Citroen XM Forum

Good result, Matt.
You could fill that Hall in the backbround...

Looking back through my photos of BiLY aka 'The Essex Car' I found these two contrasting before and after shots! The first photo shows the rescue operation from the farmyard near Southend, complete with barely working engine and gearbox, slimey green coating and broken rear window, and the second is after a bit of 'spit and polish'! Regards, Matthew T.

Lets us just say I have a certain notoriety in the neighbourhood Will and what a great idea about the hall Chris!! Regards, Matthew T.

Have you thought about taking up smoking crack? It would probably be A: cheaper and B: have less of an attached stigma.

I remember that car being advertised and you subsequently buying it. It looks great, but has certainly been challenging, mechanically.

Yes, the car has certainly given me quite a journey Will, in more ways than one! I suppose a certain amount of grief is to be expected with a 27 year-old XM V6 auto, but amazingly I think it has been worth it for the end result, plus I have learnt a great deal. The problems with the engine and box have partly stemmed from abuse suffered in the car's earlier life, apart from the ageing process, although the bodywork and interior remain surprising good. With regards, Matthew T.

"The problems . . . have partly stemmed from abuse suffered in . . . earlier life, apart from the ageing process, although the bodywork and interior remain surprising good."

I have known a good few folk that describes perfecty!

I guess I should have expected that Chris and yes I quite agree! It is certainly true that cars can be like people and no wonder we get so emotional and attached! With regards, Matthew T.

Well unfortunately the problem with the poor running has not quite gone away and I am getting short of ideas on what to check and replace! What I have noticed is that the engine will not rev over 3,200rpm, so all in fine if you are happy to dawdle along, although clearly there is something not right! Oddly now and then it will seem to make a burst for freedom!

Here are some of the items I have changed to date without any effect:

plugs
injectors
sensors to crankshaft, map, temperature, manifold, throttle, oxygen etc.
idle valve
alternator
ecu
fuel filter
fuel pump
pulsation damper
pressure regulator
ignition coil and module
distributor cap and rotor arm

I have also checked many of the critical wires and relays etc. hoping to find something corroded or broken. The car starts well and ticks over very nicely.

Any further suggestions would be most welcome.

With thanks and regards,

Matthew T.

Just to be sure, the new flywhel was exactly the same as the one removed?