1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

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MattBLancs
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by MattBLancs »

Noisy when broken exhaust - just needs a turbocharger as quietened down a treat. :-D

My HDi exhaust failed at the pipe to inlet to the catalyst box weld. Was about 200 miles from home at the time. Exhaust hanging low, so popped off the rubber hangers and squeezed inside. Remaining "exhaust" was about a foot long from turbo to end where the wheels had failed.

At idle it wasn't a huge amount noisy than standard, so I drove it home.

Under power is was A LOT less quiet - indeed able to part traffic as collectively everyone around on the motorway all went "what the flipping heck is that!?!"

For a long boring motorway journey, that was about the only time I enjoyed it!

Whilst we are having a bit of 306 appreciation and picture fest - here's my 306 looking presentable.
IMG_20161031_143034.jpg
Now in restoration project territory, but I've not given up on it yet.

I'll dig out an image of my previous Sedan. Posh STDT spec and lovely Diablo Red. Long since dead if the MOT.gov site is telling the whole story :cry:
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by Orbit Motors »

Been quite busy with work and other commitments over the last week or so, but that hasn't stopped me doing a couple of bits and ordering some odds and ends.

Finally got round to ordering a replacement head unit to oust the factory one which had a scrambled display, some buttons refused to work properly and it had an amplifier with the same music enhancing properties as a wet sand bag.

I was after something that looked sort of like it should be there, a retro looking stereo but with modern convenience. The main players at the cheaper end of the scale are Blaupunkt and Continental (although I'm sure the latter are probably made by someone like Bosch using the Continental brand). I opted for the Blaupunkt Madrid, which looks nice and simple, has nice big buttons and they obviously spent their time and money on making sure it looks good for a restorer of a modern classic as opposed to making the display do dancing rainbows of colour and other nonsense.

I bought my stereo and the associated fitting kit (fascia adapting panel, DIN aerial adapter and plug adapter) from Dynamic Sounds on Ebay.

Of course with it being me fitting the parts, things didn't go 100% smoothly but at least I now have music. I managed to break the LCD screen on my brand new radio before even using it! This was from a very gentle press on the surrounding parts of the radio to help mount it (I would never push the screen itself) and this has let the build quality down of the Blaupunkt unit somewhat. I know it was definitely me who broke it as I tested the unit before mounting it using the wires straight out of the dash and it was fine. Oh well!
20230112_161818.jpg
new stereo, buggered screen. So I'm not much better off compared to the screen on my original factory stereo which displayed nonsense because it was also knackered.

The fascia adapter fits okay once I worked out how to properly mount it with the cage - car audio is not my area of expertise at all!

The only thing I might try and work out is how to get the steering column stalk working with the new head unit. There is a spare wiring loom that fitted in to the old stereo which I'm guessing has something to do with it, but that's a job for another time.

In other developments, I called AB Axles of Chard the other day, who are experienced in overhauling and fitting rear axles to Peugeot and Citroen models, but unfortunately they said it is going to be at least summer before they take on any work of this nature, largely due to a lack of available parts. I suppose there are only so many exchange axles out there that aren't beyond repair. Something to think about for later in the year!

The only other thing I've done recently is change the tailgate gas struts as they definitely needed replacing. Part of an order from Autodoc in Germany that was delivered to me this week consisting of some other odds and ends like a timing belt and water pump kit, another job for when the weather is a bit better - as I have my doubts as to when it was last done. Looks okay from what I can inspect, but better safe than sorry as they say.

That's all for now!
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD
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MattBLancs
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by MattBLancs »

That stereo blends in nicely, what a shame about the screen. I'd have been fuming, so annoyed with myself if I'd done that!

I'd be tempted to remove the column stereo stalk if you can't get it working, I had an aftermarket stereo in a previous 306 (was a jazzy colours job) but lost count of the number of times I went for the column stalk, no response, realised, tutted to myself then reached out with the other hand...
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CitroJim
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by CitroJim »

No promises or guarantees on success or speed of turn-around but if you wanted to pass the old radio over this way I could have a look at it for you...

