The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

May be worth swapping the 2 solenoid valves around in case one (the turbo valve) is causing problems. Check none of the pipes are split too.
I don't think your symptoms match but it's a free shot in the dark.

Yeah, it is odd, my reader does show pending codes normally too and although it's not PSA specific like my diagbox it should definitely show MAF codes.
Oh well, it's currently off the road due to excessive play in steering rack so I'm not going to bother MOTing it until I can afford to tip money in to it.
I've just picked up a cheap C8 in need of some TLC but it's fitted with leather seats, front 2 rotate so should be able to get most of the money back with breaking/scrap if that doesn't make it through it's own MOT in a few months. From what I can tell, the C8 front seats could fit the mk1 dispatch too

That could be useful. I'm begrudging needing to cough up £55 for the one on ebay lol

Not a bad idea with water repellent. If I get an undertray I'd be keeping it on indefinitely (the price is putting me off though).
Am slightly wary of forgetting to take the shield off though - I don't want to have to rely on the fans to kock in as a Springtime alarm clock but I have tested them by unplugging the temp sender and they work but I'm not sure what temp they actually kick in.

Maybe your final suggestion is the best one.
¡F off to Spain!

Yeah key fob was believed to be working as I could see a few tenths of a volt dropping on a button press (new battery ordered), and as of now I've successfully programmed the fob with lexia and have the locking back.

Alvylad I've got my new transponder ordered so will program that so I have a backup. For £85 you'd be better off buying a lexia/diagbox should you need to lol
As for blades, the previous owner had the antenna and the key wrapped up behind the dash and aftermarket barrel fitted. I retrieved it then using heat on the key blades swapped them and it's solid. I have to order a new set though as all door barrels are siezed and the driver's door opens with anything (which is why I was so keen to restore the immobiliser!)

£70 for 5 barrels and an ignition though.. - on that note why the hell are there locks on the side doors. They're about 6 inches from the front doors!

My 2.0 hdi is also self bleeding although there is also a bleed screw above the thermostat which I assume all vehicles have.

Fun fact, a split self bleed pipe killed my old xsara picasso on a long drive. By the time the temp light came on the 1.6 hdi had already warped itself. I was able to bump start it to get the pistons moving a few hours later (and some more water) and drive it home where it died for good in puff of smoke and no power at the very top of a hill by my house where I'd arranged for the scrap man to meet me.

Thanks John, I've seen the eBay ones and also thought they were a little bit pricey, doesn't seem to be any other options out there though so may bite the bullet. I always think the aux belt is a bit exposed to FOD so that's another reason to fit one.

Back to the original issue.. Pump refit day today (customary wind and rain in attendance).

o rings from 2 of the 3 pistons were clearly damaged/frayed so hopefully all good now

Sadly after further observation my HP pump is piddling out for the first minute on start up then seals itself. Apparently very common on the CP1. Kit ordered so it'll be going in for some surgery when I get the chance.

John, you may want to double check your pump when starting from cold. Surprising how it seals itself so quickly after start up, especially from how bad it leaks now when cold. Mines at the point where it'll leave a patch on the floor then pretend nothings happening except for the smell.

Cheers JDM, I'll check the filter next dry spell and do the bottle test. Filter was the only thing new when I bought the van so one of the few things I haven't touched. It's a good candidate for the source of the new diesel whiff which is likely contributing if not directly related to the hill start issue.
BTW have you hooked up yours to a basic obd reader? I swear mine used to show fuel rail pressure, now it just reads 0. Haven't plugged my Lexia in yet though to confirm.

Need to track down a vacuum issue too. Pumping the brake pedal repeatedly exhausts the vacuum even with engine running (only for a second then it recovers) won't be much original rubber left on this van the way it's going! 1 trailing arm bush to go and said pipes lol

That's because we like to slow down eyeing up other vans potential improvements or for harvest..
I swear whenever I drive past another van I can feel the other driver eying me up for spares 

My 06 plate is central like OPs under the mat. I've heard they're great for gathering liquids but mine was pretty dry thankfully.

If you do get around to taking the seats out, I strongly recommend you look under the van for all of the exposed bolts and observe the rusted/rotten threads.
Unbolt them until you feel resistance then stop and screw them back down.
Take a dremel to the rotten ends of the bolts.
Some bolt ends will be hidden in the chassis but fortunately these are more shielded and came out in one piece for me.