Lakes Rob
Active Member
I'm about to replace my matrix and I've been advised to use lubricant on the O-rings!
thebiglad
Well-Known Member
Haha no chance don't fancy doing that again!!
Any idea what part number I need to fix the leaking matrix on a 95 auto? is it a case of changing a pipe/the matrix itself or the whole unit?
Ive seen this in ebay not sure whether its the right one or I should look at buying new
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=250749232806
thanks again
That looks more like just the plastic heater assembly rather than the heater matrix (radiator).
gR@HaM
Well-Known Member
Well that was a ball ache, second time fitting a new heater matrix and this time with new pipes it was still very difficult to do in situ. At one point I thought I got it in ok, but started the motor to find both pipes leaking coolant where they connect to the matrix.
I then realised by using a mirror that the screw clamps were not properly aligned at the back, and later that one of the o-rings had dislodged.
What I ended up doing was cutting the old metal pipes to allow me to connect short sections to both holes in the matrix with it out of the car. Doing it this way allowed me to ensure that everything lined up, the o-rings move around during installation as well, but by using short pieces of pipe with the matrix out of the car I was able to ensure this wasn't a problem.
For anyone looking to do this, note the dash does NOT have to be removed!!!
Here's what I would do to make the job MUCH quicker and easier (and mine has aircon as well):
1) Remove centre console
2) Cut small section out the bottom left of the dash in drivers foot well and disconnect air vent
3) Unscrew matrix pipe bracket, the 2 pipe clamps and disconnect the pipes.
4) Slide out the matrix
5) Cut 1-2" off the ends of the 2 pipes, fit these to the new matrix on a bench using new screw clamps and non drying gasket sealant
6) Break off pipe bracket from the bulkhead by chiselling through the plastic with hammer and screwdriver.
7)Jubilee clip 30cm lengths of reinforced rubber hose to the 2 remaining pipes in the foot well and pull back through the bulkhead from under the bonnet.
8) Slide in new matrix, connect pipe sections to new flexible hose and join up hoses under the bonnet
9) Put centre console back on
I then realised by using a mirror that the screw clamps were not properly aligned at the back, and later that one of the o-rings had dislodged.
What I ended up doing was cutting the old metal pipes to allow me to connect short sections to both holes in the matrix with it out of the car. Doing it this way allowed me to ensure that everything lined up, the o-rings move around during installation as well, but by using short pieces of pipe with the matrix out of the car I was able to ensure this wasn't a problem.
For anyone looking to do this, note the dash does NOT have to be removed!!!
Here's what I would do to make the job MUCH quicker and easier (and mine has aircon as well):
1) Remove centre console
2) Cut small section out the bottom left of the dash in drivers foot well and disconnect air vent
3) Unscrew matrix pipe bracket, the 2 pipe clamps and disconnect the pipes.
4) Slide out the matrix
5) Cut 1-2" off the ends of the 2 pipes, fit these to the new matrix on a bench using new screw clamps and non drying gasket sealant
6) Break off pipe bracket from the bulkhead by chiselling through the plastic with hammer and screwdriver.
7)Jubilee clip 30cm lengths of reinforced rubber hose to the 2 remaining pipes in the foot well and pull back through the bulkhead from under the bonnet.
8) Slide in new matrix, connect pipe sections to new flexible hose and join up hoses under the bonnet
9) Put centre console back on
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