front suspension spheres less than 10 and rears less than 10 bar (One was totally flat with a ruptured diaphragm!) The car was still being driven by the previous owner!

I fitted replacement spheres all round and the car now no longer rides like a go-kart.

[mat_fenwick]

apparently they can just sieze up or break apart without leaking just causing pressure to build up in the engine.

When I was working for QH I don't recall any pumps being returned which has seized, although it must have happened. By far the most common reason for return was leakage, as you'd expect. Some were returned with play in the bearing, which can cause the belt to ride off the edge of the pulley and possibly destroy itself by chafing. Impeller failure was another possibility, either rusted away (no coolant) or simply come away from the shaft.

What I do to assess a pump or tensioner is simply to spin it with the cambelt off. If it sounds/feels rough, or there is any play then I'll replace it. The marginal chance that it will start to leak before the next belt change is a risk I feel worth taking IMO when compared with the price of a decent pump, especially now many BXs will have the belt changed on a time rather than mileage basis.

If I was paying someone to do a belt change then the extra cost of a pump might be insignificant compared with labour costs, so may make more sense to change everything at once. Likewise if it's a car with very poor access to change parts - I'd prefer to only do the job once!

[michaelr]

This white BX 19TRI is coming together quite well. Lots of elbow grease has it looking much better but the cooing fan is still running... I got a replacement switch, but the wrong one was supplied!

The thermostat certainly improved things however a head gasket replacement is a definite now so collecting the parts necessary. Any traps to look out for?

The car is driving quite well. I took it to the shopping centre today and remarkably found a handy parking spot in good company!

[Tim Leech]

Ohh what alovely pair....

[michaelr]

Ohh what alovely pair....

Thank you! yes, I thought they looked good together, but a few passers-by looked strangely at me when I took the photos!

While I am at it I better have a bit of a brag about my other Citroen, the car that paved the way for the BX almost 30 years later.

[MULLEY]

One of my favourite cars ever Which model is it?

[B-Hive]

Wow what a lovely D

and in Australia that's an amazing coincidence that you not only see another BX but park next to one....

I was going to put my hand up for this free TRS/TRi but figured it was head gasket issues, and so resisted the temptation..
Have you had any other experience with the BX? Because you can go around and around in circles in Australia buying this, changing that, etc unless you get a real hold on the actual problem..

Are you actually in Sydney or there abouts?...I can lend a hand if you need

[Tim Leech]

How much would I like to live in that house!!

[B-Hive]

Wow what a lovely D

and in Australia that's an amazing coincidence that you not only see another BX but park next to one....

I was going to put my hand up for this free TRS/TRi but figured it was head gasket issues, and so resisted the temptation..
Have you had any other experience with the BX? Because you can go around and around in circles in Australia buying this, changing that, etc unless you get a real hold on the actual problem..

Are you actually in Sydney or there abouts?...I can lend a hand if you need

[michaelr]

Wow what a lovely D

Are you actually in Sydney or there abouts?...I can lend a hand if you need

Thanks 2BX... yes I am in Sydney (Manly) and have sent you a PM.

For the record both pics of my 1973 DS23 Pallas are taken in Sydney, the first at the Baha'i temple
http://www.bahai.org.au/Participate/Temple.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The second is interesting as the building, Rose Seidler House, was designed by Harry Seidler and won an award in 1951. Harry was a great fan of Citroen and for many years would drive nothing less. His drawings often included his car of choice.

http://seidler.net.au/?id=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;