Citroen ZX - Here endeth the lesson

[beko1987]

Well, I went and bought a Citroen ZX. The Puma was no longer fit for the road, and I got my bonus through, so took the plunge.

 

Thanks to everyone's handy tips on the other thread, and sorry it's taken so long to get pictures up.

 

1997 1.4i SX, 70734 miles on the clock, bought from new by the person I bought it off, from Citroen in Maidenhead (no longer there) in August 1997 with 20 miles on the clock for £10,850. Serviced every year at about 10k, apart from 2003-5 when it did 600 miles between stamps. Tax and Test until Feb, and half a tank of pez. It has such a smooth ride, bits of road which used to shake my teeth in the Puma get wafted over with barely a murmor now!

 

Previous owner lives on a massive old farm, with both a 12 plate merc (the replacement for the zx) and a 10 plate merc (his).

 

 

 

 

 

The only bits of rust I can see (havent really looked though) are here:

 

 

 

Came with some old Volvo mats, which are horrible! Drivers side one is in the boot. On the plus side, they have obviously been in there for a long time, and the carpets are like new!

 

 

 

 

Costs £10 more to tax this for a year, than the puma for 6 months! Insurance has gone down by £30 a month as well (it's onto TPF&T though)

 

 

 

However, it is not without it's faults. It's in desperate need of a service (despite having a stamp in the book 4k ago

 

 

That looks like oil, although there's no mayo on the oil cap. Will give the coolant system a good flush and see what' the score is. Temp sits bang on 90, rising to 100 if I sit at 80 for more than 10 minutes. Heaters are hot and cold.

 

There's a tremendous whine from the ower steering on either full lock. I reckon a change of fluid may help that...

 

 

Other things I've done to it in the 3 days I've owned it:

 

Keyfob did not work - fixed with new batteries

Front wiper was shagged - temp got one of the Puma's ones on, new one on order (puma one is too small)

Sunroof doesn't work. Had the motor off today and manually wound it open, so that works. Stripped the motor, it turns freely now, but then back together will not work. Any ideas?

Rear wiper doesn't. Will strip it down and see what the problem is. Otherwise, several on ebay cheap.

A rattle from underneath. Sounds like a stone caught on a caliper, will investigate

Rocker Cover gasket is shagged. New one on order

Audio! All the speakers are rotten. However, tape player FTW (although the display is broken.)

Handbrake only works on one side (pulling it up when rolling makes it buck to the passenger side)

 

I've drien 105 miles so far, redlining it on occasion, ragging it on some, pottering on the rest and it's not complained at all. Pez has hardly moved as well, although the needle starts at a different place each time I turn it on (will get the sender out and clean it up)

The clock does not light up

 

So there we are! Anyone want any Puma parts (will be stripping it, worth more than the rusty shitheap it is when whole!

 

Also, will the spark-plugs from the Puma (1.7) fit the ZX? Logic tells me they will, and having only done 10k, would like to re-use them.

 

Will update when I do something to it. Want to get the Puma gone from my parents drive first, so I can have the space.

 

Cheers

 

Sam

[ProgRocker]

Nice buy. The Citroen looks like a luxury spec car.

[wuvvum]

That looks rather nice. Must be one of the very last ZXs - think the Xsara came out on an R plate. I'd rather have a ZX though. In fact I almost bought a turbo diesel Aura last year, but ended up with the Rover of Doom instead.

[beko1987]

I thought that too, the haynes book of lies only goes up to M plate, although Wiki says they stopped in 1997.

 

Can't wait to get her sorted, she is a bit tickety atm, plan to learn how to do cambelt, hg etc. Would have learnt off the Puma, but that was too rusty to bother with. Don't want to learn on the Meriva, as parts are waaay more expensive for it. Although I broke a washer jet on the ZX, and can't find any for love nor money. Will anything else fit? For now I get a torrent of water covering the whole screen, which works well but soaks any car behind and empties the screenwash quickly.

[Split_Pin]

I like that, seats look clean and comfy.

 

That rust is nothing I would worry about, just normal for an old car imo.

 

The mayo will deffo just be condensation and crud due to lack of use if the car drives otherwise fine. Scoop it out the underside of the rocker cover when that's off, fresh oil and then a rag down the m way will clear its throat!

[Micrashed]

Nice looking motor.

Enjoy - they corner particulate well.

