In this regular column Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through its technical helpline, available to all UK customers.
As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of technical information to the automotive aftermarket, Autodata has over 65 skilled technicians with a comprehensive understanding of those common problems that take up valuable garage time to investigate.
Citroen C8 2.0 – Starting Problems
Fault:
A customer’s 2004 Citroen C8 2.0 HDi is suffering with starting problems a couple of months after we replaced the timing belt. We’ve removed the timing belt covers for inspection, the valve timing is out of tolerance and the timing belt may have jumped a tooth. We’ve re-checked our work and the repair was carried out to manufacturer’s specification with the latest parts. Do you have any ideas why this has happened?
Fix:
This fault affects the C8 2.0 HDi and 2.2 HDi in production until 01/11/2005. The problem is due to water ingress into the timing belt covers from the scuttle panel area causing timing belt wear, damage or failure. A water drain channel to divert the water away from the timing belt covers is available in the market and this is to be fitted to the underside of the coolant expansion tank (see Fig 1.1).
Check and adjust the valve timing then check the camshaft drive system components for damage and replace, if necessary. Lastly, fit the water drain channel to prevent any further water ingress issues.
Ford Streetka–Blue Exhaust Smoke
Fault :
A customer’s 2003 Ford Streetka 1.6 is burning engine oil, resulting in blue smoke from the exhaust. The air filter was soaked with engine oil so we suspected a mechanical fault with the engine, however all of the normal mechanical checks don’t point to a major component failure. We replaced the air filter and returned the car to the customer. It’s now been returned to us and the air filter is soaked with engine
oil again. Is this a known problem?
Fix:
Yes, this problem has been brought to our attention before. The engine oil return opening in the cylinder head cover is too small, allowing oil to be drawn into the air filter housing. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hose from the cylinder head cover and enlarge the engine oil return opening to 8mm (see Fig 2.1).
Ensure no metal swarf enters the engine before refitting the crankcase ventilation hose. Check the crankcase ventilation filter for engine oil contamination and replace if necessary. Finally, clean the air filter housing and fit a new air filter. This should cure the problem.
