That's quite interesting as it really would be Uruguay then!
There's not much info about BX production (or put-together), but models from ZX onward are listed. This was completely new to me.
I found out that we finns are not the only ones to like our money and not paying taxes if we can avoid it (legally) . Uruguay has import tax on cars which you can avoid if the car has 35% of local origin. I think the labour is enough for putting it together there from parts. Plant name I found was Barra de Carrasco, Uruguay (Oferol) (also mentioned to be ex Sevel!?), nowadays "Planta de Chery Socma en Uruguay".
Thanks Slagtrooper to bringing more information on this beloved Citroen model!
Yeah, a couple of things that i couldn't determine is: If that two tone paintjob is genuine or a mod done by one of its former owners and if that 16V parts, like the rear vents and spoiler were standard with my ride being an 8V.
Restoring this car is becoming harder, but the internet is my friend and the best tool a 21st century mechanic can have. I'm liking this "mission". i'm not afraid, i'm enjoying it.
I think driving this car, with no problems, will be an act of counterculture, proving that french cars can be good and easy to maintain if you want. And the feeling of exclusivity.
Ps.: Kaapelimies, PVT for you.
Last edited by Slagtrooper on Thu Jan 02, 2014 10:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
First of all i have to know: What exact kind of plastic is this tank made?
Not sure on the plastic, but there may be something moulded into the tank which tells you?
I don't know, it has only some numbers and letters.
If it's a kind of code, i don't know how to read it.
Maybe post up a picture of the code and see whether anybody recognises it? It might be best in the Technical section, in case some people don't see it in here.
Ok. I'll try later and post today. I think this saturday morning i will buy it if i see that it can't be repaired. And an almost new unit is safer than a repaired one.
When i install the tank, the other repairs will be made more often and so this blog page will have more photos.
Good news! Used fuel tank and 5L of Pentosin LHM has been bought.
I was below the ride, struggling to install the tank and thinking: How can i extract the oil that still is in the hydraulic lines? Good thing is that oil in a certain way, was protecting the lines and rubbers. I hope the standard octopus is in good condition.
It became easier to fit the tank without the fuel hoses. Then, installing hoses with steel wire. Installed it yesterday, i'm using the hoses that came with the car only for tests. Hate the idea of using it amended like it is, will buy new ones (3 meters, nice red hose) and renew all the rubber from fuel system. Today i will try cleaning the LHM Reservoir and hydraulic lines. And start the engine!
I've been thinking about the exhaust too: Is impossible to find the intermediate muffler, that one which is installed sideways. I want to install a sporty exhaust system, i will maintain the standard catalyser (Too expensive for me buying a new one).
It's been a while, but got little progress until now.
Installed tank + hoses. Installed pump, done a hillbilly fix for fitting the bomb at the rubber case [i think it's note the original part]. Tried crank the engine; No success. I need to review the bomb connector and of course, put some more gas - I had only 4 liters of it.
But the real good news is: I FOUND ANOTHER BX USER!
So i will act as a translator and mechanic guide for him and he will send some parts and i will pay the shipping [Of course i will give some money for him drink some booze]. Even with the two spare BX's, he needs some parts too, like the 45 cm antenna that we can't find in any other place around. I don't know if a Pug uses the same antenna, it's very big, by the way.
It's only for testing, i hate that kind of fixes.
You will probably need much more than 4 litres of fuel to start the car, I would try 10 to be sure it is reaching the pump.
More good news! Bought 20 Liters of additivated gas and tried to crank the engine. Started on the 1st attempt! I need for sure fix its idle - Is at the right RPM range (something like 950 rpm, 1.9 8V with autobox), but its unstable, sometimes it shut down. Need and will try to change the exhaust tube for reducing the damn noise, looks like a tuned NA engine, but that noise is from the idle too: The mixture is wrong, the eyes burn - I think the timing isn't good.
So, yesterday i cleaned the reservoir, filters and the level meter, extracted some more old standard red oil and done that "Citroen Ritual" [Prime the bomb, release pressure, etc.]. Started engine, fuel pump's belt squealing. Done some research and all of the tips were to tight the belt. Tighten using the japanese site techique with the 17mm spanner and the tension was now perfect. Started again and got the AWESOME FEELING OF THE CAR RISING!
Boys and girls, that was a good feeling! The accumulator is clicking at the right times, the STOP sign dissapeared!
Two things i have to adjust: The height lever is stiff to engage at the "slammed" [service] position and the "jeep mode" [higher height]. Today i will do the Citrobatics and brake bleeding, i only tested the basics - It was 2:30 AM and had to work at 8:30! I hope that isn't something wrong with the height correctors. I hope only the linkage needs some lube.
Fun fact: My ride rises the rear first, then the front.
I'm loving this car more and more, every day i fix something, every day i look at it. I'm thinking to do a Brazilian BX Club with Rodrigo [the friend i told earlier], this way it will become easier to find another BX owners, exchange knowledge and specially - Help others to restore more BX's.