What did you do to your x40 today???

[ITSv40]

Drove back from Gatwick yesterday. Heaven to slide into the sumptuous leather seats again after bombing around in a Clio for a fortnight. I immediately fell in love with the car again, everything felt so right as she sailed up the M25 and M1, like a block of granite floating on air. Need to get the C70 out now and give it an airing.

[Mount vision rider]

Today's washing session with snowfoam for the first time.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by Mount vision rider

Today's washing session with snowfoam for the first time.

I'm not a fan of snowfoam, but it does look dramatic and the end result does look very good

[Mount vision rider]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

I'm not a fan of snowfoam, but it does look dramatic and the end result does look very good

I'm really impressed with it. The cars never looked so shiny after a wash without having to polish it.

[Cornishv40]

Red paint work on my old T4 was a real PITA but it went that fast it used to turn pink lol

looking great MVR.. keep it red

[bobthecabbage]

Fuel economy was a lot better today.

It was quite warm which always helps (unless you have the air con on).

I have been suspecting the thermostat as running temp has been a bit low but today after driving the 9 miles back from Tesco and idling for a minute or so, the temp was 92C.

Previously I've not seen this temp, more like 83C. So either the thermostat is packing up and is now sticking closed or something else is going on.

I am starting to wonder if the bits of rubber left in the cooling system from when I had some hoses replaced, had got stuck in the thermostat holding open.

I knew when I saw them floating in the header tank that I should have removed them! One of the beggers caused a coolant leak as it sat on the seal of the header tank cap! You can just imagine them collecting in the gap in a slightly open thermostat and then being squashed in place as it closes resulting in it always staying slightly open.

It amazes me how a tiny flow through a knackered or faulty thermostat, can cause the engine to fail to reach operating temp.

The fact the temp gauge tells massive porkie pies doesn't help.

12 o'clock seems to indicate anything from about 50C to 92/93C.

Anyone remember the correct operating temp for the 1.9 diesel?

I know its in the book somewhere but that is outside in the car...

[brent]

Originally Posted by druid

Finally got the fittings for the Volvo cargo mesh installed. Took me long enough.

I still haven't got round to this job...

[druid]

Originally Posted by brent

I still haven't got round to this job...

My tip is use a socket that has 2 10mm nuts on it as that way you can push agaist the bolt as they are not shouldered, if that makes sense. Oviosly depnds how deep your 10mm is.....

[gatos]

Been a bit awol from the forum for a while, but have been in touch with a few members here. Visited scrappies near Southampton with Spetsnaz to get a complete leather interior in mint condition and a few other bits and Alex121 dropped by too.

Car was already raided by other X40 owners, but luckily the interior was still there. This is how the car looked after we were done.....

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by gatos

Been a bit awol from the forum for a while, but have been in touch with a few members here. Visited scrappies near Southampton with Spetsnaz to get a complete leather interior in mint condition and a few other bits and Alex121 dropped by too.

Car was already raided by other X40 owners, but luckily the interior was still there. This is how the car looked after we were done.....

]

Looks like a couple of vultures have landed and had a picnic. At least the demise of one motor helps to keep others on the road. You have been missed btw.