Red Mk1 16v

All chat, general/off topic/banterish and questions relating to the BX16valve.
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mac1776
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Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

Hi All,
I recently picked up a complete Mk1 in outwardly good condition, steel fuel pipes are sieve like and dumped fuel on the drive, I would expect the other pipes to follow suit. 1 owner car and I reckon it's been sat in a garage for about 10yrs, any tips on attempting to get the old girl fired up would be helpful.
Many thanks
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Mac
Vanny
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Vanny »

Got any pictures?

How much work do you want to do yourself, and what's the budget?. Do you want it back on the road or show room condition.
mac1776
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

Hi Vanny, I will take some pics in due course. Initially I just want to get it running and try and do as much work myself to get it back on the road. Not worried about a minter. There is a spark, just need to check out the fuel system and the sieve like fuel pipes. Any advice/help/tips would be welcomed.
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Vanny »

Working from the tank is the pickup, a rubber hose, the pump, a rubber hose, a pulse damper, rubber hose, metal hose from front to rear sub-frame, rubber hose up into the engine bay and onto the fuel rail.

If its pissing out at the rear I would guess that the pulse damper has failed/rotten out. A lot of people, myself included, simply by pass it with a hose. Take the spare wheel out and its strapped to the rear subframe on the opposite side to the exhaust tip.

While you're there it might be worth replacing the hoses, the hose between the fuel tank and the pump is a bit of a mare to get through, all the others are a doddle. Be careful what type of hose you buy, there is some cheap stuff knocking about that doesn't meet the requirements printed and doesnt last the year. I think Gates Barricade was the go to choice for some.

I believe the hard fuel pipes can still be bought front citroen. I think I currently have a diesel set on my valver. As a rule if you can't find it cheap, Chevronics probably have it.
mac1776
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

You are a star, thanks again.it is the rusty metal pipes that have disintegrated . I have temporarily used rubber hose and am getting fuel to the inlet rail but not sure if it's getting any further yet. The pump runs when the starter cranks but not when the key is released back to the run position.
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Vanny »

The pump will prime when you first turn the key from off to ignition, but if you crank and fail to start, it will cut out for safety. Well as safe as a 30 year old motronic engine control system can get.

Are you getting a spark? The coils tend to fail if they sit for long periods. It's wasted spark system so you get a spark at each cylinder in turn regardless of compression/exhaust stroke. Might want to check the tips in the dizzy too. All pretty basic stuff. It's only just one step on from a carb system.
mac1776
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

Thanks again, I have a feeble spark but the rotor arm and dizzy cap were also very nasty, i have got new items on route. Once I get time (shift work :() I can have a methodical look at it and will no doubt be asking more inane questions !!!
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Vanny »

Insane questions would be better received here, its more likely to wake up the more knowledgeable but seemingly dormant members!
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Timmo
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Timmo »

Also worth checking the earth's around the battery area, battery to to gear box, gearbox to chassis (inbetween bulkhead and battery), battery to chassis, if you have the battery out check the plug connectors underneath the battery tray area, quick clean with a small wire brush and a smear of vasalene works wonders and cable tie them back together, these engines like a good spark and a powerful battery to turn them over! A good quality cap and arm and leads will help no end too,
Timmo 8)

After all i am the Cornish one!

Its Because its French!
Bx16v club - Sharing the love for the unloved!
mac1776
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

Fantastic, thank you Timmo, the new battery is currently out and I have the earths off for cleaning (the gearbox end was very skanky :( ) I will do as you suggest and clean up the plug connections too!! I have fuel to the inlet side of the fuel rail so once the new rotor arm/dizzy cap arrives I will have Trumpton on standby as I give it a whirl !!! Would love to know why she was laid up approx. 10 years ago though.
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Timmo »

Probably similar reason to why I laid mine up, simply not using it enough, sadly mine succumbed to rot quite badly in the end, would have cost a lot to get back ready for the road, and to be honest, I lost interest! 17 years of ownership!
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Mike P
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Mike P »

Hi,
Is this the red phase 1 that has the number plate ending in POO?
Not a question I expected to be asking when I logged in today 😂
Mike P
Founder member of the Phase 1 Appreciation Society!
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'88 'F' White Bx16v - 62k miles & as seen on TV
mac1776
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by mac1776 »

Hi Mike, I can confirm it is the same. Does anyone have knowledge of this vehicle at all? Apart from the knobby number plate it appears in pretty solid condition. :wink:
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Mike P
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Re: Red Mk1 16v

Post by Mike P »

I don't remember this car before seeing it on the Facebook page when on the back of the truck.
Mike P.
Founder member of the Phase 1 Appreciation Society!
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'88 'F' White Bx16v - 62k miles & as seen on TV
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