Good specialist nr Huntingdon Cambs that could do valve seal

[ChrisS]

Hi

My BX GTI Auto is kicking out smoke when started from hot (no smoke at any other time) and with 175k on the clock I think the valve seals are shot. As I want to keep the car and as the rest of it is in good order and a rare spec (black wheels, aircon as well) I'd like to get it done. I'll then fix all the other bits that need doing - a sort of rolling restoration

Can anyone recommend a good local specialist?

Thanks

Chris

[jamescarruthers]

Hi,

I live in Cambridge and take my BX to Pleiades in Sawtry. I can highly recommend them. You can get the bus back to Huntingdon pretty easily (I get the guided bus back to Cambridge via Huntingdon).

Phone Martin on 01487 831239 an tell him James with the blue BX 14 sent you. I'm sure he'd be able to do the work you want and if not will happily give you the time I day and recommend someone local.

Good luck,

James

[Mike E (uk)]

valve seals is not a 'specialist citroen' job, it's the same on many other cars. Any competant mechanic can do this work.

the seals on bx 1900cc 8V engines only last about 80,000 miles- so your car is due it's 3rd set.

there is lots of info on this topic on this forum.

Mike

[Mickey taker]

as another option ,

you have Bourne citroen less than 40 miles away if that's any good to you

http://www.bourne-citroen-centre.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bourne Citroen Centre
Unit 1, Eastgate Industrial Estate
Cherry Holt Road
Bourne
Lincs
PE10 9JY


tel: 01778 394 777

[citsncycles]

Can't comment on Bourne for their work as they're a bit far from me to take the car to, but they certainly know their stuff, Barry is a BX fan and their parts prices are very good!

[Caffiend]

Just under 40 miles in t'other direction you have Chevronics in Hitchin. Rob Moss is also a BX fan who really knows his stuff, expensive owing to closer-to-London location. I've been pleased with both Barry and Rob's care of my P&J

[Mickey taker]

now where just confusing the poor fella

[citsncycles]

No, we're just showing that there's plenty of people out there willing to help keep your car on the road (for an appropriate price of course!)

[rutter123]

if this is an 8v engine fairly easy to diy, at same time replace/lap the valves and re shim. i would imagine a fairly hefty bill from a garage to do the work.

[citsncycles]

Depends on costs, time available and inclination really - If you want to do it yourself, a top end gasket set, a head skim if required, and maybe some shims for resetting the clearances should come in for under £100. You may find that the valve stems and guides are worn - I'd get new guides fitted by a specialist as I've heard of people cracking heads removing the old ones, but the rest is just a matter of being patient and methodical.

[rutter123]

or another option is to remove the head and send it off to a specialist or a local one may even collect, maybe worth a few enquiries first and get some quotes as i would expect a bill for £500 ish to rebuild a head. or even try a mobile mechanic as their hourly rates tend to be half that of a garage.