Kodi Boot Loop when Connected to Internet

hey all, hope one of you can help me out here…

wetek openelec box running 6.0.3

kodi boot looping after around 30s or so.

after factory resets, cache wipes, etc etc, i realised that when i disconnect the ethernet cable it will run fine…
if i boot up box disconnected from network it will run fine for hours(or indefinitely) but after say 10mins after connecting to the network the box returns to boot loop.

things to take into consideration;
lots of repositories and add-ons uninstalled
updates(openelec/add-ons) turned off
kodi on smartphone streams fine from wetek box even during boot looping
i have wiped vdr tv/guide settings and cache, and started from scratch(initially thinking it was vdr problem)

any insight would be greatly appreciated,
m.