Heater matrix just for a change

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 24 Sep 2006, 14:15

Well I can't put it off any longer, the leak is getting worse and it's starting to smell bad so I've gotta change the matrix before winter sets in.

Looked at GSF who only list a matrix for Xantia without air con, is there a difference or is it just a GSFism?

Anyone done this job on a Mk2 V6? Cant see it being much different to any other variant but any pointers wouldn't go amis.

davethewheel · Post by **davethewheel** » 24 Sep 2006, 14:49

the matrix's are all the same for xantia's ,just done mine but that was a mk1 2.1td, i don't think that there is a lot of difference tho, it may be tighter getting to the elbow joint in the bulhead with yours being a v6, taking the dash out is just the same apart from the passenger airbag fitted to mk2's, i did have a problem when it came to removing the heater assembly as there were some pipes from the aircon attached to it and i ended up letting the gas out not sure if there is another way around this as the haynes manuel didn't seem to cover this

regards dave

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 24 Sep 2006, 16:39

i dont think you are ment to release the refrigerant into the atmaspere,you are ment to get a man that can deprsurise the system,then get it regassed afterwards arnt you
regards malcolm

davethewheel · Post by **davethewheel** » 24 Sep 2006, 18:44

citronut wrote:i dont think you are ment to release the refrigerant into the atmaspere,you are ment to get a man that can deprsurise the system,then get it regassed afterwards arnt you
regards malcolm

yes you are right but at the time i didn't know what i was doing, there were 2 pipes from the aircon which are connected to an alloy block and there is a stud that appeared to hold it all in place which is what i loosened, i'm supprised that i hadn't read about this in all the posts i had read as most of these cars have aircon fitted and i wasn't expecting the gas to come out

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 25 Sep 2006, 14:15

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=17811

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 25 Sep 2006, 14:18

Stemps can you let me/us know how you get on? I have exactly same car and problem

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 25 Sep 2006, 19:46

Well I've made a start. What a lot of screws! Mine is nothing like the pics in Clogzz post. Ive got most of the inner trim off and the instrument panel, radio, glove box. and heater controls removed and central vents. Not too bad so far, I'll carry on at the weekend and keep you posted.

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 30 Sep 2006, 15:20

Time is now 3.10pm and I've been dismantling the Xant since 9.30am and still nowhere near the matrix. Steering column is out and passenger airbag, wiper blades off. The Haynes is a bit useless as it doesn't cover my model though some bits are very similar. I've printed off the exploded views from PR Net which are semi helpful, plenty off guesswork going on though. Anyway, it's just stopped raining so I'm off to struggle with the scuttle panel and wiper motor.

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 30 Sep 2006, 21:43

Seriously, why are you undoing the scuttle panel and wiper motor!?
There's nothing to do with the heater matrix up there, well, at least
not on the Xantiae I've scrapped...

This is the usual Haynes 'remove the back wheels and tailgate' as
you're changing a front wheel bearing...

Andrew

davethewheel · Post by **davethewheel** » 30 Sep 2006, 22:03

there are bolts that secure the dash that are hidden behind the wiper assembly

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 30 Sep 2006, 22:12

davethewheel wrote:there are bolts that secure the dash that are hidden behind the wiper assembly

Glad you're keeping an eye on the ball there Dave, I missed that one!!
Of course when breaking the Xantiae in the past I'd already removed
the wiper assembly before worrying about the heater box - Citroen
pretty much built the car around the damned thing from the outset

Andrew

davethewheel · Post by **davethewheel** » 30 Sep 2006, 22:42

it's still nice and clear in my mind after having only done it about 2 weeks ago, i wonder how many xantia's end up getting scrapped for the sake of a blown matrix, must be a lot due to the work involved