Hi all.

Only obvious running issue on new toy is cold running --- just above 70C mostly.

Pleasantly surprised by ease of access to thermostats. One bolt, two clips, loosen turbo hose intercooler to manifold clamp; remove hose. One nut / bolt, remove header tank clamp. Two 'squeeze' hose clips -- remove hoses from tank. Unclip level sensor cable -- remove tank.
Conventional Jubilee clip on main 'stat hose -- remove, remove hose. Three bolts, remove stat. Considerably more accessible than the 2.1 I have to say. Secondary 'stat -- remove two hoses, two bolts. job done !!
Heating in pot on kitchen stove ( as one does !) seems to show main stat opening early. Waiting for replacement tomorrow (QH, about £17) to see if problem cured.

Have decided as a precaution to replace the two glow plugs normally shielded by the header tank, as I shan't be looking voluntarily to take it off again, ever.

Mike.

Hi Mike

Might be worth cleaning up the engine number before you reassemble. They are virtually unreadable on a 2.5 and you have uncovered it on the front of the engine. Do not forget the header tank extension when you refill.

Regards

XMexc

Hi XMExc.

Thanks for the suggestion ---- exactly where am I looking ? Okay -- now you've lost me ---- what header tank extension ??????? Don't forget to let me have your address and I'll pop the seat cover off to you. My mail is onthecut AT Tiscali DOT co DOT uk

Mike.

Hi Mike

Will email you in the next few days as there is no hurry for the cover. The 2.5 engine number is stamped (lightly) on flat projection at the top of the cylinder block just drivers side of the header tank position. When refilling the 2.5 coolant there is a need to increase the head of liquid while venting air from the convoluted pipework. I use a 1.5 ltr plastic bottle with the bottom cut off and a sealing washer that just fits tightly in the top of the header tank.

Regards

John

Hi John.

Many thanks for the header tank tip. It's the real experience and help, like this, that makes this forum a good place to be.

Mike.

Hi Guys ---

Just a quickie --- I'm refilling the cooling system and I'm seeing three bleed points -- Heater hose behind engine, moulded three way hose by expansion bottle and driver's side top end of rad. The cars a '96 -- am I missing any ?

Mike.

There's one moulded ino the rubber tube just before it enters the intercooler. It has a cap like a tyre valve cap.

cheers

noz

Hi Noz.

Thanks -- extra one spotted ! I had vaguely hoped the QH thermostat might be the genuine article in their box, as I've seen this before on low volume stuff where it's not worth their while doing it from scratch. Not so --- all QH. Came out at a penny or two off £19. Don't know how that compares with OE or GSF ?

Mike.

Hi Mike,

Didn't know QH did one. I paid £27 the last time I bought one from Citroen.

Cheers

noz