Citroen SM from western Australia

Howdy all,

I am from Western Australia and have recently acquired a '73 Citroen SM.

The car has been subjected to dismantling and renovation over 5 -7 years....with no-one willing or able, to make the car run properly after it had been re-assembled. Much of the problems have been associated with the D-Jetronic fuel injection, so I have appreciated this site for the terrific information it contains, and the previous posts by all contributors.

Thank you.

For those unaware, the Citroen SM is an excessively (and perhaps unnecessarily) complex car, with a Maserati V6 engine and a variety of unique Citroene-esque and Maserati-ish features. There has been many things to fix......

It would seem , that most of the D-Jet issues are now resolved, though I'm a week or two away from conclusive proof as I wait for a replacement water pump seal, assembly, and a sensible drive. But a sense of logic is now in place.

For the benefit of D-jet fans I'll ignore the huge ignition faults I had and discuss the EFI issues.

1. "Serviced" injectors were replaced with new
2. All fuel line & clips replaced with EFI gear
3. ECU assessed & repaired (perhaps unnecessarily)
4. Injector wiring loom faults repaired
5. Auxiliary air slide repaired
6. Auxiliary butterfly micro switch replaced
7. T1 & T2 sensors, fuel filter, fuel pump, throttle switch & fuel regulator had already been changed by the previous owner.

I got the thing running OK, but it ran rich. I got hung up on what I thought to be poor plenum vacuum (about 9 hg.) and the effect this would have on driving the MAP sensor. Lot's of new hoses, intake rubbers and manifold O rings were replaced to restore what I considered to be weak vacuum.

My problem, I suspect was a poorly adjusted throttle switch.....which was not allowing the car to run on its idle circuit. Adjusted now.

Perhaps a little premature to break out the schnapps, but I suspect order has been returned.

Regards,
Rhys

Howdy Rhys,

that is an interesting story you tell and I am glad that you did it here. I keep my fingers crossed that everything will work fine when you restart the engine next week. I highly appreciate to hear that my website is not only read down under but that it also really helped.

Hi Rhys,
Volker described the SM being 'over-engineered' some months ago, you call it 'excessively (and perhaps unnecessarily) complex'.

In my opinion this is a real outstanding car, combining engineers capability in automotive engineering of that time from the cd-value and travelling-comfort up to the engine-management.
This is highly interesting for me, therefore a warm welcome from me, too.

Regards
Norbert

Thank you Volker & Norbert,

Norbert - The SM is indeed a technical triumph ......and this is part of appeal.

But despite being a life-long Citroen enthusiast, it is evident (perhaps with hindsight),that some things were excessive. An example of this is the low pressure hydraulics that operate the turning headlights and headlight carriage height - which I have just repaired. The DS before it used a simple cable system which was simple & effective.

The car is like a beautiful wife. I love it, and admire it's beauty - but I will have to pay for the way it is put together....

Regards,
Rhys

Hi Rhys,

nice SM.

Here in Germany, the engine compartment is called "die Schlangengrube" (the Snake Pit).
That sums it up exactly and scares the devil out of those who dare to lift the hood

Here am some pictures of my personal Snake Pit.






Once the D-Jetronic is under control and the primary chain drive has been changed the SM is a very rewarding car.
Not more or less reliable than other cars out of that decade.
"Hovering" over a bad track or "flying" with 200 km/h over the Autobahn is sheer pleasure.

An example of this is the low pressure hydraulics that operate the turning headlights and headlight carriage height - which I have just repaired. The DS before it used a simple cable system which was simple & effective.

After 42 years the headlight hydraulic in my SM is still in working condition. Only the rolling diaphragm will wear an probably cause leaking.
Yep, it's a little over engineered but yet lasting.

LHM greetings form Germany
Immanuel

rhysaccess wrote: Thank you Volker & Norbert,

The car is like a beautiful wife. I love it, and admire it's beauty - but I will have to pay for the way it is put together....

Regards,
Rhys

Hi Rhys,

last time I oversaw this statement. But I do fully agree. My D-Jetronic MB 450SL is normally very reliable and easy to maintain (if I do not go for a D-Jetronic workshop I mean). My beautiful wife is more like a volcano: Very charming and warm-hearted on one hand, but erupting easily when she does not get the attention that she deserves. Sometimes even jealous on this website and my computer. But I love and admire her anyway. even after more than 14 years together. To please her, I even repainted our living room last weekend and baked Focaccia and Black Forest cake for her birthday. All for the best of all my wives