Citroen XM Forum

Thanks Dean and just to confirm that I refitted the original governor with the metal and rubber rings and internal debris removed. I hope to reinstate the valve block later today and I also appreciated your good wishes. With regards, Matthew T.

Well I managed earlier this afternoon to refit the original valve block after thoroughly dismantling and checking the valves. It was a great relief to find forward drive is restored, for now at least, although I have not yet dared to carry out a full test. I may venture further this evening when the roads are quiet and I can safety reverse home if needed! Thanks again for all the help and advice thus far chaps. With regards, Matthew T.

interesting, must have been a sticky valve then.

D

I eventually found the courage to take the car out (with folding bike in boot), initially just a short gentle loop round the block and then a longer faster blast and thankfully all seems well. Every gear is present and correct and in fact the changes are super smooth compared to my older auto and almost unnoticeable at times, which is so rewarding after all the hard work and earlier disappointments. The kick-down is also nice and slick and responsive. I dare to wonder if this might be the end of the chapter for the engine and box at least and now there is just the bodywork to get sorted, starting with some holes in the cills! Many thanks again to Dean, Mike and Will and I will post further installments about the car on my original thread. With regards, Matthew T.

well, that is good news and well done, hopefully, it was just a bit of muck in one of the valves and nothing more.

D

Thank you again Dean and I so value both your advice and encouragement to persevere! With regards, Matthew T.

Well done Matthew.
In the main cleaning out any moving components gives a reward. My suggestion is that you get more familiar with the rest fo the workings of these boxes and give your others a proper servicing to see if it restores the seamless changes.

Good news. Perseverance and determination triumphs in the end! One day, you'll be able to do all this in your sleep - bit like S2 dashboards...
Bonus is having all that know-how on tap for the rest of the fleet.

Thank you Will and Chris and I did break new ground for me through daring to tinker with the valve block that fortunately worked out for the best. I did not actually clean the valves but just ensured all was moving freely and there was no obvious debris visible, after all the block had just been rebuilt. There is only the one other auto in my fleet whose box was also fully repaired and now operates quite nicely and is also reliable - touch wood! I am guessing that occasional slightly reluctant change might be down to wear in the valve block which I might try changing sometime. Anyway I have certainly learnt a few things along the way! With regards, Matthew T.

Just when I thought my gearbox problems were resolved I have broken down in my 1990 auto, although fortunately only 20 miles from home! I had an issue with the car a couple of weeks ago travelling back to Norfolk from Brighton when I lost all forward gears, which then miraculously returned. Beforehand I had been stuck in slow moving traffic for a long period and the car became quite hot that I thought might be a factor. The oil has since been dropped and looked quite clean so I assumed I had a one off stuck valve. It is obviously not a coincidence that the same problem has reoccurred, but this time almost immediately after starting and the gears are showing no signs of returning. I am very much hoping it is either the governor or valve block that is to blame. The gearbox has been otherwise reliable for the last 20,000 miles and there was no warning symptoms whatsoever, apart from slightly variable shift quality, which ironically has slightly improved in recent times. As ever any comments or suggestions would be most welcome and I will keep you posted! Regards, Matthew T.