The dreaded smell of anti freeze

[Bren]

I have started getting a slight whiff of coolant inside the car, as it rises to temp. Heater matrix on its way?

I was only thinking the other day that it has lasted well (13 years) and then this! I guess I was tempting fate.

I could put a bottle of K-seal in and hope for the best but I think this is only a temporary measure. I have a local citroen specialist who is reasonable, however when jobs of this nature are done you find that things are'nt always put back properly. I really don't have the time to do this myself.

[CitroJim]

Rather than K-seal, try a bottle of Forte Stop Leak Bren. It worked a treat on my leaky matrix and kept it soldiering on until a good time came along to replace it.

Forte Stop Leak is recommeded as a cooling system additive by Valeo. It is seriously good stuff. Getting it may be an issue as it's trade-only but sometimes it can be found on eBay.

Replacement is not hard, just long-winded and tedious.. Reckon a good, whole day...

[falling-out-with-my-car]

forte stop leak is available from these people, you should be able to get some mail order.

www.citroen-hydraulics.com

the firm is called Pleiades and they restore the old maserati engine citroens.

they tend to be a little expensive for spheres but you can order the forte range from them.

good luck
Nigel.

[Old-Guy]

Jim's right. Had the same problem with our slightly older 1.9TD. Forte Stop Leak has fixed the problem until I have a couple of fine (warm) days spare to change the matrix. The smell comes back every time the car is used in the rain. When I've fitted a new matrix, I'll clean the carpet thoroughly.

Guy

[CitroJim]

JWhen I've fitted a new matrix, I'll clean the carpet thoroughly.

Also give the heater matrix compartment in the heater box a good clean Guy. Mine was full of old, crusty anti-freeze deposits and these will smell a bit when the matrix warms despite not leaking...