Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
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- Donor 2024
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Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Have to admit to being somewhat amused that the last printer I bought proving seamless to set up on all my Linux machines - in spite of the driver package not being officially supported - yet has been an utter swine on all the Windows machines!
...works fine for me anyhow as I don't use Windows these days.
It's an Epson inkjet, but one which comes with bulk in tanks straight from the factory. So far been really impressed with it. Will see how longevity works out...
...works fine for me anyhow as I don't use Windows these days.
It's an Epson inkjet, but one which comes with bulk in tanks straight from the factory. So far been really impressed with it. Will see how longevity works out...
Current fleet:
07 Volvo V70 SE D5, 88 Renault 25 Monaco, 85 Sinclair C5, 84 Trabant 601S, 75 Rover 3500, 73 AC Model 70.
07 Volvo V70 SE D5, 88 Renault 25 Monaco, 85 Sinclair C5, 84 Trabant 601S, 75 Rover 3500, 73 AC Model 70.
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- (Donor 2022)
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Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
white exec wrote: 04 Feb 2018, 09:24 If you don't need to print in colour, mono (B/W) laser printers are unbelieveably cheap, and cheap to run. Can be had for £50+ new, lots of choice of makes.
Got my mono Ricoh A4 laser printer new, for £29.99. It's not failed me yet, in 2 years! It even takes falls off worktops onto hard floors in it's stride..
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- (Donor 2017)
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Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
I got so close to resorting to going down to Asda this morning & getting another one, but it finally decided it would print in more than black & light blue (the handbill for the 2017 CCC National is an excellent test piece), so I have my Retromobile billet AND a nice map of the relevant part of Paris showing my hotel + directions how to get there from Gare de Nord, by Metro. All I have to do now is sort out my Eurostar ticket, which I couldn't print, due to an "internal server fault"
Checked the oil level on the Cherokee this morning & it was too high, then remembered that enormous filter would be empty, so started it & watched the oil pressure steadily climb to higher than I've ever seen it! Ran it down to Asda, just out of curiosity. When I got back, parked up, left it a couple of hours & checked the oil again, still a little high but there was a bitterly cold wind blowing so really didn't fancy trying to get the sump plug to act as a tap. Clearly I over-estimated how much extra oil the filter would take - but, it seems, by less than 1/2-pint. Still, I s'pose I ought to do something about it before taking off across Dartmoor Saturday week - although that might depend on the early morning weather.
Checked the oil level on the Cherokee this morning & it was too high, then remembered that enormous filter would be empty, so started it & watched the oil pressure steadily climb to higher than I've ever seen it! Ran it down to Asda, just out of curiosity. When I got back, parked up, left it a couple of hours & checked the oil again, still a little high but there was a bitterly cold wind blowing so really didn't fancy trying to get the sump plug to act as a tap. Clearly I over-estimated how much extra oil the filter would take - but, it seems, by less than 1/2-pint. Still, I s'pose I ought to do something about it before taking off across Dartmoor Saturday week - although that might depend on the early morning weather.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"

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- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
When I got into work on Monday & logged on, I went to the Eurostar site, found "manage booking" (or some such), entered booking reference & surname & was rewarded by opportunity to print ticket, so that's that sorted. When I fired up the laptop that evening, there was an e-mail from Eurostar which, on opening, was simply the ticket, just the ticket, you might say, although, of course, by then I already I'd printed mine. Nevertheless, if that was the response to the server fault over the w/e, I am more than a little impressed.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"

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- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
van ordinaire wrote: 07 Feb 2018, 00:26 When I got into work on Monday & logged on, I went to the Eurostar site, found "manage booking" (or some such), entered booking reference & surname & was rewarded by opportunity to print ticket, so that's that sorted. When I fired up the laptop that evening, there was an e-mail from Eurostar which, on opening, was simply the ticket, just the ticket, you might say, although, of course, by then I already I'd printed mine. Nevertheless, if that was the response to the server fault over the w/e, I am more than a little impressed.
It's a jolly good system