[ashmicro]

PSA "splatter" jets. I got a set, as they also fit my Rover. Give the seller a shout and find out if they fit la ZX?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-XSARA ... 4a9837d9ec

[dollywobbler]

Nice one. PSA petrols do mayo up with little use. However that sounds like it's running a bit hot. I'd expect it to run at 80 degrees and rise to 90, though I've not owned anything with the 1.4 engine. Just sounds a bit hot.

[Spiny Norman]

Yup, that looks pretty decent for the money, nice cars the old ZXs. Fair showed the Escort up for the POS it was by then.

[beko1987]

Ah that's good to know. A good oil and filter change, plus a new thermostat, coolant flush, new antifreeze, cleanup of pipes and flush the radiator sounds like it will help alot.

 

Followed by lots of high revving hoonage!

[Ross_K]

Great little motor. I've done a lot of miles in them.

 

Those seats are mega comfy. Handling's great. Stereo's shit - replace the tape deck and speakers ASAP.

 

I'd also recommend disconnecting the pinpad.

[ashmicro]

^^ I did that for a mate with a 306. ISTR you have to do the disconnection with the engine running, or bad things happen.

[beko1987]

Got bored, and was trying to not get into Red or Black...

 

Keyfob looked filthy!

 

 

Sadly, when I bought the new batteries, I bought CR2025, rather than CR2016. However, after spending £4 on batteries that will very likely outlast the car I've made do with the fob not closing completely. This bugs the hell out of me, so I will look out for some cheap ones at a car boot, and put a 2025 into the Merv's fob.

 

However, much cleaner

 

 

Key was equally crusty

 

 

Better, although need to wash it using a brush to get the crud out of the logo. Still, it's not as greasy anymore. Peice of metal is there to close the fob slightyl due to the oversize batteries.

 

 

and on with the rest

 

 

I then grabbed this

 

 

from just that side

 

 

50/50. Will get some proper vinyl cleaner on it so it looks nice on the bookshelf with Merv's and the Puma's (need to sell that now)

 

 

Started sifting through the paperwork

 

 

 

90-100c is normal for the engine apparently, but having coolant full of oil can't be good for it anyway.

 

Grand's worth of windscreen for £25 in 1999

 

 

 

Service history breaks down into:

 

PDI - 8th Sept 1997, the day before I turned 10 years old!

1,192 Miles - 31st October 1997

10,179 Miles - 19th May 1998

20,275 Miles - 7th Jan 1999

It moved dealerships from now to Reg Vardy Citroen Reading

30,852 Miles - 23rd September 1999

Indy now

40,471 Miles - 16th June 2000

52,281 Miles - 18th December 2003

56,220 Miles - 11th August 2005

60,798 Miles - 21st September 2007 (Front Discs and Pads, plus 'Exhaust' written down)

67,944 Miles - 22nd February 2011

 

 

The last stamp this book will ever see(and might start to get serviced properly...)

 

 

 

 

This was in there as well. Took pics of the cars, and the bird.

 

 

Hope I haven't bored you now! Making a list of faults to fix and eating chocolate now!

[Lord Sterling]

Looks like a pretty good purchase, never tried a Citroen that isnt less than 5 years old for some reason.

 

You could probably sell the Volvo mats to someone here as there are a few Volvoists here then try and get yourself some fitted/tailored mats from ebay or something.

 

I'd go around with some WD40 and give the keylocks a good soak to keep things free and moving too.

 

I love sifting through the paperwork of my cars to see where they were serviced and see if I can see it on any of the previous owners driveways or garages where they were serviced through Google Earth. Not had any luck though.

[beko1987]

Oh, nearly forgot, things to check before Feb are:

 

Date of test:

22/02/2011

Certificate issued (Pass)

 

Odometer reading:

67,944 Miles

Test number:

906483151078

Test station name:

HENLEY AUTOS

Test station number:

92568

Test station telephone number:

01491641060

Test class:

IV

Test expiry date:

25/02/2012

Advisory Notice issued

 

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

 

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

 

Fuel tank supports corroding.

 

Nearside parking brake efficiency low.

 

So that's:

 

This - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-ZX-Front-ARB-Anti-Roll-Bar-Sway-bar-Bushes-Drop-Link-Rods-/160851870386?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ACitroen%7CModel%3AZX&hash=item257384c2b2#ht_1914wt_952

 

This: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Brake-Shoes-Fitting-Kit-Citroen-Zx-91-97-Opt2-2-/310395369420?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item48450177cc#ht_2686wt_1186

 

and these:

 

That's next payday's funds spent! May check the brake fluid as well, do a bit if cursory bleeding. Never stripped drum brakes apart before, will hopefully learn something.

