Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and classic car restorers specializing in Citroën vehicles.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical data crucial for maintaining and repairing the distinctive Hydropneumatic suspension and boxer engine, offering significant cost savings over dealership service.
Detail Orientation:
Emphasizes detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information, making complex procedures manageable.
Visual Guidance:
Includes detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos, with enlarged insets for precise part identification and examination.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of all GS/GSA engines, including troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly, and component specifications.
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems (likely Zenith, Solex), fuel pumps, fuel lines, and related components.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled boxer engine cooling, fan, ducting, and thermostat operation.
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition timing procedures, and troubleshooting.
Exhaust System:
Muffler, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable for later GSA models in some markets), and pipework.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed), clutch system, drive shafts, and linkage adjustments.
Suspension:
Citroën's Hydropneumatic suspension system (front and rear), hydraulic fluid, spheres, pump, regulators, and self-leveling mechanism.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering, power steering (if equipped), column, and linkage.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, disc brakes (front), drum brakes (rear), brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, and electronic control units (if applicable).
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, rust prevention, and structural components.
Climate Control:
Heating system, ventilation, and air conditioning (if factory-equipped).
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, coolant (hydraulic fluid) checks, brake checks, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all systems, including diagnostic charts and symptom analysis.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustments for every major system.
Rebuild Refurbishment:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, hydraulic components, and other major assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality wiring schematics integrated with electrical troubleshooting procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, boxer (flat-four) engine
Displacement:
Typically 1124cc (GS) or 1219cc / 1299cc (GSA variants).
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 55-65 hp (depending on engine variant and emissions controls).
Torque Range:
Approx. 85-95 Nm (depending on engine variant).
Carburetor Type:
Single or twin-choke downdraft Zenith Stromberg or Solex carburetors.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended for later models).
Cooling Medium:
Forced air cooling via engine-driven fan and shrouding.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually.
Hydraulic Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) or as per manual. This is critical for Hydropneumatic system longevity.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace as needed.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 API SE/SF (check manual for exact viscosity and classification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 liters (check manual).
Hydraulic Fluid Spec:
Citroën LHS 2 (Mineral-based hydraulic fluid) or equivalent.
Hydraulic Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 - 6.0 liters (system capacity, check manual).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Hydropneumatic Suspension:
Leaking spheres, worn seals, pump issues, and hydraulic fluid degradation are common if not properly maintained.
Rust:
Common on wheel arches, sills, and floor pans, requiring regular inspection and treatment.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, worn diaphragms, and tuning issues are common on older carburetor systems.
Citroen Innovation:
Citroën is renowned for its pioneering approach to automotive engineering, particularly with Hydropneumatic suspension, front-wheel drive, and aerodynamic design.
Gs Introduction:
The Citroën GS was introduced in 1970 as a more compact and affordable alternative to the DS, winning European Car of the Year in 1971.
Gsa Introduction:
The GSA was a significant facelift and improvement of the GS, launched in 1979, featuring a revised interior, improved engine options, and updated styling.
Production Years:
GS: 1970-1987; GSA: 1979-1986.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily France.
