Service Note 11870 (25 Nov. 1958) – DS and 1D engine breather defect

In this document

This is an internal service note (no. 11870), written and signed by Paul Magès, addressed to Mr. Hermet, with copies to several recipients whose names are difficult to read p. 7. It is dated 25 November 1958 and concerns the "DS and 1D Engine Breather" under reference DS.132-10 p. 7.

Magès warns of a defect: "A significant, impossible to determine, quantity of DS and 1D engines are running with breathers obstructed due to poor tube positioning" and adds "It is to be feared that it is the majority" p. 7.

He specifies that this defect "in the new state of the engine is of little importance," but that it becomes problematic "as the engine wears" p. 7.

In conclusion, the note requests to "have the breathers of customer cars modified" and proposes a corrective solution already tested, represented on the "drawing E. 401-8551" attached to the note p. 7.

The page bears a handwritten stamp "With tracing" dated "25 NOV 1958", as well as a handwritten mention "read" and a signature by Magès at the bottom of the page p. 7.

Context

The engine breather is a crankcase ventilation part allowing the evacuation of oil vapors and the regulation of internal engine pressure; poor positioning can lead to progressive obstruction, harmful to the lubrication and wear of internal components.

Recall that at this date, the DS (launched in 1955) and its simplified version, the ID 19 (sometimes noted "1D"), were in full commercial distribution at Citroën, which explains the concern expressed regarding the number of vehicles potentially affected in circulation.

Archivist's perspective

This document illustrates the role of Paul Magès not only as a designer of innovative systems, but also as a technical manager confronted with real-world usage feedback from vehicles already sold. The tone of the note — measured but concerned by the potential scale of the defect — testifies to the concern for reliability that accompanied the deployment of Citroën innovations.

It seems that this note is part of a broader quality monitoring effort carried out during the same period, echoing for example the Pressure readings of suspension pneumatic blocks (P 1662), dated a few weeks later, which shows the same vigilance regarding sensitive technical components of the DS/ID.

The reference to drawing "E. 401-8551" suggests the existence of a complementary technical document, not present here, which detailed the corrective solution proposed by Magès and his team.