[Morgan84]

No,the Zetec plugs won't fit the ZX engine;well,you can put them in,but you will hear funny crunching/bending of metal sounds as they are long reach plugs on a Zetec

 

Looks a nice motor though

[Ross_K]

^^ I did that for a mate with a 306. ISTR you have to do the disconnection with the engine running, or bad things happen.

 

Nah, you can't do anything bad - the car just won't start... But yes I should have mentioned that you do it with the engine running.

 

Also, seeing that fob again reminds me how shit the infrared plip is.

 

How are the rear subframe mounts?

[beko1987]

No idea! Will try and get some underneath pictures tomorrow if you like. Why, are they a shit spot?

[ashmicro]

Infrared plips are class. When I had this:

 

 

I could open and lock it with one of these

 

 

Very James Bond

[Ross_K]

No idea! Will try and get some underneath pictures tomorrow if you like. Why, are they a shit spot?

 

The rubber separates from the metal on the mount. When you drive on a rough road you get a noise like a bloke in the boot banging on the parcel shelf.

 

<- applies to the 306 too. Not sure about the Xsara but it's probably the same scenario.

[beko1987]

Well, I had a look underneath the rear today. So much room to work compared to the Puma.

 

Dropped this out

 

 

Will give it a clean when I do the rest so I don't get filthy if I actually have to use it

 

Drivers Side (I presume this is it?)

 

 

Passenger Side

 

 

Random pics cos I was already laying on my back

 

 

 

and the Jack

 

 

I also went round and WD40'd the front locks, all the check straps and all the hinges.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Well bort. A good late ZX is a sweet drive and a sound purchase - one of the last decent French cars. Many years and miles left in that one.

[Morgan84]

A bit crusty in a few places,but zap it with some oil or waxoil and that should nip it in the bud;from what I remember,they are quite sturdy underneath

[beko1987]

Over at my mums today, stripping engine bay bits from the Puma to sell, so spent half an hour checking the air filter just to make sure it wasn't choc full of crap.

 

 

Oil in the bottom of the air filter housing. Anything to be concerned about, or will it never come back after a good clean?

 

 

Maybe a blocked breather pipe. Top lid of the housing

 

 

Random throttle body shot. Should come up well with half a can of brake cleaner and an old toothbrush!

 

 

Put all that back together, promising to remind myself to buy a new air filter next month, and stripped the Puma down a bit to:

 

 

Raining now, get to find out what the ZX's tyres are like in the wet.

[tonedepear]

Had two 1.4 ZXs, both "Elation" special editions, with keep fit windows and no infra-red, but an electric sunroof and super bolstered sports seats. Would have another in a flash. They're too much fun to drive though. I may have crashed one of them twice being silly. Well bought sir!

 

Edit: Here's been hooning it like a twat in about 1999.

[Morgan84]

Air filter looks pretty normal,just mop it out,and blow a airline through the filter and check the breathers and carry on regardless

[beko1987]

Not a very exciting update really. Spent the weekend stripping the puma out a bit and listing the parts. However, I had some post today!

 

First off, my headunit adapter arrived. The stock HU plugs fit right onto my HU, so that's handy. What's even handier is that I got an 'adapter', which is basically the same plugs, ideal as I plan to re-run all the speaker wire, and can join it to this without ruining my HU plug.

 

 

Out with the old. Anyone want this? Got the manual, code and the adapter, but the LCD is shot!

 

 

Looks a lot better

 

 

Still need to dig the adapter trim out the garage, and bodge the rear post thing so it slides all the way home. But it sounds a lot better already, although it's finished the drivers speaker off. Having an SD card back is worth it though!

 

 

as is the handsfree

 

 

thought these might come in handy...

 

 

and these! Rocker Cover Gasket, Fuel Filter, Oil Filter, Thermostat, Cabin Filter (got a horrible feeling it doesn't have one though, the amount of leaves blowing out of the vents suggest it hasn't) and some small wire brushes for cleaning up mating faces of engine parts.

 

 

and a new wiper! One from the puma was fucked anyway, and too small, but certainly 100% better than the original wiper on there!

