Sump Corrosion

[Paula Xsara]

I've just had our local Citroen dealer tell us that my 1.4LX (on a 51 plate) has a really badly corroded sump. So badly corroded in fact that they think it could 'burst' at any moment.
Since it has sustained no accidental damage that I know of and is below average miles, this seems pretty unlikely. I'm also surprised that the item is, by implication, not steel and not alloy.

Two questions: Can anyone comment on the potential for this type of corrosion (have you had this experience?)? And do you know of a reliable Citroen service centre that I could trust for a second opinion, I'm in the Bolton, Lancs. area).

My first posting - treat me kindly

[boroboy]

[quote name='Paula Xsara' date='Jun 18 2005, 09:43 AM'] I've just had our local Citroen dealer tell us that my 1.4LX (on a 51 plate) has a really badly corroded sump.  So badly corroded in fact that they think it could 'burst' at any moment.
Since it has sustained no accidental damage that I know of and is below average miles, this seems pretty unlikely.  I'm also surprised that the item is, by implication, not steel and not alloy.

Two questions:  Can anyone comment on the potential for this type of corrosion (have you had this experience?)?  And do you know of a reliable Citroen service centre that I could trust for a second opinion, I'm in the Bolton, Lancs. area).

My first posting - treat me kindly [/quote]
I suffered from a rusty sump on an old punto, common fault, I cleaned it & covered it with rust neutraliser, then painted it with hammer right, never had any bother with it after that. Don't rub too hard when cleaning, for obvious reasons. I just gave mine a light sand & then clean off with some soapy water, make sure it's fully dry before painting.
Rusty sumps are quite common on allot of cars, I also had the same prob with a 95 Rover 214 SEI & a Fiat Uno.

The reason why these sumps tend to rust is because they're very exposed to the elements, wind, rain, salt, being underneath the car. Don't think they're pre-treated, like the rest of the bodywork, underneath the car.
Providing it's not leaking oil & wouldn't worry about it.

With some older cars the outside of the sumps are protected by engine oil, with age oil tends to run down the outside of older engines & finally makes it's way to the sump (bottom of engine), this helps to protect the sump, as oil displaces water & stops it from rusting.

[Johndouglas]

[quote name='Paula Xsara' date='Jun 18 2005, 09:43 AM'] I've just had our local Citroen dealer tell us that my 1.4LX (on a 51 plate) has a really badly corroded sump. So badly corroded in fact that they think it could 'burst' at any moment.
Since it has sustained no accidental damage that I know of and is below average miles, this seems pretty unlikely. I'm also surprised that the item is, by implication, not steel and not alloy.

Two questions: Can anyone comment on the potential for this type of corrosion (have you had this experience?)? And do you know of a reliable Citroen service centre that I could trust for a second opinion, I'm in the Bolton, Lancs. area).

My first posting - treat me kindly [/quote]
I think your dealer is trying to put the frighteners on you. The sump is not likely to 'burst' - it's not like a balloon full of pressure. If it did rust through, it would start as a pin hole with just the tiniest of drips. You may be sure that the inside surface is good since it's always coated with the oil. When are you due next for an MOT? The examiner will soon tell you if there's too much amiss with your sump.