Xm Issues, Other problems with my XM's

[mwt]

I have just bought a third XM to add to the collection, and they all have little bits of advice and work that needs doing, as follows:

My original 1995 VSX has had a small crack in the turbo underside since purchase three years ago, which initially sounds like a leaky exhaust until it warms up and is then hardly noticeable. The car runs fine and has passed MOTS. I wonder whether the turbo can be repaired/patched insitu, or is replacement the only option, and does this problem occur often. The front suspension has become very hard lately and I assume it must be the spheres as I have only changed the three rear and engine/accumulator.

Number two, a 1994 SI is fine, except the engine is a little uneven, which I think might be fuel related, possibly a partly clogged petrol filter (the car stood idle for nearly a year). Although there is plenty of power, the response is not always as immediate as you would expect. The exhaust manifold gasket is also slighly leaking and I am not sure how big a job it is to replace.

The third car is a 1993 SEI, which has no heating at present, due to a leak of coolant inside under the steering wheel the pipework was disconnected/ bypassed during the previous ownership. The heater matrix was replaced about six years ago, but it might have failed again presumably.

Two of the cars have no external temperature readout on their right hand dot matrix display, which I guess is due to failure of the kerbside wing mirror sensor that could be replaced.

Any thoughts and suggestions from members would be very much appreciated.

With regards,

Matthew T.

This post has been edited by mwt on December 07, 2006 03:00 pm

[onthecut]

Hi MWT.

With regard to your disconnected heater, it's well worth checking that the leak isn't simply where the hoses attach to the matrix. I'd separate them, clean it all up, new seal rings and perhaps a little Hylomar or similar, reattach and see if you have a result.

Mike.

[rowanmoor]

I replaced my temp sensor in the wing mirror. There is not much space in there to wire the new one in - but it is quite possible. I think the sensor is about £30 from a dealer or you could try second hand. There may even be generic replacements, but I would have no idea how to tell if they are compatible and would give the cirrect reading.

[Peter.N.]

Secondhand sensors are usually u/s unless they are less tha five years old. The last new one I bought from Citroen was I think about £12-13 They are the same as used in the C5.

Peter.N.

[rowanmoor]

Perhaps I mis-remembered the price then.

[mwt]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts on the various problems that I raised. Any suggestions for the turbo crack and poor running? Regards, Matthew T.

[Peter.N.]

I wouldn't worry about the crack in the turbo providing its not leaking exhaust gas into the cabin or making a lot of noise. The turbo housing will be cast iron or at least it always used to be and it doesn't repair very well. You would have to remove it to have it welded and if its anthing like the 2.1 td to get off I would forget it. It could possible be Brazed as thats the easiest way to repair cast iron, but with the temperature that petrol ones reach it would probably melt it!

Cant help you with the uneven running as I know nothing about modern petrol engines. ...now if it had a carburetter...

Peter.N.

[mwt]

I am sorry that I did not respond sooner and thank you for your advice. I must acknowledge the turbo has been cracked for the last 50K and there is no noticeable problem with fumes or performance. It might be of interest to you and other members to know that I have recently managed an insitu repair with exhaust compound, which has so far proved effective in reducing the intial rumble! At my inspection the crack did appear to be worse and extended almost the full length of the unit. With thanks again and regards.

[UFO]

Try this for some guidance on the heater core replacement. Pics fill in the gaps that Haynes BOFT contains.

http://craigdeb.com/xm/XM%20Heater%20Core.htm