2003 C5 2.0 Hdi 110 Tourer - Loss Of Compression On Cylinder 1

[tomkranz]

So having replaced the fuel lifter, replaced the MAF, replaced the filters and given the barge an oil change, it started running very roughly, stalling, very difficult to start, and enough blue smoke out the back to cause the US to invade it.

 

Limped down to my local garage who have identified zero compression on cylinder 1.

 

I've got two real options:

- pay the garage 4 hours labour to strip the engine down to identify root cause

- get a recon engine

 

My experience is with pre-common rail diesels and petrol engines, so I'm not sure how terminal this is? What are the more common reasons for total loss of compression on these engines?

 

If it's likely to be something straightforward then it's probably worth stripping the engine and fixing it - however it could be terminal that would be wasted money that could instead go towards a recon engine with a 12 month warranty.

 

For reference the engine has done 230k miles: I do a lot of high speed driving down to the south of France fully laden.

 

Thanks,

TOM

 

[paul.h]

Before the oil change was the engine ok, just thinking whether you have used the correct oil and also if the oil has drained out of a valve tappet. When changing the oil did you do anything other than drain the oil, replace the oil filter and then fill with oil ?

 

Sometimes Citroen number the cylinders from the gearbox end, how did the garage decide there was no compression ?

[tomkranz]

Thanks for the reply, Paul - for the oil change, did the usual process: drain everything out, replace the filter, refill with oil. Engine was running fine before the oil and filter were changed, used standard 10W40 diesel stuff (Shell Helix).

 

Someone previously had either overfilled it or spilt lots as there was oil spilled and pooled around the head and the glow plugs - I'd had a clean and a poke around and it wasn't leaking out of the engine.

 

Garage had worked out there was no compression via diagnostics and then doing a compression test on each cylinder with a gauge.

 

Thanks!

TOM

[ESL57]

 If they did a wet and dry compression check, they could give an indication of whether it was valves or a piston/cylinder problem?

[paul.h]

Is 10w-40 oil recommended in the car Maintenance and Warranty guide, in the Haynes manual it gives 5w-40 for diesels ? Our 2007 C5 uses 5w-30 INEO ECS.

 

From the compression tests at least you know the fuel injectors are not seized in if you ever need to do any work on the cylinder head. Were new injector seals used when the injectors were put back ?

 

If it happened due to the oil change then its likely to do with the hydraulic tappets on that cylinder - maybe they drained or seized or the oil supply is not going to them.

[paul.h]

If you are convinced the problem is due to the oil change then I would be tempted to try a tappet cleaner additive and then change the oil again with a lower viscosity one. If this does not work then you can look into replacing any parts. The Citroen part no. for the hydraulic tappets is 094253 and on ebay they are around £10 each (there are 8 in total) but you should check the part no. using your VIN.

 

When coastline taxis is back on the forum he may have seen this problem before and be able to offer some good advice.

[ESL57]

I think 10w40 is fine on an older HDI.  With over 200k miles you don't want too thin.