I have one of those complete with the matrix but you don't need to change the complete unit.

The radiator is easier to change and I have a couple spare here.
 
Brian, thanks. Is there a chance I could change the matrix and put it back together to find out of was the pipes that were leaking? Thats my only thought with changing the whole unit. Unless the leak is likely to be easy to spot, taking into consideration that it will now be dry as I bypassed the heater a few months back
 
The pipes are metal and I have those as well. ;)

As they are aluminium it's not likely to be them that's leaking though.

I would think the most likely cause is the matrix itself.
 
Last edited:
Well I spent the afternoon on this and can confirm that it really is a dash out job, although all can be stripped down in a couple of hours if you work fast and use leccy tools.

According to Haynes the entire blower unit has to be removed to allow access to the matrix, and if you have aircon you have to take it dealer - thats a load of b*******.
The matrix pipes that run through the bulk head are screwed to the blower housing from behind, so yes its true you would have to remove the housing to detach the pipes.. OR you can do as I did - disconnect the pipes by chipping away with hammer and big screwdriver. This is what I was left with:



Once the pipes are free to move they can be detached from the matrix to allow it to slide out :D

I reconnected the matrix under the bonnet just to confirm that it was indeed leaking, just reconnected the dials before firing her up and letting it get to temperature



 
Quick question regarding the aircon, what are the chances of this still actually working after 18 years - if I get it regassed that is.
Is there anything I should be looking at checking whilst the dash is out??
Thanks
 
I recon you better of checking the pump. Often the pully sound like the bearings are a bit rough.
 
Cheers is that something I can do myself? Involved job? Shall have a search on Web and see what comes up, just want to make sure I don't need to pull that dash again any time soon
 
I'm not sure whats in the Air con versions, I have one here, the heater matrix is the same but there are a couple of extra pipes going into it for the aircon.

I haven't stripped one down so don't know where the pipes go.

To check the pump pulley, make sure the belt is off and spin the pulley on the pump. it should spin smoothly and quietly. any noise is a dodgy bearing.

while the belts off check all the other pulleys, its common for them to go, but parts available on ebay to fix them.
 
Well i just officially wasted £40 and a day of my life!
Bought a new matrix off ebay, turned out to be britpart.
Using the original pipes it just kept leaking once warmed up, tried various o-rings and even bought some HG sealant but nothing helped.
I guess its just a bad fit with the pipes, oh and in frustration I managed to make a mess of the fittings on the matrix (its very soft aluminium).
So I now need to order yet another matrix, new pipes and clamps.
Massively p1ssed off.
Anyone know of a landy shop that sells this as a kit - and not britpart?
 
gR@HaM said:
Well i just officially wasted £40 and a day of my life!
Bought a new matrix off ebay, turned out to be britpart.
Using the original pipes it just kept leaking once warmed up, tried various o-rings and even bought some HG sealant but nothing helped.
I guess its just a bad fit with the pipes, oh and in frustration I managed to make a mess of the fittings on the matrix (its very soft aluminium).
So I now need to order yet another matrix, new pipes and clamps.
Massively p1ssed off.
Anyone know of a landy shop that sells this as a kit - and not britpart?
Click to expand...

Any chance of you getting the matrix repaired ?

Brazed or re-cored ?
 
gR@HaM said:
Well i just officially wasted £40 and a day of my life!
Bought a new matrix off ebay, turned out to be britpart.
Using the original pipes it just kept leaking once warmed up, tried various o-rings and even bought some HG sealant but nothing helped.
I guess its just a bad fit with the pipes, oh and in frustration I managed to make a mess of the fittings on the matrix (its very soft aluminium).
So I now need to order yet another matrix, new pipes and clamps.
Massively p1ssed off.
Anyone know of a landy shop that sells this as a kit - and not britpart?
Click to expand...

AlliSport Land Rover Defender High Output Heater Matrix | eBay
 
gR@HaM said:
Well i just officially wasted £40 and a day of my life!
Bought a new matrix off ebay, turned out to be britpart.
Using the original pipes it just kept leaking once warmed up, tried various o-rings and even bought some HG sealant but nothing helped.
I guess its just a bad fit with the pipes, oh and in frustration I managed to make a mess of the fittings on the matrix (its very soft aluminium).
So I now need to order yet another matrix, new pipes and clamps.
Massively p1ssed off.
Anyone know of a landy shop that sells this as a kit - and not britpart?
Click to expand...

I have a matrix some where. I also have a disco 1 doner which you are welcome to come and cannibalise for the bits you need if you are passing (token payment to subsidise my pension very welcome):D
 
Doh ive just ordered new pipe kit (OE) and matrix (allmakes pr2) for 115 quid!!
Will definitely be in touch in the future though, am only helsby/frodsham way so not far from you :)
 
gR@HaM said:
Doh ive just ordered new pipe kit (OE) and matrix (allmakes pr2) for 115 quid!!
Will definitely be in touch in the future though, am only helsby/frodsham way so not far from you :)
Click to expand...
It'll be here for a few weeks I spose, starting taking the engine out next week, only at J20 M6 Lymm near services. :)
 
Dippypud said:
Any chance of you getting the matrix repaired ?

Brazed or re-cored ?
Click to expand...

I did think about soldering copper pipe to my replacement but need to be 100% sure its not going to leak.. so bit the bullet and bought another
 
I finally have the chance this weekend to fit the new matrix and cooler pipes before trying to remember how to put back all the various dash components that I ripped out over a month ago!
Question regarding where the pipes connect to the matrix, it seems the way to do this is to first attach the orings to the matrix and not the pipes. But should the orings be a dry fit or is it recommended to use some grease or gasket sealant?
I really don't want to fook this up a second time..
Thanks
 
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