Suspension sinks on Sundays! C5 X7 that works hard + 206 GTi HDi (and 406 Coupe and 306 HDi). - MattBLancs

[Armidillo]

So it's not just me that nearly always makes a mess when changing oil? That's strangely reassuring...

[MattBLancs]

Then I did the usual "fix something else whilst I'm there"

Cracked "bumper undertray" as follows:

Before

Before

Before

Before

New tool in use again:

Fix under way

[MattBLancs]

So it's not just me that nearly always makes a mess when changing oil? That's strangely reassuring...

I try very, very, very hard not to make a mess, and, given about 25 years of practice, I've almost achieved it!

[mickthemaverick]

I use my oil sucker through the dipstick hole to remove the majority which reduces the pressure on the sump plug for when I remove it followed by the filter. No spills I can remember!!

[MattBLancs]

Anyway, as I had the new tool on the go (and in use it does get warm. Big Clive's video mentioning a "little transformer working very hard") I decided to "fix something else whilst I was there" so this escalated too:

Spot the difference

Spot the difference

Just before breaking off to get something to eat, I spotted it was also "Cord grip optional day" in the factory when this was made!

So shortly the third "fix something else whilst I am there" will begin!
(Wonder why a simple job takes so long!?! )

[MattBLancs]

I use my oil sucker through the dipstick hole to remove the majority which reduces the pressure on the sump plug for when I remove it followed by the filter. No spills I can remember!!

I like the idea of that, thought I'd worry what new and interesting way of making a big mess would be set me instead!

[MattBLancs]

Cord grip created

Bit of old numberplate, my "go to"

[MattBLancs]

That'll be a "not quite" then!

Spoiler: show

cord grip too chunky!

[MattBLancs]

A round protuberance on the other half of the casing was the culprit. Presumably intended as the cord grip, it was tall enough to clash with my bit of numberplate, but not actually tall enough to grip the cord on its own. So lopped off with a hacksaw blade.

I've used all 50 of the "wiggle type" hot staples already! Interestingly, the new 1000 I bought are a thinner gauge than those supplied with the tool itself. Both snap off equally well and the thin ones do warm up quicker, unsurprisingly.

Oil change completed. Bumper undertray reinstalled (two captive nuts threads cleared up with tap then copper grease, will need to get at least 1 new as there's supposed to be three)

Then main undertray and two new bolts, plus rather predictable big penny washers.

Oh, and this "special tool" put to use:

Ball end Allen key, cable tie and slice of old sock

Spoiler: show

condensation wiped out the fog lamp, didn't take a before picture

[myglaren]

I need to clean the inside of my headlights, there is a deposit on them that looks like condensation but is permanent, a solution like yours may come into play. One day.

[mickthemaverick]

I tied a sponge ball onto the end of my drill flexi drive and used the electric drill to polish the inside of my headlights via the lamp aperture on the C5 and on the Delica, it worked well in both cases

[MattBLancs]

Ah, for future reference: 7mm was the alien key size - was just long enough to reach to front of the lens, pretty deep on this particular fog lamp.

Was literally dripping wet with condensation inside. Very odd as seal and fog lamp itself both seem as intended and intact.

Strange bulb. H8 think it said on the back, will need a spare as have none of those!

Bulbs grow in the garden. Not in mine, they don't!

[MattBLancs]

Oh and old oil: just over 4 litres (if the measurements on the side of an oil bottle can be believed)

[MattBLancs]

Business as usual, yesterday:

308 + 8x4 trailer = tip run

[MattBLancs]

Two trips to the tip this morning for the C5, no picture of the first trip but boot full of buckets very much as above!

C5 decidedly unhappy today, hunting idle, second trip had one instance of stalling between gear changes. Odd and worrying! No engine management light, will get the laptop on the go soon as I get chance.

Tip trip on a bank holiday weekend?! What was I thinking, pretty quiet at 9:15, but absolutely rammed second trip (about 11:00)


It was pleasing to park next to a Golf estate that must have been sat on its bump stops, the C5 had at least as much onboard and looked and rode as normal!