Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
-
- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Once I'd edited the previous post, the next one became, largely, irrelevant - so I deleted it. However some of you that saw it might wonder why it took 6 hrs to do 220 miles in a 4.0 Cherokee, when, on a good day, even the C15 does it in the usual 4. The 10.5x31 mud tyres probably knock 20,30 mph off this one's comfortable top speed but the real proplem is the screeching in protest once you hit about 65. Received wisdom is sutch a noise is the serpentine belt OR, more likely one (or more) of the components it drives - although I have never seen/heard mention of it being speed related. Faced with the prospect of driving it up to London, I changed the idler pulleys, the principal suspects & a quick(-sh) fix. At least it would be, if I had an extra long, slim, straight 15mm ring (I do have such a 13mm one - which, apparently, proved invaluable at one point doing the C15's cambelt!) otherwise the electric fan needs to be removed; no big deal, save that it underlines the problem with 20 yr old plastic components being prone to degrading in the hostile under-bonnet environment! Anyway it made little difference, so I'm back to square one on that!
So, 6 hrs to do the 220 miles up from Devon, better allow 9 for the 311 (i.e. per my SatNav) to Holyhead, methinks - so I got there 2 1/2 hrs early Saturday morning (I drafted this on the ferry to Dublin, but, apparently, for some reason to do with “wifiatsea” I couldn't submit it). That's 6 1/2 hrs to do the actual 279 miles covered, so I shouldn't have been quite so keen to blame the Jeep: the 2 (short) stops, traffic & roadworks obviously contributed more to the journey time than I reckoned!
So, 6 hrs to do the 220 miles up from Devon, better allow 9 for the 311 (i.e. per my SatNav) to Holyhead, methinks - so I got there 2 1/2 hrs early Saturday morning (I drafted this on the ferry to Dublin, but, apparently, for some reason to do with “wifiatsea” I couldn't submit it). That's 6 1/2 hrs to do the actual 279 miles covered, so I shouldn't have been quite so keen to blame the Jeep: the 2 (short) stops, traffic & roadworks obviously contributed more to the journey time than I reckoned!
Last edited by van ordinaire on 23 Apr 2017, 00:16, edited 1 time in total.
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)
That last post is a bit blank Van
is it in secret writing?
I did see someone write a post using white characters on a white background once in the past...

is it in secret writing?
I did see someone write a post using white characters on a white background once in the past...
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...
-
- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Full marks for observation, Jim.CitroJim wrote:That last post is a bit blank Van![]()
is it in secret writing?
I did see someone write a post using white characters on a white background once in the past...
It was simply by way of a test transmission. You will now see I have edited it by overwriting the post I had saved when I found I couldn't submit it from the ferry.
f-w-i-w, when I got to my destination I set off, more in hope than expectation, to try to find a computer repair shop, still open message was at that time on a Saturday afternnon. I struck lucky, although he said he was too busy much before next Tuesday he did offer to tale a quick look; couldn't find anything wrong, although suggested there was some malware lurking in the background. Of course, I had to accept what he said - & if he had found anything he wouldn't have been able to fix it. However, I wanted to try to replicate the problem, either to satisfy myself it'd gone OR to show the man what had happened. As the error generated by submitting a post, & conscious I was trespassing on someone else's time, good nature, counter space & internet connection, I hit a single key (a full stop is our usual workround for a mandatory field we can't/don't want to complete) & "submit" - et, voila!
p.s. Hope the weather "over the water" is better for theX-rally, than it is for the American show I'm here for (still at least it is dry!)

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)
The X Rally weather was excellent Van
I caught the sun badly (despite taking sun cream) and today I'm very red-faced!!!

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...
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13992
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- x 3128
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
CitroJim has now remembered today what it was he did yesterday that he could not remember doing!
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!
-
- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Hell Razor5543 wrote:CitroJim has now remembered today what it was he did yesterday that he could not remember doing!


