1980 Citroen Visa Super E

[Mr Livered]

Since I had the immense good fortune to become the latest custodian of this little ambassador of Gallic charm, I thought I'd start a thread about it. There are other threads on here about its journey through time (and from Normandie to Angleterre); for context, here she is in a pic provided by @Sigmund Fraud, the Visa's previous custodian.

@Sigmund Fraud told me that there was a hesitation under load and it wasn't quite running as it should, and I'd be better off having it picked up and delivered to me - with apologies to those who enjoy collection threads, I took this advice and the delivery of a gorgeous little Citroen really made my day

Quick check of fluids etc...

... all was well, she came with me on a quick shopping trip to the next town:

It kind of goes, but not quite right, as I had been warned. Of course when I did my very cursory checks before I set off, I didn't even bother to remove the spare wheel which sits right on top of the engine. When I got home, off it came:

These suitcase engines lie right down on their side with the carb on top: I don't know if it's clear from my pic, but there is an awful lot of very green puddle directly on top of the block and in particular right under the carburettor. Will attempt a closer view:

So I have a feeling that I'd better have a good look at that area. There are not one but two carbs in the boot, very kindly provided with the car, but the one that's fitted looks the shiniest and newest.

Other than that... er... not much wrong really. The windscreen washer doesn't seem to operate, but beyond checking that there's washer fluid in the little tank I haven't investigated that yet.

I shall have a go at getting it running sweetly and report back. I'm booked in to Rustival as an exhibitor with another car, and I'm thinking if I can get this running well enough for a trip upcountry by then it would be nice to go in the Visa instead. We'll see.

 

[Sigmund Fraud]

@Mr Livered I'm really pleased to see this nice old thing finally getting some use ! The puddle of doom is coolant - there is a heat exchanger at the base of the carb and two hoses leading to/from it. They looked quite perished last time I was there, so I am pretty confident that they are the source of the leak !

[Mr Livered]

32 minutes ago, Sigmund Fraud said:

The puddle of doom is coolant

Oh yes it's very obviously coolant; what I was trying to say was that I spotted said puddle of doom, photographed it and went no further for now. I got called in for supper by my wife away to an important event. But that's good info about the hoses, I'll maybe start there.

Seriously loving this car though!