Gold V6 engine out - head gasket

[MTXM]

Here are some photos of the work in progress, now nearly ready to lift the engine out hopefully! The main problem I had was with removing the right-hand driveshaft, due to a very tight intermediate bearing fit, which eventually came after a bit of heat, plus I had to detach the strut, lower ball joint etc. to allow outward movement of the shaft. About all I have left to detach is the exhaust, which is a real pig to access! I have asked Dave (The Rave) to give me a hand with the actual removal and all being well the engine will then be trailered to my nearby friendly mechanic for the actual repair, that I do not able/willing to take on! It occurs to me that there are a number of other jobs I ought to do on the engine etc., given the access, including exhaust manifold gaskets, auxiliary belts.... any other suggestions would be welcomed. I shall certainly keep you posted. Regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

Replace the crankshaft seals and thermostat while the engine is out.

If only the front subframe section was bolt on you could pull the engine out on a trolley jack, would make it much easier.

[MTXM]

Thanks Will and I have already done the thermostat, which involves removing the right-hand engine mount assembly! I am guessing the crankshaft seals are 'o' rings and hopefully fairly standard. The head gaskets are only available from Citroen and very nearly £50 each!! With regards, Matthew T.

[Dean]

Nice work Matthew, i would say do the clutch and crankshaft oil seal but you have been there before
Head gaskets sound a little on the expensive side

D

[robert_e_smart]

Change the accumulator

[MTXM]

Yes Dean, well remembered, I have had a new clutch and crackshaft seal on the car. Sorry Will, I was thinking of camshafts earlier, although maybe there are no seals? The accumulator is certainly nice and accessible Robert! Oddly enough it is my only car on which no spheres have been changed and there is no virtually no clicking and the ride is very nice and soft. Regards, Matthew T.

[citroenxm]

Head gaskets dealer only??? They turn up on ebay regurally mathew im sure.. I got a full 24v head set a few years ago for 30 quid or so complete...

While the engine is out clean up ALL the inacessable hp pipes most importantly the pas feed pipe behind the heat shield.. These do rust and do rust through...

Paul

[MTXM]

I have contacted both GSF and AEP and searched the web for replacement gaskets Paul but no joy. Unfortunately I think many suppliers are running down their stocks of XM spares now that the cars are so old. Many thanks for your suggestions of other items to check. With regards, Matthew T.

[robert_e_smart]

Hi Matthew,

It may be worth trying Malcolm Lockwood who advertises in the Citroenian.

[MTXM]

Thank you for your suggestion Robert, although I am now pleased to report that I have sourced a complete head gasket kit plus bolts through 'The Car Parts Place', very helpfully pinpointed by John. There was quite a significant saving on the Citroen price and I anyway had to source the other gaskets and bolts!
Whilst searching the web I also found another account of the same job from an enthusiast in Australia (craigdeb.com/head.gasket.htm) including a list of parts replaced, although unfortunately I could not open the photos.
Is it a good idea to replace the timing chains and tensioners - the engine has done 120k?
With regards, Matthew T.