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...
-
- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
Just got back from from the Emerald Isle so could do with a laugh, as I gently unwind.
Journey was uneventful, except that awful screeching, which encouraged a rather more leisurely pace than usual, but still did it in 6 hours; too bad the ferry was late leaving - & didn't make up any time during the crossing AND we had to wait for ever to disembark. So much for getting in around midnight!
Journey was uneventful, except that awful screeching, which encouraged a rather more leisurely pace than usual, but still did it in 6 hours; too bad the ferry was late leaving - & didn't make up any time during the crossing AND we had to wait for ever to disembark. So much for getting in around midnight!
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)
Friday night got the Cherokee back down to Devon, the last leg of its 800-odd mile round trip, i.e. more than the distance travelled between its lasI 2 MoT's! Would've been quite uneventful if the M3 wasn't closed J's 2 - 4a AND all the abysmal diversion signs did was distract me from my chosen course of A3 to Guildford, picking up the A31 - & a route I know onto the A303.
Clutch for C15 was waiting for me when I got there. However, this is turning into a logistical nightmare as I have 2 long weekends back-to-back & I need the C15 for the 2nd one, which only leaves the Wednesday to get the clutch done (having decided that it's not really a one-man job) - but I may not know if I can have the day off 'til I get back on Tuesday. Time to call my new found friend in the trade, a-k-a he who did the cambelt. He doesn't do clutches now (especially by the roadside), pleading age & helath issues - BUT was quite prepared to give me a hand, either on Wednesday or Thursday. Then he suggested he got a couple of quotes from people he trusted, & when I raised objections, said he 'd deal with getting it towed in although I wouldn't around - & I could settle up with him when I went down to collect it. So, can't now do anything 'til he phones me, so much for doing some more preparatory jobs to taking the 'box out, as that would mean it could only be moved by a front-end lift - as if I haven't got enough problems!
Typical Bank Holiday weather (oh, & a minor contretemps involving yellow lines where there is no kerb, a low wall which is not parallel with the road & the "plastic" wheel arches & bumper ends on the Cherokee) put paid to any ideas of achieving much else - except that corner of the Cherokee, if anything, is now better than pre-wall, I have finally secured the end of the plastic trim on the leading edge of the C15's bonnet - where there is actually very little bonnet under it, daubed some rust treatment gell on the Caddy's brake lines (which you can only see when the rad's out!) & cleaned the alternator (another job to be done while the rad's out) - but still none the wiser as to how to remove it (no wonder it's a £400 job!) &, as I forgot to take the new one down with me, I might not bother. Oh, & to cap it all, with only 1/2-hr or so to go before leaving to get my train back to London, the intermittant problem with the Cherokee's tailgate not opening seems to have become permanent.
Clutch for C15 was waiting for me when I got there. However, this is turning into a logistical nightmare as I have 2 long weekends back-to-back & I need the C15 for the 2nd one, which only leaves the Wednesday to get the clutch done (having decided that it's not really a one-man job) - but I may not know if I can have the day off 'til I get back on Tuesday. Time to call my new found friend in the trade, a-k-a he who did the cambelt. He doesn't do clutches now (especially by the roadside), pleading age & helath issues - BUT was quite prepared to give me a hand, either on Wednesday or Thursday. Then he suggested he got a couple of quotes from people he trusted, & when I raised objections, said he 'd deal with getting it towed in although I wouldn't around - & I could settle up with him when I went down to collect it. So, can't now do anything 'til he phones me, so much for doing some more preparatory jobs to taking the 'box out, as that would mean it could only be moved by a front-end lift - as if I haven't got enough problems!
Typical Bank Holiday weather (oh, & a minor contretemps involving yellow lines where there is no kerb, a low wall which is not parallel with the road & the "plastic" wheel arches & bumper ends on the Cherokee) put paid to any ideas of achieving much else - except that corner of the Cherokee, if anything, is now better than pre-wall, I have finally secured the end of the plastic trim on the leading edge of the C15's bonnet - where there is actually very little bonnet under it, daubed some rust treatment gell on the Caddy's brake lines (which you can only see when the rad's out!) & cleaned the alternator (another job to be done while the rad's out) - but still none the wiser as to how to remove it (no wonder it's a £400 job!) &, as I forgot to take the new one down with me, I might not bother. Oh, & to cap it all, with only 1/2-hr or so to go before leaving to get my train back to London, the intermittant problem with the Cherokee's tailgate not opening seems to have become permanent.
