Matrix replaced but still leaking

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 25 Jul 2010, 14:21

We've just started the car to bleed the coolant only to find the footwell's getting soaked again.

AFAICT, logically there's only three possible sources

1. The elbow connector in the engine bay (which I doubt could leak back through the bulkhead due to the sandwich plates either side)
2. The matrix to elbow connector (which I did remove and refit for easier fitting but am adamant I did those back up tightly)
3. The new matrix, which I guess a professional would have pressure tested first.

So, when you've all finished laughing, I'd appreciate your comments.

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 25 Jul 2010, 14:42

I'm sure nobody here will be laughing at your apparent misfortune Mike.
If the matrix is kosher from GSF etc it would suggest the elbow joint
o rings although some new parts are known to fail from new out of the box.

Andrew

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 25 Jul 2010, 14:48

Thanks Andrew but I can laugh at it so won't take it personally if you.

They are new o-rings and they did give me grief when I fitted them over the hose connector. I could not push it on to the latching point.

This morning, I fitted the 0-rings inside the matrix and the connector clicked in very easily. Toby suggests I may have pushed them beyond their recess and it'll be easy to check if they're leaking I guess.

Off to have a look now.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Jul 2010, 11:47

There was no coolant leaking from the elbow connector in the engine bay and the o-rings came out on the male end so guess they were seated ok and not leaking.

So I'm having to pull the dashboard (and scuttle off) again to try and get to the bottom of this. I'll be happier when I've discovered the cause.

Unread post by **RichardW** » 26 Jul 2010, 12:07

IIRC Xac separated the matrix at the joint inside the car, and managed to nip one of the O rings putting it back together, which then leaked, and prompted a second go at having the dash out....

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 26 Jul 2010, 12:12

RichardW wrote:IIRC Xac separated the matrix at the joint inside the car, and managed to nip one of the O rings putting it back together, which then leaked, and prompted a second go at having the dash out....

IIRC Jim and I accidently broke the end of the matrix spiggot which prevented it seating properly.
There was also quite a bit of limecale to clean off too.

Juliet doesn't like using the o-rings for the elbow in the engine bay, when they're fitted she blasts the elbow off dumping coolant onto the road, and who am I to argue with a lady?

Unread post by **RichardW** » 26 Jul 2010, 12:55

Xac wrote:
IIRC

Well, you'd have a better chance of RC since you were there, and I was only 'virtually' there

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Jul 2010, 13:50

There are no o-rings on the internal joint but now we've pulled the fascia out I noticed coolant sitting on the top of the matrix indicating it's that very joint that I disturbed. Maybe it was factory "sealed" and needs a bit of sealant applied.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 26 Jul 2010, 14:16

I had this problem with an XM using the originals and ended up fitting two used rings on each pipe.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Jul 2010, 15:17

Sorry, my mistake and hence the reason for the leak. There ARE o-rings for the internal joint. Seems one made a bid for freedom when we weren't looking and allowed the leak.

So, fingers crossed....

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 26 Jul 2010, 19:47

Yes, was the missing o-ring and all's now good again. Well, I've still got a lot of reverse of removals to do but the fascia is back in.

Thanks to all respondants and a big thanks to TobyHDI who volunteered many hours of his spare time to help me as well as loaning me his Activa.

Xantia Colin · Unread post by **Xantia Colin** » 26 Jul 2010, 22:48

When I did the matrix on my estate, I too lost this very same o ring, put it back together, it leaked etc... It now has one o ring from the old matrix, after moving the car I found the new one...

Live and learn, that won't happen next time!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 27 Jul 2010, 07:52

MikeT wrote:as well as loaning me his Activa.

So you'll be wanting one now then Mike... I have one for sale

Seriously, delighted that all is now OK. Well done to you and Toby for doing a tricky job

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 27 Jul 2010, 13:44

CitroJim wrote:
MikeT wrote:as well as loaning me his Activa.
So you'll be wanting one now then Mike...

On the contrary Jim. I've put £40 in the tank for general errands which has ruined my budget for this week (£45 will brim my tank).

....Unless you can fit a diesel lump in it, of course.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 29 Jul 2010, 12:11

Ho, ho, ho. It's sprung another leak.

Somewhere from the double-elbow area. No time to investigate until probably Monday.