Elmas Xantia V6 and Musical Stuff

[CitroJim]

Richard, I have to agree about Apple and that's why I dislike them so much...

[elma]

It does sound like an accurate description.

Frustratingly for those who like apple computers, me for example, their recent success in mobile stuff seems to hAve detracted from the computers. Mine was £1200 6 years ago and a dell for the same money had lower spec. I was able to get a really good discount too. Now for something relatively similar it's north of £2k and equivalents from other manufacturers are almost 50% cheaper. I'm replacing it, eventually, with a chrome book.

[elma]

Feeling motivated now I have my stuff here.
Did a spot of cleaning, still a few panels to go.

Own Work

Own Work

Carpets back in next then not sure, something to do with heaters, leaks, brakes, steering, spheres or maybe spark plugs.

[daviemck2006]

Thats looking really nice. If I were to own a xantia again it would only be a v6 series 1 for a good car, or if I wanted a work hack a 1.9td series 1 pref auto. I cant see me owning another xantia though. It would have a hard job to follow my activa which was about as good as they get.

[van ordinaire]

I'm sure I didn't pay that much for my Nokia (or its replacement which is waiting in the wings) which does everything I want (i.e. makes/receives calls & texts - remember, it's a PHONE!) it supposedly has internet access - but I've never got far enough through the 160-something page instruction manual to find out how it works.

In a moment of madness I did get something altogether more modern a few weeks back, seduced by its double SIM capacity (which I liked the idea of for when I'm travelling) + it was only £5! has a touch screen, which I abhor, but mercifully a keypad for most practical purposes. However the combination of its totally alien operating system & a new international SIM, which is far too clever, means it's actually of very little use. It's a Chinese "H-mobile", an internet search for a manual produced something in Russian & several Middle Eastern "unwrapping videos" on U-bend. Will have to swap SIM into spare Nokia, to separate the two areas of difficulty.

[CitroJim]

James, the Xantia is looking lovely

[elma]

The cars decided what the next job is.
Finally the connector came off.

Own work

The trick was to twist off the metal clip first. Once that was gone the connector came off with relative ease.

A quick search shows replacements still at £90-110. I will order a polish one I think and see if the bleeding valve will sit behind the Airton pipe. Not entirely sure it will but I think I can stomach plugging a bleed valve over spending £90 on a pair of elbows.

[Stickyfinger]

Some choices are made for you

[CitroJim]

Some choices are made for you

In many areas of life, not just cars...

[elma]

I'm prity happy. I saw the connector snapping the matrix pipes then I'd have a matrix to change too.

I had a good clean of the top of the lhm tank and a look for leaks. The big rubber seal was kind of loose and fiddling made it weep lhm so I tightened up the retaining spring which seemed to work. Squeezing hoses showed the two closest to me are not sealed. They will be repaired at lunch time. I have the new clips and Stanley knife out waiting.

Found an air filter amongst stuff that will be swapped at lunch time. It will be a good time to clean up leaks from below so I can track them down. I have brushes and degreaser now so I can do a much better job than I managed with contact cleaner in the past. I think I have 2 but it could be more.

[elma]

All done.
Not impressed with my stock hose clips, need thinner ones. Not sure if pipes are weeping or that's residual lhm getting squeezed out.

Started cleaning inside too. Dashboard and front doors are done. I'm halfway through the passenger seat now. Stopping here until after work.

Own work

[CitroJim]

I know what you mean about the host clips James.. For that reason I always try to retain the originals... With the proper Laser Tool they're infinitely reusable and look a lot neater...

I have collected loads from scrappers so that I can always replace a 'foreigner' when I see one...

A nice clean car always seems to go better I find and a nice clean and immaculate interior is a lovely place to be... I worry more about the interiors than I do about the exteriors...

[elma]

Mine are a bit deformed so I'll just get some thinner hose clips.

Going to do a bit more cleaning soon. Just the bumpers and half the interior to go. Probably won't finish today, tired.

I'm keen to get some fresh fluid into the gearbox, can anyone point me towards a guide please? Had a search and found nothing.

I'm thinking I'll order gearbox oil, the Polish matrix connector and some clips for now. I have engine oil and filter so that lot and the carpets should keep me busy.

I also intend to get the wheels off when I finish cleaning. I'd like to clean up the brakes and do a really good inspection. Going to save that for the weekend and take my time.

Now tools are back and I'm in the mood I expect to spend a small amount on the car each week and I expect it to rapidly become a far better car.

[Stickyfinger]

There is a stock of clamps here James....if you can get over to the show this weekend you can pop in and collect what you need.

[CitroJim]

I'm keen to get some fresh fluid into the gearbox, can anyone point me towards a guide please?

Yes, I can send you the official guide for the job James.. I'll need to dig it out and make it available to you...

Remind me if I forget

Remember, it MUST be genuine Esso/Mobil LT71141 and absolutely NOTHING else...