Xantia V6 thermostat housing won't come off.

[dunk]

Hi, it's been a while, the old V6 has been hiding in the shed for far far to long. So time for some resurrection.
I have it running and rising which is a start it has several low pressure lhm leaks but that's for another day.
Basically it gets warm, I mean hot, fan kicks in top hose is pretty warm, rad and bottom hose are cold, heater gets pretty warm. In conclusion I don't think the thermostat is opening.
Had a look online found a guide for removing the stat housing on a 406 V6 (looks the same?)
I've removed the 5 bolts that seem to hold it on, removed the hoses off either end, got wet feet, removed various pipe clamps so is should have clearance.
I've rocked it back and forth leavered it in and out, it moves quite a bit.... But can I get the ruddy thing off! Am I missing something? Open to tips hints suggestions or do I just need to be more brutal.

Thanks Dunk

[CitroJim]

I'm desperately trying to remember now. I know I've had them off in the past easily enough.. I'm thinking the thermostat may be all gummed up and causing it.

If you continue to struggle, I'm quite near a V6 engine where I currently am and also near a person who may know. We may be able, between us, to advise further...

[xantia_v6]

Wow! If I am not mistaken, that is my old car. I assumed that it was long gone.

I still think that was the best Xantia V6, and I have owned 4 of them. I do realise that it is no spring chicken, and has accumulated a few niggling faults over the years.

If you have the housing loose, then it just pulls straight off. The body of the thermostat slides through a seal, so you need to make a straight pull until it is out.

I do have to say that I doubt that there is anything wrong with the thermostat, they very rarely fail. I changed the thermostat on that car in 2004 at about 60000 miles in the mistaken belief that it was running too cool.

[Michel]

Wow! If I am not mistaken, that is my old car. I assumed that it was long gone.

It is your (and mine, and Chris Citroenmad) old car. I sold it to Dunk, must have been... 10 years ago now? I'm well impressed to see it's still going! It was an excellent one..

[Michel]

I'm desperately trying to remember now. I know I've had them off in the past easily enough.. I'm thinking the thermostat may be all gummed up and causing it.
...

This is the V6 I came to collect from Chris at yours Jim, with DickieG when he sold his HDi to Chris. Must have been 2013/14... It's Mike's old one with manual leather and I believe you'd rebuilt the gearbox.

[CitroJim]

Wow, I too am delighted it's still extant Indeed, it was I who rebuilt the gearbox..

Looking forward to seeing it all good again. I'll bet it's the thermostat rubber seal that's stuck and preventing an easy pull off of the housing....

[dunk]

It is indeed R252DVC... That apparently everyone has owned

[dunk]

So in conclusion more brutal with it

[xantia_v6]

So in conclusion more brutal with it

But with great care...

[myglaren]

Gently brutal!