Xantia heater matrix leak suspected

ed4ferrets · Unread post by **ed4ferrets** » 16 Sep 2011, 21:41

Hi when turning the heater on to demist there's a strange smell coming through the vents. Although carpets aren't wet the coolant level needs topping up occasionally so I suspect a leak of sorts.

To use K Seal can I just empty it into the header tank or is there a better way to ensure it circulates decently and hopefully seals the leak?

thanks for reading!

exect · Unread post by **exect** » 16 Sep 2011, 22:16

I had exactly the same and thought it was the matrix but it turned out to be a weep from the hose behind the engine. I hope you have the same luck!
Exect

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:22

If yur getting a curry type smell then the matrix is on its way...

I personally dont beleve in these sealing additives and think they can causr blockages in other places... Sounds like a dash out job is on the eay...

Paul

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:36

citroenxm wrote: I personally dont beleve in these sealing additives and think they can causr blockages in other places... Sounds like a dash out job is on the eay...

I'm not wonderfully taken with them myself. K-Seal I have very little faith in but one I know works is Forte Stop Leak. It's harmless too, looking like milk and it's recommended by Valeo as well.

Forte will stop a small leak for a while as I found on my old 2.1TD but eventually the matrix will need replacing which, as you say Paul, is a dash out job. Tedious but not hard.

Sealants generally, all except Forte, may block fine passageways and I'd NEVER use them on an automatic under any circumstances as I've seen coolers bunged up with the stuff...

Speaking of matrix replacements, I'm soon off to assist with just that job in a few moments....

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:41

Hey jim...

Shouldnt the xm come first on yur list??

paul

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:49

citroenxm wrote:Hey jim...

Shouldnt the xm come first on yur list??

paul

I wish

It sits there begging me to get stuck in but time and other needs always gets in the way

No worries, I have a week off next week; guess what I'll be doing when not going to Aber to take Robyn to Uni?

Yep, that's it, wall-to-wall XM spannering

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:51

I love anti-leak additives:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=35307

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:51

This is what i find. .. I want to get my stuff done butvother things keep getting in the way... Annoying..

Paul

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:57

addo wrote:I love anti-leak additives:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=35307

As much as I do Adam

Bloody stuff, with one exception, should be banned...

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:58

citroenxm wrote:This is what i find. .. I want to get my stuff done butvother things keep getting in the way... Annoying..

It'll be worse now you're married Paul

Just you wait until the little 'uns come along...

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 17 Sep 2011, 11:48

Are we taking bets on the sex of any future sprogs, yet?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Sep 2011, 19:51

addo wrote:Are we taking bets on the (-censored-) of any future sprogs, yet?

No, but be sure they'll be into XMs in a big way...

This, and it's not to upset you Ed, but this is what the interior of a Xantia looks like during a matrix swap...

On this one, Chris570's Activa, the elbow was a sod and a half. It would just not come apart.

We hit on a plan the involved splitting the joint at the matrix end, splitting the heater box, undoing the matrix pipe plate screws and then having two people work the elbow, one from the engine bay and the other inside the car tugging on the other end..

It worked a treat but it still took us about an hour and a half to separate the joint

That and the rain made it a bit of a log job. Finish off tomorrow...

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 18 Sep 2011, 00:15

Nice bit of pr0n there. Do I see vestiges of a little liquid therapy in the door pocket?

What are the yellow topped wiring bits next to its Autoliv module?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 18 Sep 2011, 07:28

addo wrote:Nice bit of pr0n there. Do I see vestiges of a little liquid therapy in the door pocket?

Just an old can of Coke Adam!!

addo wrote:What are the yellow topped wiring bits next to its Autoliv module?

The seat heater control connectors, the ones that go to the temperature selectors. This Activa has the rare winter pack fitted...

XantiaDaveEire · Unread post by **XantiaDaveEire** » 18 Sep 2011, 20:34

What's the worst case scenario with the heater matrix?If it's left unfixed?

My car smells a little of curry when the warm heat is selected sometimes