Citroen C2 55 Reg and Head Gasket Gone!!!

martrayf

Hi,

My wife's 55 reg Citroen C2 1.4sx (which she has had since new) has developed a small oil leak. It seems about a 50p size piece on the driveway every evening.

We took it to an independant Citroen specialist for investigation and they have said either a camshaft oil seal or a head gasket! And more likely its the later as the head gasket is a common fault on this TU engine which has been used by Citroen since the early 90's in cars such as the BX, AX, Saxo and Peugoet 205's and 106's etc. There is a main oil way on the front left corner of the block which leaks and it means a head gasket replacement.

I am in absolute shock. We phoned Citroen who said they can't believe it too and may replace under a good will gesture, but would need to investigate, but that would cost £85, then they would need to seek approval for Citroen UK.

What do you think our chances are? I have been told by a few people, we haven't got a chance in hell. So it will end up costing us £500 to get it fixed and you don't expect to buy a brand new car and within 50,000 miles having to replace the head gasket.

Hintza

Where has it been serviced? Has it been serviced to manufacturers schedule and specifications?

The answer to those might have a big bearing on how this plays out.

Exemplar

I am in absolute shock. We phoned Citroen who said they can't believe it too and may replace under a good will gesture, but would need to investigate, but that would cost £85, then they would need to seek approval for Citroen UK.

You have answered your own question, £85.00??? I would jump at that....

somech

your chances are slim

but good luck

Coveredinbees!!!!

My misses had an AX and the head gasket went at less than 40K we were told it was likely to need a new engine. We traded it in for a new car, they didn't even start it.

martrayf

Thanks for your replies. Yes £85 doesn't sound much if they fix it but the chances are they wont and we would have paid £85 for nothing and then have to pay £500 to get it fixed elsewhere.

It was serviced by Citroen whilst in the Warranty but after 3 years it was serviced by a citroen specialist and then a local garage. The book has been stamped all the way through though and it has always been driven carefully, never thrashed! However, this is where I can see them saying No, as it hasn't been serviced with them all the time and they can't guarantee how it has been driven.

Trade in was another option but we'd then have to get a loan, which I'd rather not do, so I think fixing it is the only real option.

I just cannot believe that Citroen won't acknowledge there is a fundamental problem with this engine and repair it on new models. Lets face it, if somebody has said to me when she brought it that after 5 years and 50,000 miles you need to replace the headgasket, you'd never in a million years have brought the car.

somech

martrayf wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. Yes £85 doesn't sound much if they fix it but the chances are they wont and we would have paid £85 for nothing and then have to pay £500 to get it fixed elsewhere.

It was serviced by Citroen whilst in the Warranty but after 3 years it was serviced by a citroen specialist and then a local garage. The book has been stamped all the way through though and it has always been driven carefully, never thrashed! However, this is where I can see them saying No, as it hasn't been serviced with them all the time and they can't guarantee how it has been driven.

Trade in was another option but we'd then have to get a loan, which I'd rather not do, so I think fixing it is the only real option.

I just cannot believe that Citroen won't acknowledge there is a fundamental problem with this engine and repair it on new models. Lets face it, if somebody has said to me when she brought it that after 5 years and 50,000 miles you need to replace the headgasket, you'd never in a million years have brought the car.

same as rover and fiat rover k series and fiat 1.2 8valve are known for hg failing nothing was done to stop them either

i doubt if citroen will cover the cost or offer a goodwill payment i would get some more quotes:)

martrayf

Yes i've heard about the Rover K Series engine, but didn't know about the Citroen.

The best I have been quouted is £450. The only good point to come of this is that the cambelt will get changed in the process and that was due very soon anyway!

jd82

I am not machanic but how does a head gasket mean oil leaks on the floor? The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the block which contains the cylinders and pistons. If this is cracked oil/coolent can leak into the combustion cylinders causing smoke and overheating problems. Never known it could also leak externally but I suppose if the crack is near the edge it could do.

Was the correct oil used at the last service?

When was the coolent last changed and was the correct grade used?

The cambelt can cost £250+ so £450 is not too much of a problem because you need to change the belt to do the head gasket. At least you haven't paid for a new cambelt already

martrayf

jd82 wrote: »

I am not machanic but how does a head gasket mean oil leaks on the floor? The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the block which contains the cylinders and pistons. If this is cracked oil/coolent can leak into the combustion cylinders causing smoke and overheating problems. Never known it could also leak externally but I suppose if the crack is near the edge it could do.

Was the correct oil used at the last service?

When was the coolent last changed and was the correct grade used?

The cambelt can cost £250+ so £450 is not too much of a problem because you need to change the belt to do the head gasket. At least you haven't paid for a new cambelt already

I am not a mechanic either, (unfortunately so in this case) but I have been told there are oil ways in the head and water ways. The main oil way is in the left hand front corner of the block and for some reason seeps out of the gasket over time.

I am guessing all the correct coolant and oils were used, it was done by a garage so I have no way of telling.

The cambelt is the only positive I can take from this. I am pretty sure it hasn't already been done as I don't remember a massive service bill.