It just got the job done as simply as possible and that can be said of very few web-based booking sites in my experience...
Many could learn from Eurostar...
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Never thought of that (& I've been using it for, maybe, 15 years. Whereas, in the end, I lodged a formal complaint about GWR's being unfit for purpose; didn't get me anywhere because I couldn't provide historic screenshots retrospectively.
Went to next nearest Lidl's this evening; another abortive expedition, as they too, closed all the manned checkouts, while I was in there. Still it did give the C15 a little run, but long enough to warm it up a bit. Changed the oil & filter, nearly 4,000 miles* overdue, a lovely job by the roadside on a February evening BUT another vehicle it can be done on without jacking it up, although having it parked with the front wheels on the brow of a speedbump did improve access a little. S'pose I'd better do the fuel filter when it's down in Devon for its MoT - & look at the airfilter.
* bit surprised at that, effectively, in 3, 3 1/2 months!
Went to next nearest Lidl's this evening; another abortive expedition, as they too, closed all the manned checkouts, while I was in there. Still it did give the C15 a little run, but long enough to warm it up a bit. Changed the oil & filter, nearly 4,000 miles* overdue, a lovely job by the roadside on a February evening BUT another vehicle it can be done on without jacking it up, although having it parked with the front wheels on the brow of a speedbump did improve access a little. S'pose I'd better do the fuel filter when it's down in Devon for its MoT - & look at the airfilter.
* bit surprised at that, effectively, in 3, 3 1/2 months!
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"

