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

[Huskyxantia]

Can't wait to see your results

[myglaren]

I have a strap wrench and a chain wrench for oil filters and never had any luck with them, most likely operator error, but I have found these to be effective; if there is room for them of course.

Also useful for jar lids, if you clean the oil off them first.

[mickthemaverick]

I have chain, belt and plier varieties but I find this the best option generally:

https://ebay.io/m/qs7wxr

[MattBLancs]

I have chain, belt and plier varieties but I find this the best option generally:

https://ebay.io/m/qs7wxr

Thanks Mick, always good to know what's worked well for others.

Strap one has worked well for me in the past. It's hiding from me (in the messy garage!) but hopefully should do the trick if it turns up.

I bought a cheap "bike chain" type strap wrench from Autodoc a while back, tried today - but not enough room to get in properly into place - likewise I'm sure those plier type would have plenty of leverage but don't think they'd fit in this application.

Three leg type definitely would fit. If I can't get it loose tomorrow I'll look what I can find locally, then hopefully get the car back on the road again.

Picture tomorrow of the space I've got to work in.

DPF "off car cleaner" (think it's Wynn's, but will confirm tomorrow. EDIT yep, Wynne Off Car DPF cleaner.) say "minimum 90 minutes, max 8 hours" soaking time, so getting it soaking then attack the oil filter best way forward

[CitroJim]

It never fails to amaze me at just how tight neglected oil filters can become over time...

Good luck with the shifting of it Matt!

[PaulC5]

I have also found the 3 leg variety works well, better than chain or belt that slip. Possibly bought from Halfords a long time ago but is not shiny like their current one, just black https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-too ... 26527.html

[MattBLancs]

Thanks for the recommendations all!

As Toolstation is a literal 5 minute stroll from home, I grabbed a Draper strap wrench from them.

Spoiler: show

yippee!

Bosch branded, unsure how long it's been on. "Squeaky" when removed. I always put a dab of clean oil on the seal, wonder if the squeak was from a dry unlubricated seal??

[Huskyxantia]

Thanks for the recommendations all!

As Toolstation is a literal 5 minute stroll from home, I grabbed a Draper strap wrench from them.

Spoiler: show

yippee!

Bosch branded, unsure how long it's been on. "Squeaky" when removed

Thats an original

[MattBLancs]

Ha ha, I hope not! 119 thousand miles under it's belt if so!

DPF soaked (black opaque solution came out), rinsed thoroughly with hot water (much soot came out) including shaking to try and slosh it about as best I could.

Fixings all copper greased and the whole lot reassembled. Under tray rear fixings non existent so 2x M6 rivet nuts into existing holes give chance of securing the two rear "wings".

Oil filter replaced (Purflux) oil topped up (about 5 litres so far, think it takes 6) final topping up tomorrow.

Service counter reset. Will get Diagbox on the go tonight (energy/enthusiasm dependent!) and hopefully it can have a run tomorrow. I'll run it whilst on Diagbox - half expecting a steam show given instructions talk of "drying with air, e.g. compressor" which I've not had time to do. Hopefully half an hour's gentle idling will do the trick.

Adblue injector fixing assaulted with mole grips and 4mm Allen and hence a quick look at it just while accessible. No crystals to be seen but was post hot wash out anyway.

[Huskyxantia]

Great job Matt,. I remember when I washed my 206 dpf , steam ....couldn't see anything behind me when I drove it for about a quarter of a mile... was funny in a way but not so at first.

[MattBLancs]

Great job Matt,. I remember when I washed my 206 dpf , steam ....couldn't see anything behind me when I drove it for about a quarter of a mile... was funny in a way but not so at first.

I found the 206 1.6 HDi DPF fit in the oven, so was dried out in there! (120°C for an hour or so I think) No chance of that with this huge long thing!

[MattBLancs]

A few pictures.

Adblue injector.

M5 nuts are to give a bit more to get hold of (if needs to come off in future, without taking the whole DPF off again, hopefully!)

[MattBLancs]

Oil filter location and new strap wrench.

[MattBLancs]

And finally, in a great case of one step forward, two steps back!

The chip in the windscreen I've been keeping an eye on doesn't need worrying about any longer

Spoiler: show

as it's turned into a big crack!
Either low overnight temperatures (we've had frost, night before last) or the stresses put on the car and screen jacking in up and sure at a time.

I'll get the insurance rung in the morning. £90 excess from memory

[MattBLancs]

I'll get Diagbox on the go tonight (energy/enthusiasm dependent!)

Nope!
In the morning then...