Assessing and Inspecting
From Citroen-SM-wiki
What are the appropriate things to check before or after purchasing an SM in order to assess its state, safety, and immediate needs?
See also Danger
- Does engine move freely?
- Remove plugs
- Engage fourth gear
- Can car move?
- If on a ramp, you can turn the engine with a screwdriver against the starter ring.
- Exhaust valves
- If possible, do not start it until checking that they are not sodium filled.
- Fuel lines
- They crack and spray gasoline all over
- Rust
- SM cars normally get cosmetically bad before major structural rust is a danger. As the car is easy to inspect when on a ramp, it is not difficult to assess the car.
- Primary Chain Tensioner
- Drop the oil pan to check position of tensioner, and presence or absence of curved static tensioner. See also below.
- Secondary Chains
- As a quick check, rev the engine gently to 3000 RPM, and let it idle. If you hear a chain noise as the engine accelerates & slows down, then you have chain work to do. A SM engine in good condition has NO MECHANICAL NOISES AT ALL.
See also:
