Heater matrix

dnsey · Post by **dnsey** » 22 Dec 2010, 18:41

I just DO NOT use them! Id far sooner top a system up with a Mixed anti freeze mix to keep the Rust at bay, and then get the job / do the job when possible!

What am I missing here? Why can't you use sealant and then top up with antifreeze mix? The above disaster seems to have been caused by the plain water top-up, not the sealer.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 22 Dec 2010, 18:43

I THINK, IIRC correctly, they tell you to drain the system out completely?? So theres just the sealent mixture in the water??

If not, then Im miss led myself...

Paul

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:00

Now i have some things to think about ?
Richard the place you described sounds right to me for where i found the AF.
A friend of mine suggested i let the car warm up and then turn the heater on as it should mist the windscreen up,it did nt but i am positive i could smell the anti freeze smell strongly to start with !

I am now at acceptance point that the matrix is going.
I am stuck with 2 choices either replace the matrix or add sealant, i am not keen to do sealant as i did it in a Bx and it sealed the rad and over heated the car ( the rad was stone cold ! ) it was the block you crumble and add to the cooling system sort. i am considering bars stop leak or K seal as you can add with anti freeze i think ?
I would prefer to replace the matrix but i would like a hand, any helpers out there who could help please

???????
Or is there anyone who could do he job for a reasonable price ?
i have sen new matrixs on ebay at £20.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:06

Matrix prices are cheap.. as the job to change it is a pain - well, long winded to do...

Im in North Wales, I see your in Poole!

The matrix MAY not steam up straight away, they useually only steam up when they are leaking quite badly...

My XM leaked for sometime with the smell, before suddenly all broke loose, the car steamed up and that was it.. the end..

The smell comes first, then eventually the steam...

Obviously the sealant block - blocked the Thermostat on your BX... another one for my "I dont like to use " list..

Paul

Post by **RichardW** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:12

Forte rad sealer is what you want. It's different to the Barrs stuff - for a start it's like water, and bright pale blue. If the tank is near full then syphon a pint out and stick the bottle in. I've probably run near 100k with his in various Xantia cooling systems without a problem. It also claims to lubricate the water pump, but I can't vouch for that!

Mind you, it ought to be good - a 500ml bottle is near half the price of a new matrix!! Considerably quicker to 'fit' though....

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:19

richard is this the productyou mean ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Forte-Radiator-St ... 45f77ca10e

The bit that worries me is they call it a temporary repair ?

addo · Post by **addo** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:38

dnsey wrote:What am I missing here? Why can't you use sealant and then top up with antifreeze mix? The above disaster seems to have been caused by the plain water top-up, not the sealer.

Some antifreezes based on EG will seek out weak points in the cooling system; this includes working their way behind cured "plugs" of additive.

It's well worth changing the matrix. If you let it go, and it fails completely in traffic, there's a fair odds you'll try limping the car off the road, killing the motor far worse in the process. Much as it sounds redneck, you can probably drive the car with some of the preparatory work done (scuttle off, column shroud removed, console out etc) to allow for essential replacement activity to be completed over a single evening.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:40

imperial21 wrote:richard is this the productyou mean ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Forte-Radiator-St ... 45f77ca10e

The bit that worries me is they call it a temporary repair ?

That's the stuff and as Richard states its not like any other product as unlike Radweld there appears to be very little residue, just a creamy blue milky mixture which by all accounts stops leak for far longer than temporary.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:47

imperial21 wrote:I would prefer to replace the matrix but i would like a hand, any helpers out there who could help please ???????

More than happy to help should you decide to change the matrix. I helped MikeT do his so am familiar with the job somewhat. It is a long tedious job though.

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:50

Maybe i should i try the forte stuff, hopefully it would hold out till a warmer time ?
Does the forte mix ok with anti freeze ?

I am still not convinced the matrix is my only water leak as i have lost a quater of a litre in about 10 days but my carpet is nt really wet,the water pump was recently replaced, but i was warned there is a plastic pipe thing at the back of the engine had water marks about it ?

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:53

Hi Toby i may well take you up on your offer thanks
Mike

addo · Post by **addo** » 22 Dec 2010, 21:54

Ah yes, the plastic coolant fanimold. They become brittle with age, chlorinated water, and overtemp running.

Cheap enough to buy but an absolute mongrel to access for neat replacement - ideally you have the offside driveshaft out and also replace the rear motor mount at the same time.

Post by **RichardW** » 23 Dec 2010, 07:24

It does say temporary on the bottle, but then it would as it's only an add in sealant. I can only speak as I find though - 2 of my Xantias have run over 40k each with it in, and its sealed and kept sealed leaky matricies on both. If you're like me, then you'll 'fit' it now in winter with some half intention of changing the matrix in the summer, then never quite get around to it

. Must make sure I've got some more in before I do the waterpump - don't want it to start leaking again with the new coolant....

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 23 Dec 2010, 13:09

Toby_HDi wrote:
imperial21 wrote:I would prefer to replace the matrix but i would like a hand, any helpers out there who could help please ???????
More than happy to help should you decide to change the matrix. I helped MikeT do his so am familiar with the job somewhat. It is a long tedious job though.

Me too though I'm not too keen on this weather, it can render my fingers useless within an hour - less if holding metal tools. As advised, it can be done in stages and still be driveable if required (though the removal of the screen scuttle can allow rainwater into the car through the blower inlet).

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 23 Dec 2010, 18:24

I ordered a bottle of the forte stuff today ,fingers crossed it will last at least a while !!!!!!