 

 

the fuel gauge was on red with the light on an hour before this was taken, need to get used to the way it shows the levels! Done 200 miles so far though on quarter of a tank, with some hoonerage thrown in (people are right when they say it corners well, does throw me about the seat a bit though.)

[KruJoe]

Nice one, chap! I do like a ZX. As I'm sure you'll know by now, it shares much with the 306.

That engine looks like the one in my BX14, but with SPI. I can't comment on the running temperature as the BX doesn't have a guage

 

Re: rear wiper - before you start stripping the unit out, check you are getting power to it - in my experience (though I have none of this issue on ZXs), it is much more likely to be the wires or contacts at the point where they go into the tailgate.

Good luck!

[beko1987]

Now you mention it, they do look manky. They poke out of the tailgate and run behind the rubber seal with no protection. Will strip some good lengths of the loom from the Puma so I can repair if needed.

 

It will wipe to halfway, then stop. If I keep the stalk on wipe, get out and nudge it along it operates smoothly to full wipe then return, but only when being pushed.

 

I'm sure it will be something simple, like hopefully the rear de-mist. Intend to take the interior out, so hopefully the wiring runs will be easy to see.

[beko1987]

I had to stay round my mums tonight after work so the Puma's bonnet could be picked up, so decided to fix the blocked drain holes on the ZX.

 

It lived under a tree at the PO's house, the whole car is covered in tree sap, leaves still blow out the vents every now and again (does this think have a cabin filter? Can't see one, but seem to have bought one from Euro car parts listed for a ZX...)

 

Anyway, after some heavy rain I noticed that the bulkhead was full of water...

 

Ah...

 

 

 

 

Grubby looking engine bay

 

 

Went at it with a vacuum first of all as it was all dry, got the worst out

 

 

 

However I couldnt get at the rubbish under the wiper mechanism

 

 

or the bit on the far right, which drains over the wheel arch liner, which I will remove one day

 

 

So I got the pressure washer out, and removed lots of soil from under the wiper mech

 

 

Once it was all rinsed off (and I rinsed the crap off the garage door), I grabbed some APC and some brushes, and gave the engine bay and under bonnet a good scrub

 

 

 

 

Bit better, still some crap left on, will do it another day

 

 

Much better

 

 

 

Can't say I'm a massive fan of all those wires, but reckon I'll cause more damage taping them together and sealing the water in than leaving them.

 

 

 

 

After everything was rinsed, I shut the bonent and turned the engine on for 20 minutes to dry everything out. Decided to clean the front wheels since the pressure washer was out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tyres should be good for a while yet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not quite

 

 

That's better

 

Popped some IronX on the wheels to get any iron contamination out. Wasn't too bad.

 

 

 

 

 

I left that to work in a bit more, and put the plastic trim back on, after scrubbing it to get the mould off

 

 

 

I then washed teh bonnet, to see how the paint came up with a polish. Holding lots of water as it was.

 

 

Started to clay it, and after 10x10cm, this came off. The whole bonnet was covered in it, was as if a crayon had been exploded onto it, but I think it was tree sap.

 

 

All clayed, but lacking depth

 

 

So, 20 minutes with some medium cut polish,about 20 passes overall, followed by some final finish on a soft pad later, I had half the bonnet about 80% corrected. I put some wax on that I bought from the recent Detailing World show, which I'm not sure I like, but will be interesting to see how it beads.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking much better. THe paint is nice and soft, so should come up nicely, although it's going to be a long hard job doing it.

 

One of the problems I had was an indicator lens fell off. Luckily it's in line for replacement anyway, but I didn't want to drive around without it for the next few weeks...

 

So..

 

 

 

Found some of this

 

 

Stuck back on a treat.

 

Matey came and got the bonnet then, so £30 quid up, I went home for tea

 

 

 

I had to go to Asda to get some nappies, and caught the results of the polishing session under the streetlights.

 

 

 

bad side

 

 

good side

 

 

A few questions, if I may...

 

Was there ever a leather interior spec of these? Imagine they are rare as shite if there was, would a Xantia/Xsara set fit in? Drivers seat has fook all lumbar, gets a bit uncomfortable after half an hour

 

Sunroof motor, think mine's dead. Will anything else fit?

 

Fuel gague. Vague isn't the word. Put £60 in the other day, and it sat at 3/4. Done 75 miles now, and the needle sits somewhere else every time I turn the key on. Is the sender easy to get out to give it a cleanup?

 

Cheers

 

Sam