-
- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Just as well I stopped at 4 litres when refilling with oil as, on checking the handbook today, the capacity's only 4.25. Hmmm, how do I measure 1/4-litre? Then I noticed that the oil container (Auchan's finest 20/30 "Diesel") I noticed the 1/2-litre mark - that's the benefit of daylight for you! So no problem then, carefully add a little oil until level in the "can" is 1/2-way between 1/2-litre & 1. Then took it for a little run as needed to get to a couple of shops.
I've decided to leave changing the fuel filter 'til I've used up the fuel that was drained before removing the tank at, say 5 litres to a full tank, as still not convinced it was bubbles in the fuel line as opposed to water globules, which in a much smaller proportion hopefully won't cause a problem.
Also been having 2nd thoughts about the wiper delay fault. Now, I've really no idea how it works (there's somethong about a timer relay at the back of my mind) nor am I familiar with the switch BUT why would dirty switch contacts cause the wipers to stop after an indeterminate number of sweeps?
That little jaunt was the first time I'd even started the C15 since the oil & filter change Thursday evening because, as those who have read various other posts of mine earlier on will no know, I've been in Paris, so my travels were either le Metro - or le pony de M. Shanques. On arriving at Gare de Nord & entering the vast cavern beneath it that is the Metro station managed to buy a carnet (i.e. 10 tickets) in French, just to get in the mood really, as all Metro ticket office staff seem to be fluent in English. Surprised, & pleased, it was only E14-odd, as the on-line price is 18 - plus p&p! I had plotted my journey to the hotel on line & printed it off for easy reference but found I could actually remember the Metro details to get me to "Republic" - which is something of a Metro hub (about the only line it doesn't serve is the one I'd want the next morning, to get me to Retromobile - my reason for being in Paris!) so, no end of signs directing you to either platform of all the other lines but if it is actually your destination well that's too bad because there's a dearth of exit signs, even though there are 7 exits! Not much fun - & a Metro station is not an entirely alien environment for me.
The following morning, I'm back at "Republique" (an altogether better staring point than destination) studying a large map on the wall, as my journey across a fair swathe of the city involves 2 changes. One of them is at station which, while not serving as many lines, is, at least, twice the size of "Republique". I was very grateful for being reasonably au fait with Metro signage - & fit, not being in a hurry &/or having to contend with luggage/pets/children. The thought did cross my mind that it would've been quicker to walk to the next station (anyone who's experienced Bank station on the London Underground will be able to relate to that) & when I finally got to my platform - it was at another station!
The show, well not been for a couple of years so it was refreshing but as for cars of particular interest to us - not a lot. The programme mentions the 2CV's 70th anniversay but there were hardly any there. That is PSA's fault, rather than the organiser's because for the R4CV last anniversary year there were more versions than I knew existed, probably a dozen exhibits in all - & that was just on the Renault stand!
As for the poor old Visa, there was only one in the whole show - & that was for sale. A 14 TRS (that's the posh one, with leccie windders) good original condition, low mileage, still in use BUT E6,900?????
First Citroen I spotted was an SM "Opera" - one of only 7 built apparently but I won't say any more, for the moment, 'cos I know how much some of you like guessing games. Next up was surely one of the ugliest Citroens ever - & the only DS: de Gaule's presidential limo! Now I've seen those coachbuilt formal ones, with the square roof & vertical back window before - but this was in another league. In contrast the 4-door convertible SM "parade car" worked remarkably well.
Renault probably get the award for best French manufacturer's stand: they did a sort of retrospective including a 4 that back in the '60's 4 girls had driven from the tip of S. America to Anchorage, Alaska (made a bit of a nonsense of the similar, but publicity driven, exploit by 3 factory supported Mercury Comets around the same time), a couple of models I didn't know & one (an Alliance) that few French visitors would have.
I'm sure I couldn't have been the only member there, altough I haven't seen any other posts. Anyway, it's TechnoClassica at Essen next month - anyone else going?
I've decided to leave changing the fuel filter 'til I've used up the fuel that was drained before removing the tank at, say 5 litres to a full tank, as still not convinced it was bubbles in the fuel line as opposed to water globules, which in a much smaller proportion hopefully won't cause a problem.
Also been having 2nd thoughts about the wiper delay fault. Now, I've really no idea how it works (there's somethong about a timer relay at the back of my mind) nor am I familiar with the switch BUT why would dirty switch contacts cause the wipers to stop after an indeterminate number of sweeps?
That little jaunt was the first time I'd even started the C15 since the oil & filter change Thursday evening because, as those who have read various other posts of mine earlier on will no know, I've been in Paris, so my travels were either le Metro - or le pony de M. Shanques. On arriving at Gare de Nord & entering the vast cavern beneath it that is the Metro station managed to buy a carnet (i.e. 10 tickets) in French, just to get in the mood really, as all Metro ticket office staff seem to be fluent in English. Surprised, & pleased, it was only E14-odd, as the on-line price is 18 - plus p&p! I had plotted my journey to the hotel on line & printed it off for easy reference but found I could actually remember the Metro details to get me to "Republic" - which is something of a Metro hub (about the only line it doesn't serve is the one I'd want the next morning, to get me to Retromobile - my reason for being in Paris!) so, no end of signs directing you to either platform of all the other lines but if it is actually your destination well that's too bad because there's a dearth of exit signs, even though there are 7 exits! Not much fun - & a Metro station is not an entirely alien environment for me.
The following morning, I'm back at "Republique" (an altogether better staring point than destination) studying a large map on the wall, as my journey across a fair swathe of the city involves 2 changes. One of them is at station which, while not serving as many lines, is, at least, twice the size of "Republique". I was very grateful for being reasonably au fait with Metro signage - & fit, not being in a hurry &/or having to contend with luggage/pets/children. The thought did cross my mind that it would've been quicker to walk to the next station (anyone who's experienced Bank station on the London Underground will be able to relate to that) & when I finally got to my platform - it was at another station!
The show, well not been for a couple of years so it was refreshing but as for cars of particular interest to us - not a lot. The programme mentions the 2CV's 70th anniversay but there were hardly any there. That is PSA's fault, rather than the organiser's because for the R4CV last anniversary year there were more versions than I knew existed, probably a dozen exhibits in all - & that was just on the Renault stand!
As for the poor old Visa, there was only one in the whole show - & that was for sale. A 14 TRS (that's the posh one, with leccie windders) good original condition, low mileage, still in use BUT E6,900?????
First Citroen I spotted was an SM "Opera" - one of only 7 built apparently but I won't say any more, for the moment, 'cos I know how much some of you like guessing games. Next up was surely one of the ugliest Citroens ever - & the only DS: de Gaule's presidential limo! Now I've seen those coachbuilt formal ones, with the square roof & vertical back window before - but this was in another league. In contrast the 4-door convertible SM "parade car" worked remarkably well.
Renault probably get the award for best French manufacturer's stand: they did a sort of retrospective including a 4 that back in the '60's 4 girls had driven from the tip of S. America to Anchorage, Alaska (made a bit of a nonsense of the similar, but publicity driven, exploit by 3 factory supported Mercury Comets around the same time), a couple of models I didn't know & one (an Alliance) that few French visitors would have.
I'm sure I couldn't have been the only member there, altough I haven't seen any other posts. Anyway, it's TechnoClassica at Essen next month - anyone else going?
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"