I'd be upset about damaging the new one too... Looks almost OEM!
Jim

Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by Orbit Motors »

CitroJim wrote: 14 Jan 2023, 06:18 No promises or guarantees on success or speed of turn-around but if you wanted to pass the old radio over this way I could have a look at it for you...

I'd be upset about damaging the new one too... Looks almost OEM!
I did wonder if it was possible to refurbish them! May take you up on that offer soon
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD
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MattBLancs
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by MattBLancs »

I guess it's an attempt to display blaupunkt, looks very err, unwell to me, guessing it's a new screen required?
Screenshot_20230114-095740-256.png
Last edited by myglaren on 14 Jan 2023, 12:49, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Image corrected
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CitroJim
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by CitroJim »

As it's a quality unit, I'm wondering if Blaupunkt might supply spares for it?
Jim

Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

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A little bit of tinkering at the weekend - so not too much to report. Was mainly focusing on getting my C6 back on the road, which it is almost ready for now, much to my delight!

Fitted a new nearside rear splash guard, I think the one I obtained is intended for a P3 as obviously the P1s came without one (ridiculous idea). After some minor modification, it fit nicely, and is now secured in place. Made sure all the excess dirt and salt was cleaned out fully first and sprayed Dinitrol rust inhibitor liberally in an effort to try and keep the steel that was replaced at MOT reasonably fresh.

Other than this, the only other thing of note was my noticing of the black death around number 1 injector... a splodge of treacle looking substance has made it's way up past the seals and sat on top. Soft and rubbery when hot, but hard and brittle when cold. No idea how long it has been like it, but definitely time for the injectors to come out! Will seal all 4 to err on the side of caution, and I may also take the opportunity to have them all tested seeing as they will be out, and I'm wondering if this may be contributing to my strange surging problem mentioned earlier.
20230122_141648.jpg
Also had a proper look to check what length alternator belt I have, seeing as they seem to be different depending what the factory line worker had for breakfast on Tuesdays when raining and so on. Luckily it only took 3 attempts of turning the engine and turning off at the right place to see the printed numbers!

As it turned out, it was none of the 5 or 6 mentioned on Euro Car Sharts anyway. Only ordering one because I may as well swap it when removing it to do the timing belt, and it is starting to look glazed and old.
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD
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MattBLancs
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by MattBLancs »

Black death appearing, yes good to get that sorted. Injectors out whilst engine hot (at least they are not too buried on an XUD!) As you say when the gunk is soft and will let go. Actually, maybe to a two pronged attack, chip the accessible bits off when cold and brittle then get engine warm for pulling out the injectors

I read on here that cellulose thinners will shift it too, not tried it myself as yet.

Ah, Euro car parts website seems to suggest more variants (despite search based on reg number) every visit! And more often with meaningless details to actually let you compare the results! :-D

There's someone on here requested feedback on C6 ownership - not sure if you have seen it?

viewtopic.php?t=73458&p=742660&sid=77f3 ... d56d288865
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CitroJim
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by CitroJim »

It'll be good to get that black death sorted... And whilst you are there, replace all the leakoff pipes and especially the little blanking plug on the last injector as I'll bet they're all hard and cracked now...

It may well be the cause of your surging problem ;)
Jim

Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by Orbit Motors »

Luckily I have some nice braided fuel hose left from when I did my Alfa Romeo leak off hoses, unfortunately I left that a bit late and had a lovely water feature from the engine bay but using fuel instead of water!
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD
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CitroJim
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by CitroJim »

Orbit Motors wrote: 25 Jan 2023, 11:29, unfortunately I left that a bit late and had a lovely water feature from the engine bay but using fuel instead of water!
A great way of degreasing it!
Jim

Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by Orbit Motors »

Afternoon everyone,

Been rather quiet on the 306 front lately! But it has certainly not been forgotten. I have been busy fixing my C6 lately (that thing is definitely keeping me busy) and the 306 has sort of taken a back seat.

Waiting on some injector seals and fire washers coming from Autodoc in an order full of other bits such as new front brakes, and some stuff for other cars. The injector parts were surprisingly difficult to find within the UK on Ebay (stacks available in Lithuania of all places?!), however some of them are still available from Peugeot directly. As my local dealer's parts department was barely interested in assisting, I decided to order the Elring branded ones from Autodoc which I figure are just as good. Bargain at about 60p or so each. When they arrive I shall remove the injectors and take the opportunity to send them away to a company my work uses for cleaning bus injectors / DPFs etc as hopefully they will offer a preferential rate.

