Hoses to Heater Matrix

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Evodad
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Hoses to Heater Matrix

Post by Evodad »

Just had two days off work to give my daughter's car a full service.
Nipped out in my Xantia to get something for my son's car.

Got back & saw coolant dripping onto the ground from the bulkhead area. Investigated, saw that one of the black plastic elbows that connect the flow & return to the heater matrix had a crack in it.
Replacement required, no option. Called the friendly guys at my local GSF in Derby, "sorry it's a main dealer part only".
Went to main dealer, "sorry can't get just the elbow, it comes as a complete assembly with both hoses. I've ordered one,will get it tomorrow.
The guy said "sit down while I give you the price, £112 + VAT!".

Has anyone else had this problem? I've never heard it mentioned before on this forum.
Peter.N.
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Post by Peter.N. »

Unusual, modern hoses seem to last forever, unlike the cars of the '50s and '60s when you really need to carry a spare top hose with you. I havn't had a hose go on any of my XMs in 100k + miles. cant say I am all that surprised at the price though. I would have been inclined to make one up using bits of hose and copper fittings.
KevMayer
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Post by KevMayer »

Shop around a little.

Citroen aren't always very helpfull.

for example, when I got my Activa the sunroof didn't work. I worked on it and found that the motor drive didn't work. A simple motor with a bit of a cog. I rang Citroen

Me - " Hello, I need a sunroof drive motor".

Citroen - " Sorry, they only come as part of a complete sunroof. That'll be 1200 Quid" :shock: :shock: .

I went to a local scrap dealer and took one off an old Xantia (it was sad to work on a Xantia as its on its way to the crusher). Paid 20 quid. Fitted it. Perfect.

But, after ringing the first Citroen garage I tried another Citroen dealer and he could have gotten me the motor for something like 150 quid. So, not even all Citroen dealers offer the same service.

If I were you I'd try at least two more dealers and see if you get a better, more helpful, response.

GSF aren't the only Citroen parts specialist. Do an internet search and you'll find loads.

Cheers,

Kev
Cheers, Kev

02 plate C5 2.2 Hdi Exclusive SE (now 170k miles 03/21).

Used to have:- Xantia 1.9 TurboD SX. 1996 Blue & 1998 Silver Activa. + 1992 BX TZD Turbo.
Evodad
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Post by Evodad »

Thanks for the help fellas, but I've forked out!

The bit that's broke is one of the plastic elbows with the male spigot & o-ring on it that pushes into the female connections on the heater matrix, right at the bulkhead end.

Not sure how to paste a jpeg into my post to show you what I've had to buy. I've right clicked on the file & selected "copy", cannot "paste" into my post.
Stewart(oily)
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Post by Stewart(oily) »

Yup I have replaced one of those before on a petrol engined Xant, I think it was called the heater hose loom and the price was similar too, the original plastic seemed to have lost all of its stength, I ended up breaking it into little bits with needle nose pliers to get it out, more built in obsolescence methinks.
Stewart
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Dave Burns
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Post by Dave Burns »

I've just fitted one three weeks ago to an inlaws car, think the part was around £48, parts guy said then that depending on the model it could be over the ton, lucky for us that we needed the less expensive one but what the actual difference is I didn't look into.

This was for a 98S LX.

Dave
Evodad
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Post by Evodad »

Fitted the "Heater Hose Loom" as it's called.

Broke the plastic manifold on the bottom of the block at the back (another £11 to Big Daddy) getting the return hose off.

Mindful of heater matrix corrosion (or hopefully the lack of), refilled the system with 100% antifreeze, is this considered a good idea?
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AndersDK
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Post by AndersDK »

Pure antifreeze protects down to -35degC.
A bit overdoing it especially in UK, but it wont harm the system in any way. It does have antirust and lubing properties too, maybe your waterpump will last 50K longer then :wink:
Anders (DK) - '90 BX16Image
dnsey
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Post by dnsey »

I think it depends upon the composition of the antifreeze.
I believe that some types have an optimum concentration - any stronger and they become less effective.
BTW, being tight, I'd have glass-fibred the plastic elbow and refitted it (I welded a broken strut on the washing amchine this week rather than forking out fifteen quid) :D
Evodad
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Post by Evodad »

dnsey,
Take your point about costs, but I reckon it'd be difficult to remove the existing one with breaking it even more.

I finished up pulling the two stubs out with a bolt & pliers, hooking the head of the bolt round the ends of the stubs, was very mindful not to damage the two female spigots on the heater matrix.

Water pump, an extra 50k miles, I hope so, the cars already done 171k miles & I want it to top 200k!
alan s
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Post by alan s »

If the Xantia part is similar to the BX, we reckon it's possible to fabricate a nre section and attach it to the valve on the matrix.
Just a thought, but one fabricated of either stainless or copper should outlast the car. A mate who is a retired engineer wasn't at all phased by the prospect on his BX.



Alan S
RIP Sept 19th 2008.

She said "Put the cat out" She didn't mention it was on fire!!
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