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)
Got a call this morning from the man that gets me out of schtuck, says he's found a garage to do the clutch, it'll cost but I'm really not sure I can get a 'box out & back on my own AND there's the time factor: I'm off in the morning for a long weekend, sitting by the Mississipi, swilling (overpriced) beer, listening to live music, I really do want the C15 for the following w/e &, although it now seems more likely that I can have Wednesday off, I want know 'til I get back on Tuesday. Anyway, they can do it Thursday: not ideal but if that's the best offer . . .
I reminded him I was actually supposed to be away then, he thought I was going Friday so would see what he could do, as he was actually still outside the garage. Calls me back about 5 mins. later - yes they'll do it Wednesday; if I'm not there, no prob. just need to know where the key is. In the course of explaining where to find the key, the clutch, the oil & the bits I'd already removed I got the impression he wasn't very happy that I'd drained the the 'box & removed the battery AND the tray - 'cos he couldn't drive it! When I suggested he couldn't have anyway, he said HE could. Now I can manage without a clutch, if the hydraulics have failed or cables broken but this was quite different: it had proved almost impossible to find any gear but once you had, it wouldn't come out. Still, he didn't seem fazed by any of it - &, I suppose, it's that good old stoicism in the face of adversity that I'm paying for, as well as the experience/expertise & the comfort derived from being confident that the job'll be done properly.
What I forgot, was that the last time I went to start it (trying to keep warm at Exeter services all those weeks ago, while awaiting the 2nd recovery, it made such an awful noise (in both senses of that expression), I immediately turned it off again.
I reminded him I was actually supposed to be away then, he thought I was going Friday so would see what he could do, as he was actually still outside the garage. Calls me back about 5 mins. later - yes they'll do it Wednesday; if I'm not there, no prob. just need to know where the key is. In the course of explaining where to find the key, the clutch, the oil & the bits I'd already removed I got the impression he wasn't very happy that I'd drained the the 'box & removed the battery AND the tray - 'cos he couldn't drive it! When I suggested he couldn't have anyway, he said HE could. Now I can manage without a clutch, if the hydraulics have failed or cables broken but this was quite different: it had proved almost impossible to find any gear but once you had, it wouldn't come out. Still, he didn't seem fazed by any of it - &, I suppose, it's that good old stoicism in the face of adversity that I'm paying for, as well as the experience/expertise & the comfort derived from being confident that the job'll be done properly.
What I forgot, was that the last time I went to start it (trying to keep warm at Exeter services all those weeks ago, while awaiting the 2nd recovery, it made such an awful noise (in both senses of that expression), I immediately turned it off again.
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)
Got a phone call yesterday, just as I was about to run the gauntlet The good ol' Dept. for Homeland Security's very own version of the pantomime before being allowed airside. Switched off (even the missed call cost me nearly a £!) & sent text once I'd regained my composure/dignity/possessions, etc. Got a reply when I landed @ Heathrow, saying they had C15 but really busy on Wednesday. Phoned from work (it's within spitting distance of where I have to chabge trains going home) once I'd got confirmation I'm not needed on Wednesday - seems job might not be done in time, piled on the agony about ferry bookings, etc,etc - & got an assurance they'd do their best. As they've got the thing there, you'd think they'd be glad to be rid & have money in the bank, but we'll see. All I know is, I'm to expect a call on Wednesday.
Back down in Devon now, took advantage of there still actually being some daylight left when I arrived - so a had a fiddle with the (working) Cherokee, which involved retrieving something from the toolbox in the back; hanging over the rear seat back I found I couldn't open it because it was jammed between the spare wheel & the tailgate. Having managed to free it &, by so doing, relieving the load on the tailgate - low & behold, it now works properly: so that's a little useful job done (much more useful than what I'd really set out to do!)
Back down in Devon now, took advantage of there still actually being some daylight left when I arrived - so a had a fiddle with the (working) Cherokee, which involved retrieving something from the toolbox in the back; hanging over the rear seat back I found I couldn't open it because it was jammed between the spare wheel & the tailgate. Having managed to free it &, by so doing, relieving the load on the tailgate - low & behold, it now works properly: so that's a little useful job done (much more useful than what I'd really set out to do!)
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"