Took the old girl for a quick spin today just to keep the battery charged and such, as it has been several weeks since it has moved. Started up first time which was comforting. Also gave it a wash despite the fact it had only just stopped raining, mainly to get rid of a present one of the local wood pigeons left me.
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Forgotten how lovely and toasty the heaters get on this, something very comforting about driving along country roads in the rain when it is nice and warm inside.
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD
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CitroJim
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by CitroJim »

Magic :D Great to see an update Orbit!
Jim

Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Orbit Motors
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Re: 1995 Pug 306 - light(ish) restoration

Unread post by Orbit Motors »

A mixed bag today! By which I mean I had a moment of happiness when my parts arrived from Germany, but also a moment of despair when I realised the error I had made and felt rather daft...

I had some spare 16 inch alloys in the garage that were off a C4 coupé that unfortunately I had to scrap not long ago. They are the same 4 x 108 PCD as the 306 and the same centre bore of course, so I suddenly had a mad idea to replace my 13 inch sofa casters with these. The only reason I had kept them back from the C4 was because they were in fairly good condition and the tyres were all Michelin / Good Year and still had at least 5mm on them all round. I quickly realised though that they would be far too big for the 306 unless I fancied shaving them down to cords on the wheel arches.

They had 205/55s on, and unsurprisingly the jump from 175/70R13 to this would have resulted in some comical (and dangerous) results. I calculated a suitable alternative for them would be 195/45R16, to narrow them a little bit more towards factory spec, and more importantly to shrink the sidewall considerably.

Now, I'm a bit anal when it comes to tyres. I swear by certain models such as Good Year Eagle F1s (even better than Michelin Pilot Sports in my opinion), and if I'm working to a budget I've always found Yokohama and Falken to be very respectable for the cost. However, I made a decision that I would make an exception for the 306, as it is so slow and is not the sort of car I throw in to corners in the wet and so on. I found on Farcebook a brand new set of Kumhos locally in Ilkeston that someone was giving away for £150 fitted, and I decided that was a steal. Okay, they are winter tyres, which are pretty redundant in the UK anyway, but they fit the bill nicely. I happily went down this morning and had them mounted on the C4 alloys. Nipped in to Euro Car Sharts in Derby to relieve them of 16 wheel bolts (I needed flat ones, the steelies had conical) and went home, desperate to fit my cool (in my head) new wheels and tyres.

Fronts went on and looked marvelous. Moved on to the rears and they fit, so it seemed, but made a school boy error and didn't actually check they turned freely with the handbrake off. Oops! :oops:
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in my opinion, these are a subtle and tasteful modification. The 13 inch steels accompanied by cracked and cable tied trims that looked like they were from Skegness Market were bothering me.

Turns out they rub the inner edge along the wheel arch. Plenty of room up top, but not enough clearance for either the arch or the handbrake cable where is hangs!

After much grunting, back wheels were removed, steels refitted and rolled the car back in to its space on the drive, realising I now need either a pair of spacers or a plan B.
20230227_145416.jpg
Someone recommended Ferodo brakes to me a while ago and I was unsure at first, as I always considered them to be another generic name amongst the sort of mid range motor factors lot, but their Premier range made an absolutely incredible difference on my Saab, far outstripping more expensive brakes like EBC, and far better than the now much cheaper Brembo range. Hoping the 306 will yield the same sort of results. Set of Elring fire washers and injector seals also arrived today along with a load of stuff for my C6.

To soften the blow, a delivery van arrived in the meantime and delivered a big parcel of parts, chiefly the stuff inside was for my C6, but there was also a set of front discs and pads for the 306 as well as my injector seals and fire washers. So at least I have a couple of other bits to keep me busy. And then I realised... the front wheels are now going to have to come off again anyway for me to do the brakes! Duh! #-o
Cheers,
Miles

Satisfaction guaranteed or your dent back!
If it just about starts and drives, I'll probably buy it.


1995 Peugeot 306 XLd
2007 Citroën C6 Lignage

2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD