The drain tube is in teh sump plug hole so removing it won't get you any more oil out. If you are worried it may need a good flush just put in some cheap oil and idle it for 10 mins then drain and refil with the proper stuff. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Ok noted ta.

It nearly overheated today but I caught it in time. Same scenario as before except this time I have a working heater.

Motorway at 80 on cruise. I came off and did a U turn to go back the way I came. Gave it the gun through the revs and then set cruise. 1 minute later the cruise switched off uncommanded and the temp gauge is at 3/4. I put the heater on max and the gauge returned to half as normal.

I cannot think what is going wrong but it's bloody annoying.

Could be a number of things including a failing waterpump, airlock, stuck thermostat (my guess). The thermostat is not replacable on it's own and requires the replacement of the whole coolant mixing block. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

A forum search drew a blank. My weekly commute is fine (A road and town), it never runs too hot. Unless it is extra distance which reveals the weak point? I guess I will have to take a different car later this month for a camping trip.

More spannering required!

Side note: WBAC initial offer is woeful so it's staying a while yet

Well, it didn't take long! The classic warning message. I guess now is the time to source a GAP tool.

I've been out for a drive and no errors present, it drove as normal. I put some fuel in it as it was nearly empty and I think I read somewhere it needs a quarter tank minimum to regen. I am not sure if that is true though.

Battery report (I am also told a low battery could affect operation of DPF - if it is that)
12.07v engine off
14.60v at idle.

Yes needs 1/4 tank to do a regan. Those voltage figures are normal but if the battery is old just replace it as they are not expensive and it's worth it for peace of mind as a failing batery can cause all sorts of errors. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

I had a nice weekend away near Swanage with friends. Weather was a bit wet and foggy on Saturday but a pleasant break.

According to the computer it averaged 30 MPG down and 28 MPG back, which I guess is about there or thereabouts. Friday was pretty warm and I had to use the heater on flat out on a few occasions when the gauge crept towards the red. Same on the way back when going uphill.

I've also used half a litre of oil since the change (650 miles). Another oddity is that at cruise control at 30MPH it will not keep a constant speed uphill (not that steep) and slows to 20MPH - strange.

I tested the low range and grass settings in the campsite field and all good there. At least something works OK

Four intake hoses and a thermostat housing ready for next week, assuming the fan removal tools turn up in time. At the same time I will remove the oil cooler for inspection so more parts may be required. I don't think there are any odd tools required but I expect my modest tool box may be short of something.

There are bound to be hiccups along the way so I will SORN it for August now my other car is back from the bodyshop.

I’d get the other part of the plastic assembly that makes up the coolant mixer box where the thermostat lives as the plastic is very fragile with age and you will likely break it during removal/ separation. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

The bit I have has the thermostat in it, pic 8952B - is there another one in the upper bit? 8592A in this picture. Or just order it anyway as it will be brittle? Thanks.

Click image to enlarge

Alternatively it’s possible to just replace the thermostat and its housing even though these are not available separately. It’s 3 very tight screws but if they won’t budge ( I needed an impact driver on them with the whole unit on the bench) then it’s wise to get a new upper part as this will likely break trying to separate it from the lower part you have. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Righto thanks JG. I have all month so plenty of time to order as I go. 2012 Vogue TDV8 in Aintree green

I've measured the new hoses as they look a bit short to me. The new ones are 50mm and the current ones on the car are 60mm-ish. Is the difference too much and would I run into a lot of swearing?

Or are the current ones squashed so they lengthen? 2012 Vogue TDV8 in Aintree green

There is no relative movement between the intake and donut so as long as they make a seal with the fasteners you are fine. If you are replacing the old ‘moulded’ rubber connectors with the new silicone ones they may not be the same length. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)