Thank you so so so so much for your help Jim, hopefully the hard part is now over...
I can't say how glad I am that the engine is out words won't cover it... At least I didn't poison you this morning
Now the fun part of getting the box off the engine, TDC sensor is off need to get the other driveshaft out, that looks like its going to be a barrel of laughs...
I suppose I should have stopped after we got the engine out but well, it was sunny and I could see the rust, and oh god can you see it..
so time to set up
more rust..
a much better look i hope you'll agree...........
My plan is to go over the entire under-bonnet area and remove all signs of rust, I didn't get a pic of the subframe legs but yeah, they will be taking up a fair bit of my time. I do wonder if when making the XM Citroen decided to treat it like a port joint and rub salt into before you start, it really is amazing the difference between the underside of this and my HDi which are the same year.
Unfortunately the subframe is too big as I was going to get them both dipped and then powder-coated to stop the tin worm
So far the intention is to get the car road worthy again by April so I can have it for the summer before she hibernates again as bad weather sets in.
The gearbox should hopefully be at the re-conditioners later on this week and the engine itself should be on the stand as soon as the bolts arrive so that will be made to look nice and pretty once more....
Lucky I have this week off really I suppose