Citroen XM - was JohnK's steed

[dollywobbler]

Richard - seems secure, and I tollied it the other day. It's definitely a leak in the sunroof.

 

Beko - it's povo spec, so no climate control. Sorted! I can see exactly where the water is coming in. There's a frame around the aperture that is wet. It shouldn't be. This is right next to the headliner, which then fills up with water. Could be there's a combination of issues though, as that doesn't really explain the light fitting leak, unless water is running down the headliner (it is parked slightly nose down). 

 

I prefer the 2CV. That just leaks into my shoes.

[dollywobbler]

After a few days of rest, the mighty XM has been mighty again. Yesterday, I had to travel to border country for a meeting. It was a stunning journey.

 

I just love getting this thing into fifth gear, and THEN putting my foot down. From 45mph upwards, it pulls so beautifully even in top. This was the first time I'd taken the XM over the mountain road, and it certainly did a much better job of it than the CX. Going over sharp humps, the front suspension drops onto its bump stops as you crest it, but the suspension then firms up, so it doesn't smack the bump stops as it 'lands.' 

 

The journey home was more interesting, because by then the XM contained this.

 

It might not look much, but that wood is very green. It was still a tree just over a week ago. Two of us could just about lift them into the back. Not that the car felt much different to drive. It was a touch bouncier, so I think this confirms that the rear spheres are tired. Still sailed up huge hills as if it was empty though!

 

Speaking of which, 650 miles on, I had to actually fill it up again for the second time in my ownership. The low fuel level light was flicking on, though I reckon it'd cover another 100 miles before conking out at least. It still has quarter of a tank left! I decided to comply though as warning lights annoy me. Didn't fill it completely as I'm awaiting pay day, so sadly can't do any MPG calcs. Impressive though I think. 

 

So, I'm up to about 800 miles covered in this car in total, and tomorrow, I'll be sticking another 200 on it. And the same again the day after that. Fun times.

[Lankytim]

My XM leaks in the exact same way. I'm led to believe it's a blocked sunroof drain pipe.

[dollywobbler]

Nope. This one leaks well inside the drain channels - which work fine. It seems to be the bonding between glass and frame that's the issue. Something I need to address before the glass flies out...

 

Anyway, I've put another 600 miles on the XM since Friday morning, including a visit to Chez Lankytim to collect a set of wheels (thanks!). The XM needs spheres (rear end is definitely too firm) and I need to do something about the lacklustre levels of lower back support as after driving it for 11 hours over two days, it hurts. 

[dollywobbler]

Ah. I forgot that yesterday, as the miles clocked up, the exhaust got louder. I can't be arsed crawling around on soaking wet mud and gravel to investigate, so will be borrowing a ramp at a nearby garage tomorrow to have a look. Will also check the headlamp alignment because I've been flashed a couple of times at night. How can such feeble headlamps be blinding anyone?!

[BigMac]

Maybe they think you only have your side lights on! 

[Noel Tidybeard]

Ah. I forgot that yesterday, as the miles clocked up, the exhaust got louder. I can't be arsed crawling around on soaking wet mud and gravel to investigate, so will be borrowing a ramp at a nearby garage tomorrow to have a look. Will also check the headlamp alignment because I've been flashed a couple of times at night. How can such feeble headlamps be blinding anyone?!

maybe thats why they are feeble maybe they are pointing right!

[dollywobbler]

XM headlights are notoriously shit. Main beam is ok thankfully. Didn't get to get it on a ramp so that job will have to wait. Have got the winter tyres fitted to rims, but I'll fit them to the actual car at some other point. However, I did give it a wash. Hadn't realised how filthy it was! Looks ace now.

[Noel Tidybeard]

just need to get the 2cv wings paint to match now lol

[dollywobbler]

Worryingly, that has crossed my mind...

 

However, the taxi folk of Iraq have already been there and done that. (albeit not with an XM)

[forddeliveryboy]

Perhaps FG was suggesting an all-white 2cv, instead of a North African taxi look for the XM? And so get rid of the Noddy-car paint scheme.

 

Have you checked the ride heights, DW? If both headlamps are aimed at the same (wrong) height, it's possible this is the cause.

[dollywobbler]

If anything, I thought the front end might be a bit low. Had hoped to sneak it on the MOT headlamp tester for a proper diagnosis. 

[forddeliveryboy]

Not sure their machines will pick up an XM's dipped headlamps. Bolt a 2cv light bar to the front of it, the adjuster rod won't have a hole to pass through but you could just cut it short and get out to move it.

[dollywobbler]

Ok, so how does the MOT tester test the headlamp alignment if he can't use his machine? 

[forddeliveryboy]

Yes, good point - how do you test headlamps when they're as bright as a couple of ikea nightlights?

 

On a serious note for a mo, have you/has anyone done any of the mods I think exist to make the lights a bit better on dipped? Something about removing a see-through plastic bit inside the unit, iirc.

[Noel Tidybeard]

i think ecp have an offer on night-breaker bulbs* at the mo

 

*or something similar

[chaseracer]

...have you/has anyone done any of the mods I think exist to make the lights a bit better on dipped? Something about removing a see-through plastic bit inside the unit, iirc.

 

Yes.  It made a slight difference.  Suspect NightBreakers would be better.

 

Or candles.

[richardmorris]

The osram nightvisions have certainly made a vast improvement to the merc's nightvision. I can see where I'm going now and they actually light up cat's eyes.

[dollywobbler]

Not much to report. This was yesterday in Birmingham.

[alf892]

You need to get on Twitter.........that's where you post when there is FA to say!!

[dollywobbler]

I am on twitter...

[cort16]

This seems to be much going much better than the purchase says it should do. It looks great white seems to really suit these.

[dollywobbler]

There is still a slight sense of impending doom, but I've covered loads of miles in it now - around 1200 I think, maybe more. It's losing oil (leakage I think) but otherwise, fluids seem to be remaining where they should be.

[chaseracer]

...fluids seem to be remaining where they should be.

 

Always a bonus with a hydro Cit 

[Lankytim]

Have you stuck any veg in yet? If not, why not?

[chaseracer]

Have you stuck any veg in yet? If not, why not?

 

Maybe they get their shopping delivered...

 

[forddeliveryboy]

Have you stuck any veg in yet? If not, why not?

 

Cos dw says he's skint and you need to buy hundreds of litres at once to afford it at 45 or 50ppl (new oil), unless you live near these suppliers.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-RAPESEED-VEGETABLE-OIL-SVO-BIODIESEL-VEG-OIL-20-LItres-only-10-pounds-/281481125418?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4189951e2a

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-VIRGIN-RAPESEED-VEG-VEGETABLE-COOKING-OIL-BIODIESEL-SVO-UN-USED-WVO-WASTE-/191400055609?pt=UK_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL&hash=item2c90551339

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-new-rapeseed-vegetable-unused-cooking-oil-svo-uco-wvo-1000-liters-/281470185544?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4188ee3048

[dollywobbler]

I have real issues with using a food stuff as fuel, and can't be arsed trying to find a source of used veg. There's nowhere on my doorstep willing to supply me. So, I'll stick with dino.

[Lacquer Peel]

Would you burn food grade vegetable oil it if it was out of date?

[dollywobbler]

That'd be ok I guess. I just worry that chucking it into cars will just end up shoving food prices up. Or that it'll cause more expenditure on palm oil, which then destroys ever more rainforests. I'm certainly not averse to burning veg - have done it before and it might help cure the XM's tendency to leave James Bond-esque clouds behind it (typical XUD - after a long period of gentle use, the first application of 'beans' clears it right out!).