Citroen CX DTR Turbo 2, '87
Discussion
Hi guys, I have been offered one if these very cheap, one owner from brand new (!) but been laid up for maybe 10 years in a carport. Looks solid, at first glance, the owner said there were 2 main things wrong with it. One is a smashed rear screen, which happend while parked up, but bigger is the diesel engine. Apparently it is "porus" oon the cylinders, and he said the engine needs liners fitted. A known problem by Citroen and I had a engine replacement before under warranty when new. Does anyone know anything helpful about these cars? Thanks.
The porous block problem was big news back in the day, but I've not heard of it for decades. Basically, the blocks were cast in India from poorly-recycled scrap. The same foundry did other manufacturers, allegedly including Merc, but their QC seems to have been better... Coolant then corroded the impurities out (which is why some areas had much bigger problems than others - all down to local tap water quality), leaving the blocks porous.
Back in the day, Citroen rebuilt the engines under warranty with stainless liners IIRC. These days, it's probably simplest to find a rotten scrap car with a good motor. But if the lump was already done back when new, it's unlikely to be porosity - it might be something as simple as a knackered HG, or some easily resolved leak.
If it's not rotten, then get it bought! I'd love another CX...
Back in the day, Citroen rebuilt the engines under warranty with stainless liners IIRC. These days, it's probably simplest to find a rotten scrap car with a good motor. But if the lump was already done back when new, it's unlikely to be porosity - it might be something as simple as a knackered HG, or some easily resolved leak.
If it's not rotten, then get it bought! I'd love another CX...
I had a CX DTR Turbo Safari for about 7 years and about 160k miles with that very problem. With mine it manifested itself by the head gasket failing about every 15k miles but it was such a lovely car that I forgave it that and changed it about 10 or 11 times. Its an easy job compared with working on modern cars
and after I had done a few mods I could get the head of in about 20 minutes, being a push rod engine makes it a lot easier and the head is actually facing you when you open the bonnet, so if that's the problem don't be afraid of doing it.
Peter
and after I had done a few mods I could get the head of in about 20 minutes, being a push rod engine makes it a lot easier and the head is actually facing you when you open the bonnet, so if that's the problem don't be afraid of doing it.
Peter
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