ZX Heater Matrix?

AndyGimpy · Post by **AndyGimpy** » 10 Oct 2003, 15:48

Well its that time of year when you just start to add a touch of heat to the inside of the car and this morning when I turned it on there was that horrible antifreeze smell coming from the vents. No noticeble steam and no loss of water in the header tank. The carpet is dry so I am assuming the matrix is just starting to weep!. Now I have been told this is a big job and involves removal of the complete dashboard. Does anyone have any good tips or shortcuts I can take as any help would be appreciated.[V]

CITMAN · Post by **CITMAN** » 10 Oct 2003, 15:50

Mines been like this for years. Ive been putting up with it becuase the smell begins fade after a couple of minutes.

Post by **Jon** » 10 Oct 2003, 16:08

Mines like that too.
Its only been in the car for 123,000 miles. (!)
Until it starts losing coolant, best to leave it. Some people recommend a cooling system sealant by Forte which can help with a slightly porous matrix.

AndyGimpy · Post by **AndyGimpy** » 10 Oct 2003, 18:01

I MUST ADMIT IT WAS LIKE IT ALL LAST YEAR AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED MUCH, I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT IT UNTILL THIS MORNING, BEST GET A NEW AIR FRESHNER THEN FOR NOW. THANKS FOR THE INFO GUYS

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 11 Oct 2003, 14:19

Hi, I did the matrix on my Xantia and followed the Haynes manual. Not too hard of a job really! One tip though, make sure you have a set ot long reach sockets as you may need them to release the dashboard from the bulkhead.
Good luck
Paul
PS It took me a day to do the whole job, from strat to finish.

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 11 Oct 2003, 15:22

How healthy is it to be breathing concentrated antifreeze vapours is such a confined space, if it were leaking I would replace it for that reason alone if necessary.
Dave

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 11 Oct 2003, 15:40

Wasn't there a scandal a few years ago when wine producers were adding glycol to wine to improve the taste?
Seem to remeber some shock horror health claims - but don't think anyone became ill!
jeremy

CITMAN · Post by **CITMAN** » 11 Oct 2003, 17:31

Doubt there would be any health risk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!