CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Tell us your ongoing tales and experiences with your French car here. Post pictures of your car here as well.
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mickthemaverick
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

CitroJim wrote: Yesterday, 05:34
Another AX, another crank oil leak :twisted:

Image

I have a seal in stock and a stock replacement item on order... I've done this job so often now...
About time you did it right then!! :rofl2:
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
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CitroJim
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by CitroJim »

mickthemaverick wrote: Yesterday, 07:18
CitroJim wrote: Yesterday, 05:34
Another AX, another crank oil leak :twisted:

Image

I have a seal in stock and a stock replacement item on order... I've done this job so often now...
About time you did it right then!! :rofl2:
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Much more progress whilst the builders crack on creating the the best downstairs loo in the world! although I found I didn't have a seal in stock; I thought I did but it was a diff oil seal :twisted: eBay to the rescue!

I drained the coolant. Looks very clean :)
20260812_104753.jpg
A compatibility test with the new, just in case the old stuff was OAT or otherwise not ethyene-glycol. Happily, it seems not. Checked as it's the first time I've change coolant on this car...
20260812_105012.jpg
The water pump looks very clean :)
20260812_112500.jpg
I now await the new oil seal. All else is done, even to working Plus-Gas around the front caliper bleed nipples ahead of a brake fluid change. I've not tried loosening the nipples yet; that will be after a week of Plus-Gassing - at least ;)

I started rust-proofing using Bilt Hamber aerosol cans. I had to rapidly stop due to the fumes, especially from the UC stuff :twisted:

I need a high quality face mask before I continue. Advice on what to get please?

I did get some Dynax SX50 into a few box-sections though using a long lance...

Work will continue today if the seal arrives; else tomorrow :)
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
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CitroJim
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by CitroJim »

Huskyxantia wrote: Yesterday, 07:12 Are these ax known for that seal to leak often ? Or is it something that's just naturally happened?

Yep, a very common issue... Most would ignore the amount mine was leaking but me being me I won't permit any oil leaks...
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
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xantia_v6
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

CitroJim wrote: Today, 05:11

I started rust-proofing using Bilt Hamber aerosol cans. I had to rapidly stop due to the fumes, especially from the UC stuff :twisted:

I need a high quality face mask before I continue. Advice on what to get please?
I bought one of these(3M 6200 series) a few years ago when doing some floor sanding, and would not be without it:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/358806884029 ... 6822573553

Image

Image

they are not cheap, but widely available, reasonable comfortable and very effective. Different grade filter cartridges are available.
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CitroJim
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by CitroJim »

Thanks for that Mike :D
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
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mickthemaverick
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

That mask is probably better quality than mine but I use one like this, from Draper I think, because I like to protect my spectacles from drips, splashes and splutters when under the car.
My safe spraying mask
My safe spraying mask
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316677287787
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
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mickthemaverick
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

I was close, it is not Draper but Drager, the current version looks like this:
The current product
The current product
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr%C3%A4ger-Re ... 1_8?sr=8-8

and is obviously expensive. Mine was issued to me by BT when I was seconded to the asbestos clearance team for Watford ATE !! :-D
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
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Huskyxantia
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by Huskyxantia »

CitroJim wrote: Today, 05:13
Huskyxantia wrote: Yesterday, 07:12 Are these ax known for that seal to leak often ? Or is it something that's just naturally happened?

Yep, a very common issue... Most would ignore the amount mine was leaking but me being me I won't permit any oil leaks...
Then the belts get messy if left, well done for being on the ball Jim
Husky. :? Thinking outside of the box is better than sitting in a dark one.
:-D
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myglaren
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by myglaren »

If you can I would recommend a mask that incorporates an activated charcoal filter as it is a vapour giving you trouble. I have found them to be very useful, following Covid. I had a stack of them here but can't find them and having difficulty with replacements.
These are the N95 paper/fabric masks, not the WW1 gas mask type, a bit much for going shopping in.

Like this:-
Screenshot from 2026-08-13 09-06-04.png
A search for "activated charcoal breathing mask" reveals a variety of them.
Screenshot from 2026-08-13 09-10-10.png
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CitroJim
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by CitroJim »

Huskyxantia wrote: Today, 08:14
Then the belts get messy if left, well done for being on the ball Jim
And the last thing I want is a car with a wet belt engine :twisted: The oil seal is out for delivery today so fingers crossed.

Thanks for the recommendations Steve, the full facemask variety is quite tempting and means I can keep my glasses on...

And Mick, that's given me a wide choice to think about - thanks :D

Those 3M 6200 Masks Mike, I note on eBay the prices vary wildly with many claiming to be the 3M one ranging in price from £21 - your link - down to £8 and around £15... All identical listings... I'm suspicious. Are these respirators subject to fakery? I ask as I see the same on the 3M site is around £50... And the bare mask less filters for £26 on Amazon. I'm very iffy about buying any of those from eBay to be honest... I see Amazon has lots of clones...

It's a bloody minefield :evil:
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
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Huskyxantia
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by Huskyxantia »

Screw fix have even been victims of fake tools aswell so to be honest theres so much of it on the market now its a mine field. If this has been a personal recommendation then I'd take there word its the real deal as they have one themselves.
Husky. :? Thinking outside of the box is better than sitting in a dark one.
:-D
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Re: CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

I bought mine with carbon filters and dust filter in NZ from a reputable supplier, it cost (the equivalent of) about £35, so depending on the filters £20 is believable for a genuine item, but they seem to be twice that at some suppliers.