I won a swimming pool!!

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 16 Jul 2010, 19:39

.... well, it's enough to fill one anyway. It's all in the front footwells, mostly passenger side but also reaching drivers.

Do you think it's bad? Here's the a short video clip but you'll have to tilt your head to the left to see it's proper orientation.

KP · Unread post by KP » 16 Jul 2010, 19:41

just like mine before it let go totally!

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 16 Jul 2010, 19:50

Have you got your TD (Bosch) on the road yet? Fancy coming down here for a free tune?

Free fuel too

Unread post by **RichardW** » 16 Jul 2010, 20:10

At least the part's only £40 or so. Pity about the 5 hours to get at it, plus the 5 hours for "Reassembly is the reverse of removal"

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 16 Jul 2010, 20:14

I might regret saying this but here goes....

If you want a hand replacing the matrix, its a job I wouldn't mind being involved with

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 16 Jul 2010, 20:50

Likewise Mike,

Anything I can do to help, give me a shout. Picking bits up or just helping with the matrix job itself.

admiral51 · Unread post by **admiral51** » 16 Jul 2010, 20:58

Cant do anything this weekend Mike or next Saturday morning but free Sunday 25th and most of the following week if you need a hand

Colin

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 16 Jul 2010, 22:10

Wow, what a pleasant response, thank you lads.

What I don't relish is having to contort for just a short while, let alone 10 hours - that can make me very ill. So anyone and everyone is welcome

£40 is within my budget this month - I've got enough coolant for 25% mix - but isn't there a chance of breaking something because it's brittle? Is it expensive?

If the dash is coming out, I'll need some illumination bulbs too - anyone know what type and/or amount I need?

I'd also be tempted to consider replacing the A/C evaporator (or is it condensor?) but fear after 8 years of non-use, the rest of the system will be pretty rotten too?

Do any other opportunities arise from this job I might consider?

admiral51 · Unread post by **admiral51** » 16 Jul 2010, 22:22

Not sure on the bulbs Mike,i know ive got a link to an Flea bay site somewhere,will need to do some digging through old posts/PMs.
We have a good few days to decide what might break and you know i like scavanging around Trents...i have big pockets in my high viz coat

Im sure Jim and others will point out the short cuts and pitfalls so what are we waiting for........ and i beleive you have a Lexia at hand,lots of opportunities to test your skills on donor vehicles

Colin

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 16 Jul 2010, 22:27

Mike,

I have plenty of coolant which I bought for the Activa's belt change, should you wish to increase that mix to 50% or so.

Bulbs are T509 I believe, plentiful supply at Trent's

IIRC from Jim's blog, the troublesome bit is the elbow at the bulkhead, though I stand to be corrected.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Jul 2010, 06:07

Good luck Mike!

Bulbs can be got from autobulbs direct as capless ones to place in your existing caps. Cheapest way to buy them..

heater matrix is not bad, just a long and tedious job.

The elbow will be OK if you do it hot and get a good purchase on it. It's obscured by the turbo pipes and these are best removed so you can get a good, straight pull on it. Most break because access only allows a pull at an angle rather then a good direct one. Wiggle it up and down and from side to side.

Once that's done and the scuttle is off you're home and dry.

You will need to strip carpets out to dry them properly. This is essential.

KP · Unread post by KP » 17 Jul 2010, 11:40

Hi Mike,

Sorry not got a 1.9td at the minute, just a thirsty activa that still hasn't had much work done RE the headgasket

Going to have to take time off work to sort it i think as cant see it being done without it

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 17 Jul 2010, 15:15

Toby, between us we got the coolant covered then, thanks. And yes, if you are passing GSF or ECP, please grab me a new matrix. If you can swing by here anytime before, I've got the cash waiting. However, someone mentioned different types, depending on A/C or not? Valeo for non and Buehr (is that the right spelling) for with A/C? Is that right for the xantia's?

Thanks for the link, Jim. Are the MK2's capless? They show 286's while Toby believes I need 509's? I have no idea what I need. It looks like at least two/three are out around the dials and all the heater controls have no lighting and at least one out on the radio/cassette. If I buy new, I'd be very tempted to replace the lot while accessible.

I don't relish the idea of removing the scuttle but I've long suspected the 'screen was once replaced and scuttle not re-sealed properly so it's maybe a blessing in disguise.

So where do I start? If it's 10 hours book time, I'll have to give myself 10 weeks

(Colin, any of the next ten Sundays should do, mate

) so I'm thinking, would it be worth bypassing the matrix so, if needed and before essentials are removed, I can drive the car in an emergency - especially this weekend?

I'm loathe to reference the BoL after the head removal experience, if someone could give (or link to) a summary of what I need to remove and in what order, I'd appreciate it.

Blogging, with pic or vids is a possibility though ideally, a dedicated camera man (Political correctness? Forget you!) and note-taker would be best.

You're right there Colin, Lexia (16-pin only) waiting for one and all and Bosch fuelled cars can be bespoke tuned, whether for power or economy.

Unfortunately, I have no way to accomodate anyone but refreshments and snacks are on offer.

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 17 Jul 2010, 15:33

No worries Mike. If your around Monday, I may pop over.

I think the 509s are actually 286s with holders. Jim is probably right in that they seperate, I've never had a Xantia dash out before.

Once again Mike, I know you are loathe to use it due to the fuel comsumption

, but there is a spare Activa sitting here, should things get that desparate.

I wonder if it would be possible to run the car minus certain bits of fascia, providing the essentials are still in...

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 17 Jul 2010, 15:53

I took a look at the twin hose feed to the matrix and it seems mine has a latch in between the two which needs to be squeezed but I can't do that AND pull on the connector. Anyone got any tips for releasing it single-handed? I'm thinking a long lever to progressively and gently prise out the connector at varying angles.

Toby, thanks I hope not but there's a real chance I might need it in an emergency this weekend.