Target Audience:
Citroën GS/GSA owners, classic car enthusiasts, independent repair shops, restoration specialists
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, professional-level repair and maintenance guidance to enable self-sufficiency and preserve vehicle value.
Alternative Resources:
Limited availability of equivalent comprehensive English-language manuals, especially for digital distribution.
Navigability:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval.
Instructional Method:
Numbered instructions and bold figure numbers for clear, step-by-step guidance.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, component testing, timing adjustment
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Solex/Zenith) disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, flush and fill procedures
Transmission:
Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, driveshafts, lubrication, troubleshooting
Suspension:
Hydropneumatic system (front and rear), hydraulic fluid, pressure regulation, component replacement (spheres, pumps, regulators), ride height adjustment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc and drum brakes, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, master cylinder, calipers, pads, shoes
Steering:
Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, lubrication, adjustment
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system, instrumentation, accessories, troubleshooting common electrical faults
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components, rust repair guidance
Heating And Ventilation:
Heater core, blower motor, ducting, operation and maintenance
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication points, tune-up procedures
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn components and improving the overall condition of the vehicle
Restoration:
Detailed information to assist in full vehicle restoration projects
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (where applicable), electrical system diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Full, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth Level:
Professional Technician Level, suitable for DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Extensive detail with sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos accompany most procedures
Identification Aid:
Enlarged inset diagrams for detailed component identification
Engine Type:
Flat-four (Boxer), Air-cooled
Engine Displacement Early:
1015 cc (e.g., GS Club, GS Pallas)
Engine Displacement Later:
1124 cc, 1220 cc (e.g., GS X2, GSA X1, GSA X3)
Horsepower Early:
Approx. 56 hp (DIN)
Horsepower Later:
Approx. 65 hp (1124cc), 71 hp (1220cc) (DIN)
Carburetor Types:
Single or twin Solex or Zenith downdraft carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (check manual for specific octane recommendations for 1973 models)
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage. Consult manual for exact intervals.
Suspension Fluid Check:
Check and top-up Hydropneumatic fluid (LHM) at regular intervals, typically with oil changes or as per manual recommendations.
Tune Up:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment typically every 15,000 - 20,000 km (10,000 - 12,500 miles).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate and engine condition). Typically API SE or SF rated.
Hydropneumatic Fluid:
Citroën LHM Plus (Mineral-based hydraulic fluid, Green color).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (typically).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Hydropneumatic System:
Leaking seals, failing spheres (loss of suspension 'bounce'), pump wear, regulator issues. Requires specialized knowledge.
Rust:
Common on floor pans, sills, wheel arches, and strut top mounts due to age and construction.
Engine Cooling:
Overheating can occur if cooling system is not maintained, particularly in air-cooled variants due to air ducting and fan efficiency.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, earth point corrosion leading to intermittent faults in lighting, indicators, and other systems.
Citroen Philosophy:
Citroën's legacy of innovation, comfort, and aerodynamic design, epitomized by models like the DS and SM, influenced the GS/GSA.
Gs Introduction:
Launched in 1970 as a more compact and affordable alternative to the DS, featuring a revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension and aerodynamic 'fastback' design.
Gsa Introduction:
Introduced in 1979 as an evolution of the GS, featuring a redesigned dashboard (the 'Monocoque' dashboard), updated front-end styling (twin headlights), and improved engines.
Production Period:
GS: 1970-1986, GSA: 1979-1986
Manufacturing Locations:
France (Rennes-sur-Vitre), Belgium, Portugal, Yugoslavia
