Citroen XM Forum

HA...nuff said!!

russ92xmsed wrote:HA...nuff said!!

Absolutely, more word are totally unnecessary...

Yesterday was good. Chris(570), his little King Charles Spaniel, Crumpet, and I decided to take a run down to North Devon. No real reason, but just on a whim we called in to see Kev (Red Dwarfers) to see if he'd like the 2.1TD engine that just happened to be in the boot of Chris's Xantia. Kev seemed pleased to have it seeing as the engine out of his XM was just a little wrecked.

I had a good chance to look at the damage and I believe it was destructive detonation that caused the mayhem. All glowplugs were fully intact but the clue for me was some cratering (like lunar craters on the moon) in the adjacent cylinders and combustion chambers. I would think the failed needle lift sensor caused the timing to remain over-advanced for long periods which led to the detonation.

On the way back we took a short detour and called in to see Dad.

I must say Chris's Xantia is excellent. the performance and ride belies the 228K it has done and it really was a pleasure to travel in and to be a passenger with a very competent driver.

We are of the opinion that Kev should have an Activa as we found some roads that were classic Activa territory. They were fun in an HDi but it an Activa they would have been serious fun. One such is the B3226 between South Moulton and Crediton...

It was good to see and have a trip out along some equally fun roads in Kev's GSA...

Today PavlosV6 called around to replace his other strut leakoff pipe on his V6 Xantia and to fix a split hose on his cruse control... His car is looking very smart for CXM. Sadly mine aren't and due to work commitments next weekend it's highly unlikely any of mine will be spruced up for the show. They will attend muck and all..

Whilst Paul was doing his bit I finally go round to freeing off the seized boot lock on my XM. I guess the boot lock is hardly ever used and seizes up through lack of use. I tool the lock assembly right out and did the deed on the bench. It's all nicely free now and that's another small job stuck off the list...

The Activa is in daily use this week and I note she's a bit firm in the rear. As soon as I can I really must check her spheres as I fear her centre hydractive may be a little flat...

That's great news Jim. I'm sure Kev has it in already ...Hope he can get it sorted for CXM. Should be enough time!!
I can only imagine how brilliant an Activa can be on those twisty roads. All spells fun!

I do have a curious question....what are the legalities now of engine swapping. Do you have to report it to the DVLA, or do ya just bung it in? Is there any official procedure?

russ92xmsed wrote: I do have a curious question....what are the legalities now of engine swapping.

I really don't know now Russ. It used to be a case of just telling the DVLA the new engine serial number but I have a feeling now they need to know something of the donor vehicle.

Who checks the engine numbers and when?
In Ireland nobody ever looks at engine numbers to the best of my knowledge. The inspector who I met at the NCT when importing the Diesel XM, certainly didn't. Just wondering, I know things are different in the UK.

This is why I ask Jaap. Who does check them? DVLA wont know unless you tell them...mind you if the Police do a spot check at the side of the road, it might look a little suspect. I suppose only if you sell the car and the buyer is very vigilant and checks numbers ect it will be a cause for concern.

It does make perfect sense if the DVLA wants to know the other cars history. It could be stolen ect.

It's all pretty academic now as all PSA iron-blocked engines tend to obliterate their serial numbers through corrosion over the years. If the number is even partially legible on either engine I'll be quite surprised...

No one bothers telling DVLA of swapped engine numbers and I defy anyone to be able to read one from the plate on the front of a 2.1td with a casual inspection. It's impossible to get to the plate without moving pipework.

Excellent!! Well thats useful to know. Not that i need or can swap an engine!