The Citroën P8A (XUD11ATE) is a 1,905 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1988 and 1996. It features indirect injection via a pre-combustion chamber, SOHC valvetrain, and belt-driven accessories. In standard tune, it delivers 66 kW (90 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 2,250 rpm, offering strong low-end pulling power ideal for European B-segment and utility vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the BX Turbo D, ZX, and XM, the P8A (XUD11ATE) was engineered for enhanced drivability and motorway capability over its naturally aspirated counterpart. Its driving character emphasizes relaxed cruising and responsive torque delivery in mid-range driving. Emissions compliance is achieved through an oxidation catalyst, meeting early Euro 1 standards in later production years.
One documented concern involves turbocharger actuator diaphragm failure due to heat exposure and age, noted in PSA Group Technical Bulletin TB-DIESEL-91-03. This issue leads to inconsistent boost pressure and reduced performance. From 1991, revised actuator housings with improved heat shielding were introduced, enhancing long-term reliability.
Production years 1993–1996 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4322).
The Citroën P8A (XUD11ATE) is a 1,905 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine designed for compact and executive vehicles (1988–1996). It combines indirect injection with a Garrett T2 turbocharger and SOHC valvetrain to deliver improved torque and drivability over naturally aspirated variants. Engineered to meet early Euro emissions standards, it balances performance, economy, and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,905 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (Garrett T2) | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 94.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch inline injection pump with pre-chamber injectors | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–1996); earlier models pre-regulation | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T2 turbo with vacuum-actuated wastegate | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API CD or equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for overtaking and hill climbing but requires adherence to 90,000 km timing belt intervals using OEM-specified parts to prevent valve damage. The Garrett T2 turbo is durable but sensitive to oil starvation; use of API CD-grade oil and regular changes are essential. The vacuum-actuated wastegate is prone to diaphragm failure after 15+ years, leading to boost control issues. Revised post-1991 actuators with heat shielding improve longevity. No DPF or EGR simplifies maintenance but necessitates periodic inspection of the oxidation catalyst. Use of high-cetane diesel enhances combustion smoothness and reduces injector wear.
Oil Specs: Requires API CD or equivalent (PSA SB-ENG-89-01). Modern CI-4 oils may not be compatible with older pump materials.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–1996 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4322). Pre-1993 models are pre-regulation.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains stable with fuel meeting EN 590:1984 specifications.
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs XUD11ATE-ME-001, XUD11ATE-TB-002, TB-DIESEL-91-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4322)
ISO 8854: Road vehicles — Light vehicles with compression-ignition engines — Gaseous pollutants and CO2 emissions
The Citroën P8A (XUD11ATE) was used across Citroën's front-wheel-drive B/C-segment platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot under PSA Group architecture. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-tuned boost pressure in the XM and revised cooling in the ZX-and from 1991 received updated turbo actuator housings to address heat-related failures, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (PSA TIS XUD11ATE-ID-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for XUD11ATE 90 PS turbo variant). Pre-1991 models have black actuator housings with minimal heat shielding; post-1991 units feature silver heat shields around the vacuum actuator. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated XUD9: P8A (XUD11ATE) includes a Garrett T2 turbocharger mounted to the exhaust manifold and an intercooler pipe routing to the intake. Service parts require casting number verification—turbo actuators before 04/1991 are not interchangeable with later heat-shielded versions due to revised diaphragm housing (PSA TB-DIESEL-91-03).
The P8A (XUD11ATE)'s primary reliability risk is turbocharger actuator diaphragm failure, particularly in pre-1991 units operating in hot climates. PSA internal field reports from 1992 indicated a significant number of early actuators required replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows turbo-related faults among top mechanical failures for Euro 1 diesels. Extended oil intervals and poor coolant maintenance increase thermal stress, making regular servicing and correct fluid use critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1988-1996) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN P8A-XUD11ATE.
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