-
- Posts: 7445
- Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 13:46
- x 1755
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
A case of Vin Blanc, maybe?CitroJim wrote:That last post is a bit blank Van![]()

Chris
-
- A very naughty boy
- Posts: 52073
- Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
- x 6999
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
white exec wrote:A case of Vin Blanc, maybe?CitroJim wrote:That last post is a bit blank Van![]()

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...
-
- Forum Treasurer
- Posts: 11664
- Joined: 07 Aug 2002, 17:12
- x 1220
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
I recall that the early C15s had 'Van rouge' and ' Van Blanc' stickers on them!
Richard W
-
- (Donor 2017)
- Posts: 2537
- Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
- x 405
Re: Travels & travails with a C15 (& other vehicles)
That's only true of UK models, which weren't really "early" at all - but, that was the inspiration for nom de plume!
C15 was back outside about 9:00 - but I didn't know because by phone died shortly after I'd hit "snooze" on the alarm function - & I then succumbed to jet lag.
When I eventually awoke, put phone on charge, switched it on, found text telling me C15 was done & outside, just about to send reply when doorbell rang - & there was the man, come for his money (he hadn't called when he'd dropped it off, because he thought I might be jet lagged). Bit more expensive than the quote but, as he said, it was the trade price he'd been given AND he had had to get some one to help him collect it &, in fairness, return it whereas I was fully expecting a call later in the day saying when it would be ready for collection. The fact it was all so painless is obviously going to cost a few bob.
Found the old clutch in the box, it's a suitable exhibit for a black museum: bearing's totally destroyed, a few cover fingers have no tips - & many are bent at alarming angles (no wonder it made such a horrendous noise when I started it!). Funny thing is, the plate lookes good for a good few more 1,000 miles, but, apparently, that's how modern clutches go.
One small residual problem, seems
the o/s driveshaft oil seal didn't like being disturbed a 2nd time & leaks, so that's something to look forward to when I return from my long weekend away!
Could I have done it myself - & saved the purchase price of the van? Probably, with a bit of help with the weight, etc - but not in the limited time available to me, against the clock, knowing that catching a ferry was riding on it. The truth of the matter is, the real problem was all the logistical complications - all of which just evaporated, just by making a phone call to some one I'd only met once. So I'm off to enjoy myself & forget how much it cost - but only in monetary terms!
C15 was back outside about 9:00 - but I didn't know because by phone died shortly after I'd hit "snooze" on the alarm function - & I then succumbed to jet lag.
When I eventually awoke, put phone on charge, switched it on, found text telling me C15 was done & outside, just about to send reply when doorbell rang - & there was the man, come for his money (he hadn't called when he'd dropped it off, because he thought I might be jet lagged). Bit more expensive than the quote but, as he said, it was the trade price he'd been given AND he had had to get some one to help him collect it &, in fairness, return it whereas I was fully expecting a call later in the day saying when it would be ready for collection. The fact it was all so painless is obviously going to cost a few bob.
Found the old clutch in the box, it's a suitable exhibit for a black museum: bearing's totally destroyed, a few cover fingers have no tips - & many are bent at alarming angles (no wonder it made such a horrendous noise when I started it!). Funny thing is, the plate lookes good for a good few more 1,000 miles, but, apparently, that's how modern clutches go.
One small residual problem, seems
the o/s driveshaft oil seal didn't like being disturbed a 2nd time & leaks, so that's something to look forward to when I return from my long weekend away!
Could I have done it myself - & saved the purchase price of the van? Probably, with a bit of help with the weight, etc - but not in the limited time available to me, against the clock, knowing that catching a ferry was riding on it. The truth of the matter is, the real problem was all the logistical complications - all of which just evaporated, just by making a phone call to some one I'd only met once. So I'm off to enjoy myself & forget how much it cost - but only in monetary terms!
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)
Pleased the clutch is now fixed Van
I'd love to see a picture of the old one...
Yes, sometimes the cost of having eh job done and the resultant freedom of aggro and stress as a result is worth every penny
I'm known to take that route at times...

Yes, sometimes the cost of having eh job done and the resultant freedom of aggro and stress as a result is worth every penny

I'm known to take that route at times...
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...