Xantia 1.9TD '94

The air filter is the most likely culprit and you say it needs a change. It is quite down though.

As you say, air filter is likely culprit. Had that model for six years and kept log of all expenditure. Average was 42-44 mpg solo, 28-32 towing caravan. Try semi synthetic oil. Available here at £11.99 for five litres (Europarts). Was going to let National do the oil change and filter on my hdi at their advertised £15.99, but it went to £34 'cos it's a diesel, so back on the concrete, old washing up bowl and hot oil down the elbow again. DaveK.

Put some injector cleaner through it also, may want to get the timing checked at a diesel specialist. Don't be afraid of getting the timing checked, you will probably make back the money spent in fuel saved, and it will do the car some good. Check the thermostat is opening and closing as it should. Make sure the injector return pipes are not leaking. Check to make sure the brakes are not binding or seized

Andy

If you want to stop the hot-oil down the elbow problem I have a cunning tip...

Go to an agricultural suppliers, such as west-midland farmers or the such and get a box of disposable AI gloves (The arm length ones that vets use!!!).

Andy

Thanks Andy & Conor,

I've put some injector cleaner in the tank for the last two fills and haven#t noticed any difference. It has been suggested to add it directly in the fuel filter to be more effective. Still yet to decide if I'm brave enough to do that.

I've thought about getting the timing checked - it's a good idea. I'll just try few cheaper things that I can first and then take the hit.

Thanks for the other ideas - all very valid.

Cheers, Mark

Hi Dave,

Many thanks. I've yet to change the oil, so I may go down this route. The car does seem to drink it, although not too quickly. I'm well used to getting my hands dirty with cars, so more than happy to do it myself (especially now that it's getting warmer) :)

Cheers, Mark

Mine's fairly good with oil. They can do a funny trick of consuming oil down to the halfway point on the dipstick and then not using any more (and no it's not just me, my mates Pug 205 does the same). Mine does about 44 mpg on a daily commute down the M5 to Bristol, it's a lot better if you drive at A road speeds though.

hmm, kinky!

Hi Malc,

Thanks. Actually, mine seems to be the same.

This is the sort of economy which I was hoping for, so perhaps it'll turn out OK soon.

Cheers, Mark

Timing being out is the most likely cause for high fuel consumption on these- especially if it feels abit sluggish.

Tim..

Thanks Tim,

Actually performance feels OK...but as I don't have anything to compare with ...... who knows.

I guess that this timing check can't be done on a DIY basis and is best trusted to a pro?

Cheers, Mark

Correct. Involves checking pump timing marks and maybe observing when its injecting into the cylinder.

All good advice - my 97 Xantia TD SX averaged 42-44, it was no ball of fire, but perfectly adequate with the turbo spinning.

Word of warning, as you've not owned a Citroen before. Never (but never) crawl underneath to fiddle with anything- like the height adjuster plastic rod at the rear. If the suspension decides to settle down-you'd be toast (more like pancake actually). DaveK.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the warning - I'd already read about this and don't plan to do try it ;)

Cheers, Mark

davek wrote:

I didn't realise there'd actually been a death due to this until I read Car Mechanics this month.

It was somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember "Malc" saying something like:

Sure it's not fuel dilution of the crankcase oil?

It's long time since I had my Xantia, but isnt the highest suspension setting a maintenance one that stays pumped up? ISTR reading in the handbook that you could use it on the road but only for a short time due to this.

Even if it was, you still shouldn't trust it even slightly. You know like you're not supposed to get under a car supported only by a jack, ie get the axle stands out - this is the same, except a lot more likely to go wrong.

cheers, clive