Just got an XM! ['92 TDi Estate, J71 MCW]

[gwolfski]

While changing the oil today, I was planning to change the hydraulic pump belt. I loosened the bolt in the adjustor, and I could rotate the pump, but it hit the end of the stop before getting enougth slack in the belt, so I was unable to remove it.

Is there a way, short of unbolting the entire thing, to get it looser? If I moved the computer box, I can get at the face of the pulley. Is it easy to remove with hand tools only?

It urgently needs a new belt, the old one was slipping, I tightened it to prevent the slip, but because of the slipping, it has worn itself to 5(!!!)mm compared to the original 10(?)mm. The leaking valve cover seal is still waiting, as I have misplaced my deep 13mm socket (again)

[Dieselman]

You should be able to wind a new belt on with the hydraulic pump at the slackest point.
Fit the belt to the crank pulley then wind it over the pump pulley flange. The pulley flanges are rather deep, so it causes this as there isn't sufficient movement to take up the slack, nor an external tensioner.

You could take the pivot bolt out, but it doesn't really help and is awkward to get back in with the belt on.

Is the belt the correct length exactly, many aftermarket ones are not correct. It should be 1090mm. P/n 5750 G5
iirc, that makes it an SPA type belt, which should be readily available from a local bearings stockist.

[gwolfski]

I know for sure the replacement belt I have is 1090mm. I might end up cutting the one that's on now. Do you know what would be a "normal" position for the adjustment bolt? Mine is at 1/2 inch from the bottom of the slot, plenty of space in the other (tighten) direction.

[Dieselman]

I forgot to mention, the crank pulley is a twin pulley, with the outer one being held on by four small bolts.
If you can't reasonably make the belt fit over the crank and pump pulleys, even with the tension released, unbolt the outer crank pulley from the inner one, fit the belt, refit the crank pulley.

[gwolfski]

My flushing liquid and brake pads arrived today!

IMG_20240708_212651.jpg

2005 vintage, got them cheap from a place that was closing down.

IMG_20240708_203013.jpg

This shipped from Netherland quicker than Amazon ships from the UK


What's the best way to drain the LHM tank?

[Dieselman]

My flushing liquid and brake pads arrived today!

IMG_20240708_212651.jpg

2005 vintage, got them cheap from a place that was closing down.

IMG_20240708_203013.jpg

This shipped from Netherland quicker than Amazon ships from the UK


What's the best way to drain the LHM tank?

Remove it and tip it out, then clean out with some cleaner, then refit and fill. You will need to lift the front of the reservoir to allow clearance for removing the filter unit.
Use a cutoff milk carton to store the filter unit in while the tank is out. You need to clean the filters anyway.

White sprit is Citroens recommended cleaner.

I take it that is Total Hydraurincage, in which case can you please provide the sku for it.

[gwolfski]

I take it that is Total Hydraurincage, in which case can you please provide the sku for it.

Yeah it is

IMG_20240709_234703.jpg

Here's the barcode for it with some other numbers beside it.

IMG_20240709_234625.jpg

I got it from here (the image is the red canister but they ship standard Total-branded jugs.)

[Dieselman]

Thanks.

It is on the Total web catalogue, but you have to search for it specifically and there is no detail given.
The original cans were fully printed, then they went to the plain orange ones, now back to fully printed. This must still be a viable product for Total to be spending marketing funds on.
It seems as the numbers go down, there is now more interest in hydraulic Citroens than there was 10 years ago. A few other Marques have used Lhm based hydraulic oil systems, Audi, Mercedes (Zhm), Jaguar, Rolls Royce, JCB, John Deere.

[gwolfski]

Do you know if IPA (isopropanol, not the beer) is suitable for filter flushing? I've got way too much of the stuff, and it's a good solvent.

[Dieselman]

That will be Ok for filters and tank cleaning, I wouldn't put it into, the hydraulic system as it is alcohol...not that I think you intend to.

I wouldn't put IPA (beer) down my throat...