Ds3 Thp Engine Problems

[MikeLane]

Hello there, my Granddaughter has a DS3 Sport (165 BHP THP engine) which has suddenly lost power and makes a clacking noise. Checking the web it appears that this engine is fitted to many Peugeot, Citroen and Mini Cooper cars and the problem is that the timing chain stretches and tensioners either wear out of fail to operate correctly.

Does anyone know whether Citroen has issued a recall for this problem (Peugeot and BMW have) or if the chain, sprockets and tensioners can be replaced fairly easily?

Thanks - Mike.

[paul.h]

An internet search did not come up with anything on a recall but it may be worthwhile checking at a dealer, particularly if Peugeot have done this. A look at the procedure seems straight forward but it gets a bit complicated when checking the timing is correct and the labour time is about 6 hours (so diy could be a couple of days). It could also be expensive on parts, if the chain has lengthened by more than 68mm all 3 pulleys need replacing - crankshaft, exhaust, inlet dephaser. It starts as follows:

 

Conditions to be observed before applying this procedure and in the case of replacement :

• Implementation of the procedure Check the valve timing
• Lengthening of the chain noted ( greater than 68 mm)
• Engine flywheel immobilised using the rod [0197-BZ]
• Camshafts immobilised using the tools [0197-A1, 0197-A2]
• Dummy chain tensioner [0197-M] in place

Components to be replaced if lengthening of the chain is noted :

• Pulley bolt (Inlet camshaft dephaser )
• Pulley (Inlet camshaft dephaser )
• bolts (Exhaust camshaft pinion)
• Exhaust camshaft pinion
• Timing chain tensioner
• Seal (Chain tensioner)
• Chain guide (Not flashing)
• Seals (Fixed guide fixing bolt)
• Timing chain tensioner guide
• Seal (Timing chain tensioner guide fixing bolt)
• Timing chain bounce pad
• Timing chain
• Crankshaft bolts
• Crankshaft gear
• Seals (Cylinder head cover)

Components to be replaced in the case of removal-refitting without lengthening of the chain :

• Pulley bolt (Inlet camshaft dephaser )
• bolts (Exhaust camshaft pinion)
• Crankshaft bolts
• Seal (Chain tensioner)
• Seals (Fixed guide fixing bolt)
• Seal (Timing chain tensioner guide fixing bolt)
• Seals (Cylinder head cover)

[MikeLane]

Thanks for that Paul. I gather that a "dephaser" is the device that varies the valve timing. Is it part of the sprocket, driven by it or does the chain tensioner have anything to do with it?

[paul.h]

I think the dephaser is the inlet cam shaft sprocket. If you are going to diy this job I would get the Citroen service box on 3 dvds to put on your pc. It has the procedures and parts diagrams. It is available on ebay and from easy diagnostics http://www.easydiagnostics.co.uk/#/home/4584136126

[MikeLane]

Thanks Paul.

[Porsche430]

I'm an ex-mechanic at Citroen main dealer in Scotland. Only left recently and done a few of the timing chains on the DS3 THP engine's. If doing at home you'd be in for a tough time. Citroen don't say you must do this, but I removed the engine and gearbox from the car and done the work with the engine on the bench. Seen one of the other mechanics do the job with the engine in place but never seen someone shout and scream at a car as much since! If confident, engine can be removed in less than and 1.5 hours and will make life a lot easier. I can't remember if the job was respected under warranty, goodwill or anything.

 

Hope this can help a bit! 

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum and thankyou for your help on this topic (and the others).

[Porsche430]

Welcome to the forum and thankyou for your help on this topic (and the others).

 

Thank you. Still have access to a lot of my PSA tools, computers and websites etc, so thought I would put it to good use. These THP engines are incredible to drive but are prone to going wrong. Done head gaskets, carried out de-chokes on the inlet valves and replaced full engines several times. Keep an eye on the oil level cause the piston rings are good for failing and Citroen won't sell you new ones so it new engine time.