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

[CitroJim]

I resent that comment

Sorry Toby Not aimed at V6 drivers you understand

In answer to your second question...

Took the V6 for a run down to Somerset and back today She performed faultlessly following just a couple of tadettes of bother during the week.

The first was a small coolant leak from the transmission cooler outlet where it joins the rad. I noticed the hose was rock-hard and then found the top and botton hoses rock hard too I was a tad worried but the fault was simple. It was the rad cap. It had stuck itself up and was not relieving presure. When I removed it, it was like opening a bottle of cola! The hose at the rad was the weakest point.

The other was a worrying weep of transmission oil from the LH driveshaft again. Just a tiny one

The journey to Somerset and back today shows both resolved. No coolant used and no weeps fromt he driveshaft seal (and for that matter nowhere else either )

I also gave it a few beans as well, where I could. Gosh does it ever go when kicked-down to pass something It's scary how fast it reaches 90 from 50

I found a brilliant fun piece of road today as well. The A303 looked chokkers so I diverted off at Sparkford (home of the BoL ), past the Haynes Motor Museum and up to Frome via Bruton on the A359.

It was deserted, scenic, full of twisty bits and ups and downs. A real pleasure to drive and a real "Activa" road 8)

I was staggered at just how well the V6 handles. Granted it rolls a bit compared to the Activa but it's sure footed and very poised.

If you are ever in that neck of the woods, look out for the A359 and find a reason to drive it. You won't regret it

[xantia_v6]

Jim,

I am very glad that your are getting some payback for the TLC you have given that car.

I am not disappointed with the V6's handling either, and sometimes have forgotten about the load when I have had 300 kg or more of flatpack furniture or building materials on board (the performance still seems OK).

150kg on the roofrack does spoil the cornering a little however...

[CitroJim]

I am very glad that your are getting some payback for the TLC you have given that car.

I most certainly am. All I can say is the hard work has been well worth it

I've had to moderate though as my other cars were standing too idle and I was getting too used to the performance and the laziness of not changing gear. I was also starting to do some silly speeds; hence I found out how well it does actually handle

I took the Activa out for a long spin yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The handling is very different and performance, whilst not in V6 territory is still great fun.

I also dug my 2.1TD out of its slumbers and restored it to it's former role as my daily runabout. I enjoyed taking that for a good spin to blow the cobwebs away.

I find that if I drive one car for too long it startes to pale somewhat and become a bit mindane and routine. Swap to one of the others and it's like discovering the joys of it all over again.

I need to drive all my cars regularly so i don't forget how to drive a car with a manual gearbox

[Sid_the_Squid]

so i don't forget how to drive a car with a manual gearbox

Don't worry about that Jim, takes years to unlearn such a skill.

Think of it like riding a bike, bet you could still ride one.

The V6's do handle amazingly especially considering just how heavy a car they are.
If you want a nice road a bit more locally, I took a quick spin up the A413 on Sunday, beautiful drive I would reccomend.

[CitroJim]

Don't worry about that Jim, takes years to unlearn such a skill.

That's good to know Sid It did worry me a tad as I found switching between an S1 and S2 Xantia incredibly difficult due to different horn button locations and never knowing what button on the steering wheel did what to the wireless It's one reason I have all S1s in my fleet

Which part of the A413? I know the bit of it between Aylesbury and Buckingham pretty well and also the end-run of it from Buckingham up to Towcester. Both bits are great fun and for this area, pretty scenic to boot.

The A422 between Buckingham and the A43 used to be fun until the killjoys imposed a 50mph limit on it although the A422 gets to be quite jolly again between the A43 and on via Banbury to Stratford

[Sid_the_Squid]

I was thinking of the aylesbury to buckingham stretch, beautiful countryside, and a good road, with lots of overtaking room

All this spirited driving, makes me think of how great a V6 Activa must be!

Hehe, its been so long since I've driven an Mk1 on a regular basis, that I had to stop and think about where the horn\rear heater buttons would be, must say if I am so provoked as to use the horn, I do tend to thump the steering wheel.

The 'famous' A4146 hemel to Leighton buzzard road used to be a fantastic driving road, especially for bikers, until all the speed cameras were added

[Xaccers]

The 'famous' A4146 hemel to Leighton buzzard road used to be a fantastic driving road, especially for bikers, until all the speed cameras were added

I used to do that every day and night when I worked in Staines and lived in LB.
Great bit of road, and when I was travelling it, they only had two Gatso units, so would alternate between which of the 4 boxes would be active and which would be dummies.

[CitroJim]

Just been to see the doctors to discuss the results of a recent blood test...

I'm 100% fit and in very good condition for my age but...

My cholestrol is sky-high

Onto a low fat diet will all the stuff I really enjoy, especially cheese, excluded

I did ask if there was a human version of Hydraflush to sort the problem but it seems not

[jgra1]

shame Jim..

[red_dwarfers]

Not good
Not much of an expert on medical issues, is this a long term diet you need to be on or is it just for a while?

I did ask if there was a human version of Hydraflush to sort the problem but it seems not

You didn't?!
What sort of look did he give you

[myglaren]

Not the best of news Jim but certainly not the worst.

I have heard that lots of oranges help to reduce the cholesterol level. Only hearsay mind you as I don't indulge in this healthy diet stuff and oranges are far too hard to peel

Just lay off the bacon sandwiches.

[CitroJim]

Well, he did say that I need to moderate my fat intake significantly and he singled out cheese, something I do eat a lot of, as the single worst offender. Basically, be sensible and keep an eye on fat levels. I'm being re-tested in four months and he expects to see a major improvement..

Yes, I did ask about Hydraflush as my doctor is a chatty sort and he asked what I did for relaxation. I explained how we'd cure the problem of clogged arteries in a Citroen by use of Hydraflush and asked him if there was anything like it for us people...

Oranges? That's worth a thought Steve. I wonder if it applies to all citrus fruit?

Well, I guess I'll have to keep away from the burger van at Stratford in a couple of weeks time...

[myglaren]

Quite possibly Jim BUT avoid grapefruit if you are on any medication.
There are certain medicines that grapefruit neutralizes or even works against, can't remember what exactly now though.

It was my son who brought it to my attention as he saw many catering sized cans of grapefruit in the kitchen. He's a microbiologist and had heard about it through work. Just took it with a pinch of the preverbial as I wasn't medicating at the time, although I was supposed to be

Here is something

Also: Oranges & Cholesterol (among other things - clearly they need to shift some oranges, although it appears that Orange & Tangerine peel may be more effective. Don't make a very good sandwich though

[Xaccers]

I hope a little bit of duck is still allowed Jim!

[MikeT]

My cholestrol is sky-high

So is mine but it's nothing to be concerned about IMHO. Eat the cheese you like, enjoy life, who wants to die healthy anyway, it's illegal isn't it?