Xantia Matrix connector

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 14 Apr 2011, 20:48

Huge problems with this. It will not go back on. The problem seems to have been found though.

The pipe seems to go home, but as it does the clip is pushed out so it doesn't click into place. Tried all sorts but it will not press back in.

Any ideas?

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 14 Apr 2011, 21:10

The clip is spring loaded, so when the hoses are all the way in it will click into place.
You could try it without the o-rings...

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 14 Apr 2011, 21:17

I have Xac.

The clip may be spring loaded but it is being pushed out rather than riding over the ridge and clicking in.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 14 Apr 2011, 23:01

The only thing that can be pushing the clip out is that the hoses aren't in far enough.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 14 Apr 2011, 23:26

The hoses certainly feel they like they are going home.

In fact the hoses will go in to a certain point, you can then push them further but the clip pops out. It's like instead of riding the plastic ridge and then locking that the plastic ridge is pushing it out.

To clarify, when I say the clip is being pushed out, I don't mean the clip is being pushed sideways in the oppostie direction to how you would unlatch it. I mean towards the front of the car, out of the connector.

The thing is we have tried the old matrix ports and the hoses clip straight in.

It is literally the last thing to do now before we can refill with coolant and fire up and not being able to get it on is becoming extremely frustrating.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 14 Apr 2011, 23:42

Try it without o-rings and see if you get any leaks.
I take it you got the matrix from GSF like we got Juliet's?
I'm wondering if their design is slightly different, or the new o-rings are too thick.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 14 Apr 2011, 23:43

I've tried without the O-rings - the same problem occurs. Matrix was purchased from GSF I believe. It's not a Valeo but I'm pretty sure its the right one.

I'm at a loss as to why it is happening.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 15 Apr 2011, 00:01

Service net only lists one type matrix to fit all RHD Xantia series : 6448.80
This is a Valeo (Thermiq) part.

For LHD series over my end of the woods we have more fun, as 2 types are around.

Could it be any casting imperfection in the ridge preventing the O-rings to snap in ?

Post by **KennyW** » 15 Apr 2011, 13:51

Hi Toby,

I had the same problem with mine, my solution was to glue it on. I had no trouble with thereafter until the accident

Kenny

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 15 Apr 2011, 14:16

what did you stick the pipes with that can take the pressure ????

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 15 Apr 2011, 14:58

It's odd it won't clip in without the o-rings, Toby. Can you take vernier/caliper measurements (depth to step and circumference) to compare old with new just to be sure it's correct fitment? Can't see why not but you never know.

I'm still suffering shoulder pain from Sunday's endeavours, Mike, sorry I can't offer more support yet.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 15 Apr 2011, 16:07

Mike, I have no such tools to do that. I have triple checked on the internet though and the matrix is the right one.

The pipe itself goes home, it just doesn't click in due to the clip being pushed back out.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 15 Apr 2011, 17:03

Good news! I've just received word that the problem is solved and the connector is back on! I could hear the familiar sound of an HDi in the background too!

I'm sure Mike will be along to reveal all soon.

imperial21 · Post by **imperial21** » 15 Apr 2011, 19:44

Hi all, My car is alive again !!!!

The problem was due to the kneck of the replacement matrix was slightly shorter, so when the pipes where pushed on the end of the clip got pushed back by the bulkhead plate, what we did was cut the centre strip of the bulkhead plate out and then put back together and all was well and it straight on !!!!

A note for people it was an AVIA heater matrix bought from GSF, I wonder if next time i would swap the knecks over ?

What a job it has been, i thought i would never do it again but i have just bought another xantia as i want to run veg oil and it needs a heater matrix

.

I want to say a special thanks to Toby & Mike T and of course the forum without everyones help i would never have done the job and may have ended up selling the car

Post by **KennyW** » 16 Apr 2011, 09:40

Hi All,

When I glued it I think I used araldite. I have used this on many things in the past and it is remarkable how it copes

Kenny