Elmas Xantia V6 and Musical Stuff

[Mandrake]

Having read what you said it probably is normal. It goes between 80 and 90 but not above. I'll hold on any thermostats. I'm used to s1 TDs which seem to sit in the middle.

Staying between 80-90 on the gauge sounds normal to me for this engine. It's not uncommon for the reading to drop below 80 as well even when warmed up because it's partially measuring the return flow from the radiator.

What you'll find is if you can put a Lexia on it and monitor the ECU's temperature sensor during driving it will stay within a relatively small temperature range of about 87-93. Also if it was to go above 97 degrees the high fan speed would come on - if that was happening easily then maybe I'd worry, but I rarely if ever hear the high fan speed with normal driving, except when I had a bad connection to the brown sensor - after fixing that I haven't heard the high fan speed since.

[CitroJim]

Yes, I concur with Simon James... Plus swapping a thermostat is a bit of a 'game' for want of a better word that will not infringe forum rules

[CitroJim]

Forgot to say, check your rad fins are not choked with debris... I once pulled out a V6 one and it looked as if it was wearing a fur coat....

[wurlycorner]

Would it blow the candle out with the draft at top speed ?

FYI...90mm Hella units are a tight fit ((top bottom) vrs the S1 cars, but the "box" in the S2 car is a better shape for modifying depth/insides wise

Interesting... The headlight reflectors on my activa are shagged (chrome all faded plus seal on one seems to have gone, although I couldn't find anything wrong when I pulled it apart a while ago). I picked up a pair of BNIB valeo ones at the National rally this year. Will see how well they fit and work when I get round to getting all the other stuff sorted

[Stickyfinger]

I concur, it is what mine has always done.....in fact you are having exactly the same worries I had when I first got mine....

[elma]

Moderate progress today starting with a wash. I meant to take pictures but got carried away with coolant and the fuel filter so it got dark. The cars already dirty again so pictures next week.

The coolant flush and change didn't go as thoroughly as planned, I was unable to work out which hose to take off to flush the gearbox cooler and just did a basic flush and change. I'll repeat when I do the water pump and reverse flush the gearbox cooler once I know my way around better. It's good to know theres fresh coolant in the car, the stuff that came out was colourless and smelt bad. My radiator fins are immaculate, it was replaced just 2 years ago.

The fuel filter on the other hand was easy, just had to remove fuse 7 with the engine running to depressurise the fuel injection then a straightforward swap.

I took it for a drive this evening and found it a little smoother. I also managed to remember to check if the steering wheel is on centrally which it isn't. It needs rotating one tooth anticlockwise to a) be in the middle for straight ahead, b) turn the same amount left and right for full lock. This can easily be fixed next weekend when I tackle the dash bulbs.

I'm still fretting a bit about the leaks, they really aren't easy to get to on the V6. Smiles outweighing the problems at the moment, it really is a lovely car.

[Stickyfinger]

need any pics of an empty engine bay of a V6 ?

[elma]

That just looks like luxury.

[CitroJim]

That just looks like luxury.

Alasdair's garage most certainly is luxury James...

[elma]

I haven't seen the Xantia since the weekend. I haven't heard anything since Monday so I expect it's intermittent misfire is gone. I must change coolant more carefully in future. I'll be dropping in on it later to see if any parts have arrived and have a quick prod.

The Scenics running well for its service, mpg is up from about 34 to 37 and it feels happier.

[CitroJim]

No news is always good news as far as Xantias are concerned James

Filling the cooing system on a V6 is always fraught with difficulty due to the location of the expansion tank I find... A small watering can works well...

Take the rose off first though

[Mandrake]

Filling the cooing system on a V6 is always fraught with difficulty due to the location of the expansion tank I find... A small watering can works well...

I must have a steady hand then, as I don't seem to have any trouble filling it.

My technique is to hold the bottle sideways and don't try to start with a full bottle though. Same with topping up the LHM tank!

[CitroJim]

you must have a steady hand Simon I always develop a case of the tremors whenever I go to top up the cooling system, washer bottle or LHM reservoir and always end up spilling some despite the use of watering cans and funnels...

I have that problem topping up/filling anything

[elma]

I visited the Xantia yesterday and found the misfire has gone away so I must have been too splashy. My friends using it for now as his vehicle has gearbox issues. My front pads and headlight bulbs had arrived so I quickly attempted to fit the bulbs. No joy as I stupidly ordered h7 rather than h1, teach me to order by the pictures! Thankfully h7 is the Scenics low beam so I fitted them to the scenic yesterday evening. They've made a marked difference and it's not blown any bulbs now I've turned off auto lights.
I will buy a pair of £2 Asda bulbs for the Xantia for now. The bulbs in it are not in a healthy state, hence it having the worst headlights I have ever used. I'll be needing 3 pairs of h1 night breakers to get both cars as I'd like but they have to wait until after Christmas now .
I will be taking the Xantia for a decent drive tonight or tomorrow, been looking forward to it all week.

[CitroJim]

I will be taking the Xantia for a decent drive tonight or tomorrow, been looking forward to it all week.

Do enjoy James I know exactly what you mean about looking forward to it...