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- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
I never worry too much about measuring oil exactly Van, I put in a little less than what'#s needed and then top-up in small increments until the level on the dipstick is correct...
Last time I rode the Paris Metro I was impressed by it...
Intrigued that some trains have rubber-tyred wheels... Why? For quiet running perhaps?
An SM Opera - does it sing?
Last time I rode the Paris Metro I was impressed by it...
Intrigued that some trains have rubber-tyred wheels... Why? For quiet running perhaps?
An SM Opera - does it sing?
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)

Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13992
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- x 3128
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
It can be a prima donna as well!
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
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- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Jim, that is what I did do really, I mean 1/4-litre is a small increment - isn't it?
My point was, that I'm used to chucking in 5 litres & then thinking about how much of the 2nd 5 litres I need to add (the 2CV aside, it's been all Jags, Jeeps & Cadillacs for the best part of the last 20 years!) hence my remark about stopping at 4 litres. By then it was distinctly chilly, the whole exercise had been done in the dark (all right, after dark), the C15 manual's down in Devon (as, probably, is the diesel engine one), I couldn't be bothered to rummage in the van for the handbook & the only manual conveniently to hand was a ZX diesel one, which says something rather different - but then so is the engine!
There's no point dipping the oil if you've changed the filter because you won't get a true reading, & I wanted to have something like the right quantity in the sump, before firing it up.
I quite like le Metro, although it's losing its charm & character (modernisation) but I've never understood those rubber tyred units, because they run on regular tracks, albeit on concealed sleepers. They are, I think, pre-War, so their days must now be numbered.
My point was, that I'm used to chucking in 5 litres & then thinking about how much of the 2nd 5 litres I need to add (the 2CV aside, it's been all Jags, Jeeps & Cadillacs for the best part of the last 20 years!) hence my remark about stopping at 4 litres. By then it was distinctly chilly, the whole exercise had been done in the dark (all right, after dark), the C15 manual's down in Devon (as, probably, is the diesel engine one), I couldn't be bothered to rummage in the van for the handbook & the only manual conveniently to hand was a ZX diesel one, which says something rather different - but then so is the engine!
There's no point dipping the oil if you've changed the filter because you won't get a true reading, & I wanted to have something like the right quantity in the sump, before firing it up.
I quite like le Metro, although it's losing its charm & character (modernisation) but I've never understood those rubber tyred units, because they run on regular tracks, albeit on concealed sleepers. They are, I think, pre-War, so their days must now be numbered.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"

-
- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
van ordinaire wrote: 13 Feb 2018, 01:36 I've never understood those rubber tyred units, because they run on regular tracks, albeit on concealed sleepers. They are, I think, pre-War, so their days must now be numbered.
Ahh, so we in the UK are not alone in running some truly ancient rolling stock on our underground systems then...
I well recall riding 1938 stock on the Northern Line in the late 80s...
I believe it's a little newer these days...
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
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Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
I think the ex-Bakerloo stock which, for all I know, is still running on the Isle of White is that vintage.
The thing is all forms of public transport were intended, designed & built to have a very long working life - AND were regularly not merely maintained, but refurbished. Not now, so yes a lot of the Tube (e.g.) IS more recent, but no more reliable - & nothing like as comfortable!
The thing is all forms of public transport were intended, designed & built to have a very long working life - AND were regularly not merely maintained, but refurbished. Not now, so yes a lot of the Tube (e.g.) IS more recent, but no more reliable - & nothing like as comfortable!
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club
'05 C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS
& the numerous "abandoned projects"
'81 2CV Club

'05 C15

'97 Xantia Exclusive estate

others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3

'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS

& the numerous "abandoned projects"
