Started in general: engine / ignition type

[Olga]

Ebay seems good - but no bloody matching rotor arm and distributor (scre type)... Halfords?

[macplaxton]

Halfords?

a) they're not cheap
b) your mileage may vary in the assistance you receiver. Some staff are good (rare), others don't have a clue (common).

Take bits down the local part's factors or car spares/accesory shop. Ask nicely, they'll help.

It'll be easier than posting the wrong things. They might not have it in stock or be expensive, so use your cunning and at least come away with part numbers for hunting / cross-referencing in your spare time

[Olga]

I'll try that... but not sure about changing the rotor arm... the Haynes manual says this shouldn't need to be replaced?

[volvosneverdie]

I'll try that... but not sure about changing the rotor arm... the Haynes manual says this shouldn't need to be replaced?

haynes book of lies tells many stories.
Might as well change it if you're doing the dizzy.
The originals gonna be 20 years oldish.
Can hardly be a bad thing to update service parts now can it?

[Chris_C]

1.4's arn't as bad as 1.7's for eating dizzys, but they are still pretty bad. Halfords dizzys are made out of cherry bakewells, and last about half the time of anything else. Best bet is to talk to your stealer (really... the service parts arn't *that* bad) or ECP/GSF. I've been buying things from Nordic recently, and have been super impressed.

As your's is a late 1.4, she should be a B14.4E, with a renix.

[volvodspec]

personally i replace leads, sparkplugs, dizzy and rotor arm every 10.000km or on yearly basis; wichever comes first.
this prevents starting issues and even has a positive effect on fuel consumption

[Olga]

Thanks everybody, I'll do as you say and bite the bullet...

Though cost is an issue... it is juddering at low and high speeds now... good god wheels rebalanced and maybe new tyres...

I really wish Id bought a newer Citroen Saxo, god help me.

[SteveP]

I really wish Id bought a newer Citroen Saxo, god help me.

Get out

[volvosneverdie]

I really wish Id bought a newer Citroen Saxo, god help me.

No you dont.

Once its sorted I bet you keep it for ever. They grow on you like something not right.
Theyre good cars and have charm far in excess of any modern fwd tat.

Dont bin it yet!

[Olga]

Ha ha... you are right... just been told today I need new belts for the variomatic!! Bum... but the mechanic did say it was the best example he'd seen for years... though I didn't show him the huge rusty hole in the boot!!!