Ignition Cassette Corrosion

[paul.h]

To replace the spark plugs on our 1.4 sx 2003, the ignition cassette has to be removed and if done at the same time as the air filter, the throttle body can be removed (and cleaned) to allow access to no. 2 spark plug (on the C3 they are numbered from the gearbox end).

 

When doing this today, one of the spark plug rubber boots came off the cassette (it is just a push fit) and I noticed the boot holds a spring in place, one end contacts the spark plug and the other what looks like the end of a metal bar in the cassette. This metal bar was covered in green corrosion so is probably copper. The car had been running well and the other 3 plugs were the same. With the corrosion cleaned off and when refitted the car still runs well. I have read that cassette failure may be common so did wonder if it may be due in part to this corrosion building up - something to monitor.

[paul.h]

Further to this and 300 miles, it may be time to replace the coil pack. It came up with fault code P1327 the other day and an internet search suggests a new coil pack is needed. One source comments on the green corrosion being a problem and when new the contact is shiny brass. Also is suggested is replacing the spark plugs with Citroen original types - I had put some Bosch super 4 FR78x on recently to replace the same type I had been using for the last 2 years and previous 4 years.

[paul.h]

In the end I replaced the ignition cassette to avoid any possible problems, although the fault did not return. The new one had similar to spark plug top terminals instead of the old brass corroded ones.