Heater Matrix for TCT without AC

KP · Unread post by KP » 14 Apr 2010, 21:40

Has anyone done a guide on this as i can't find a sticky in either section.

It seems mine has died the death now as the passenger footwell is a wee bit moist to say the least

Jim i have that server if you fancy giving me a hand still

I know i will likely have to take a day out to get this done start to finish and am going to stick a new Thermostat in as well as mine seems to let the temp creep up to about 95, even 100 sometimes and then it drops right back down to 80.... not like most cars i drive which tend to get up to temp and then just stay there. I think its called sticky stat syndrome

so an 83' one will be going in as a reckon that august may be a tad warm this year and the TCT does get warm

Also got a wheel bearing to do and still that handbrake cable

Doe it help much in the dash removal for the HM replacement if say over a few nights or during my lunch hours if i remove bits of trim like the radio cover, the steering column shroud and so fourth, and is it possible to do with just one man on the job??

Thanks,
Will

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 14 Apr 2010, 21:48

Hi Will,

Procedurally, the job of doing a non-aircon heater matrix is no different from doing an aircon one.

I'd say it was absolutely and exactly the same except that the heater box will be a bit easier to move around, having no evaporator pipework to get in the way.

I did a write-up on doing a matrix generally and promptly lost it again but someone did find it and put a link up to it...

I've got to change the matrix in my Activa project before long as well. I thought it was Ok but after repairing the blower resistors, I now find the car smells like a curry house

Perhaps we can do the job together....

EDIT: Sorry, missed your last sentence Will. Yes, great idea to remove bits in stages. It is amazing what you can get rid of and still have a perfectly drivable car!!!

Getting the dash out is a two-handed job. For that you do need assistance. SWMBO or even one of the children will be fine as it's more needing to guide rather than any heavy lifting. The dash is a big, bulky lump but not overly heavy...

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 14 Apr 2010, 22:12

Much easier with the MK1 as it has a handy carry handle on the passenger side

Unread post by **RichardW** » 15 Apr 2010, 08:19

Heater matrix info

If you're pushed for time, bung a bottle of Forte Rad Stop Leak in it - it will seal it up. My HDi went from nothing to water out the bottom of the dash in a few days, Forte dried it right out within a couple of 00 miles, and that was about 20k miles ago, fine since, no dampness, no curry house

. I'm sort of thinking about changing it, but then again....

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Apr 2010, 09:41

Ahh

Well done Richard

I must make a note of that or at least remember you know where it is!!! I could recall neither last evening...

After doing a lovely job of sealing my scuttle, I think I'll go down the Forte road before doing the matrix...

KP · Unread post by KP » 15 Apr 2010, 12:10

Cheers Richard.

Can GSF supply Forte?? Going to try somewhere local soon as its not a job i really want to tackle at the minute but may have to

Unread post by **RichardW** » 15 Apr 2010, 12:18

Not available at GSF, but there are a few mail order places that do it. Do be prepared for a bit of shock when you see the price though - RRP is about £14 a bottle

which is nearly 1/2 the price of a new matrix! Damn good stuff though - I've never bothered with taking a hose off or anything - just syphon a pint out of the header tank and bung it in - it makes it way around the system no problems.

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 15 Apr 2010, 12:43

Maybe Forte is only available at certain GSFs as Im sure I've seen bottles on the shelf behind the counter in our local one.

KP · Unread post by KP » 15 Apr 2010, 15:56

Well got some today and its in the system and now just drying out the footwell as best i can using an old towel that is now drenched and drying on the radiator in the house

Will see how it goes and it only cost £10 which if it saves the dash coming out then its worth it. If the dash has to come out then at least i can replace a load of blown bulbs while im at it and get my clock back and the sidelamps as well as they have never worked on any xantia i've had.....

Thanks for the advice guys i'll report back soon as i know if its held or not..

Tomorrow after i go to the cinema with matthew and evan is in nursery the hub is coming off, fingers crossed i can get it done in the afternoon as i even got a 3foot breaker bar!!!

ACTIVE8 · Unread post by **ACTIVE8** » 28 Apr 2010, 18:03

Xac wrote:Much easier with the MK1 as it has a handy carry handle on the passenger side

Ah!

It has an additional use.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 01 May 2010, 19:35

ACTIVE8 wrote: Ah!

It has an additional use.

Oh yes, in mine it keeps Piglet and Tigger in their place

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 02 May 2010, 11:04

CitroJim wrote:Oh yes, in mine it keeps Piglet and Tigger in their place

In mine it serves as a piece of modern art.

KP · Unread post by KP » 17 May 2010, 09:28

Following on from this i changed the dreaded leaking pipe last night while i was replacing the HP to PR pipe again and flushed the system as a matter of course. was a horrid orangey color again

After flushing i think i upset the heater matrix again as it decided to leak

this has now resulted in a puddle in the passenger footwell that i am drying out and now the Alarm is not working

Does this mean the ecu has been swimming and is now dead or that its little swim just means it needs to dry out?

If not i guess i'll have to get on the lookout for another and pencil in getting the matrix done this week or next if some more forte doesn't cure it again

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 May 2010, 09:59

If the alarm has stopped Will then yes, it's a fair enough bet that the ECU has been a bit damp. The thing that really suffers on it is the connectors.

Since this has been a long'ish standing problem, I'd be very tempted to remove the interior and let everyting properly dry out. It is usefully done when you do the matrix change as you'll be half-way there anyway. Nothing will dry properly if you don't do a full interior removal.

The ECU should dry out OK. They're well-made and so long as the damp has not started to corrode anything you should be Ok..

KP · Unread post by KP » 17 May 2010, 10:43

Cheers Jim

Guess i'll get the front seats out and get the carpet out as well. Could be time to find some spare door rubbers as well and replace the flat ones on mine as well

Oh i did the thermostat as well, as GSF do the 83' one as standard which was good