Xantia heater matrix leak suspected

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ed4ferrets
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Xantia heater matrix leak suspected

Post by ed4ferrets »

Hi when turning the heater on to demist there's a strange smell coming through the vents. Although carpets aren't wet the coolant level needs topping up occasionally so I suspect a leak of sorts.

To use K Seal can I just empty it into the header tank or is there a better way to ensure it circulates decently and hopefully seals the leak?

thanks for reading!
Ed

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'99 Xantia 1.9TD Estate - matrix done:))
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Post by exect »

I had exactly the same and thought it was the matrix but it turned out to be a weep from the hose behind the engine. I hope you have the same luck!
Exect
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Post by citroenxm »

If yur getting a curry type smell then the matrix is on its way...

I personally dont beleve in these sealing additives and think they can causr blockages in other places... Sounds like a dash out job is on the eay...

Paul
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Post by CitroJim »

citroenxm wrote: I personally dont beleve in these sealing additives and think they can causr blockages in other places... Sounds like a dash out job is on the eay...
I'm not wonderfully taken with them myself. K-Seal I have very little faith in but one I know works is Forte Stop Leak. It's harmless too, looking like milk and it's recommended by Valeo as well.

Forte will stop a small leak for a while as I found on my old 2.1TD but eventually the matrix will need replacing which, as you say Paul, is a dash out job. Tedious but not hard.

Sealants generally, all except Forte, may block fine passageways and I'd NEVER use them on an automatic under any circumstances as I've seen coolers bunged up with the stuff...

Speaking of matrix replacements, I'm soon off to assist with just that job in a few moments.... :twisted: :roll: :x :evil: :roll:
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Post by citroenxm »

Hey jim...

Shouldnt the xm come first on yur list?? :lol:

paul
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Post by CitroJim »

citroenxm wrote:Hey jim...

Shouldnt the xm come first on yur list?? :lol:

paul
I wish :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

It sits there begging me to get stuck in but time and other needs always gets in the way :cry:

No worries, I have a week off next week; guess what I'll be doing when not going to Aber to take Robyn to Uni?

Yep, that's it, wall-to-wall XM spannering :D :D :D :D
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Post by addo »

citroenxm
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2010 Peugeot 207 SW 1.6 8v HDi 161k and rising
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Post by citroenxm »

This is what i find. .. I want to get my stuff done butvother things keep getting in the way... Annoying..

Paul
Sharing a pug 207 1.6 hdi Sw 16v.
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L reg XM V6 12v SEi auto .. Light project

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Post by CitroJim »

addo wrote:I love anti-leak additives:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=35307
As much as I do Adam :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Bloody stuff, with one exception, should be banned...
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Post by CitroJim »

citroenxm wrote:This is what i find. .. I want to get my stuff done butvother things keep getting in the way... Annoying..
It'll be worse now you're married Paul :lol: :lol:

Just you wait until the little 'uns come along... :twisted:
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Post by addo »

Are we taking bets on the sex of any future sprogs, yet? :twisted:
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Post by CitroJim »

addo wrote:Are we taking bets on the (-censored-) of any future sprogs, yet? :twisted:
No, but be sure they'll be into XMs in a big way...

This, and it's not to upset you Ed, but this is what the interior of a Xantia looks like during a matrix swap...

Image

On this one, Chris570's Activa, the elbow was a sod and a half. It would just not come apart.

We hit on a plan the involved splitting the joint at the matrix end, splitting the heater box, undoing the matrix pipe plate screws and then having two people work the elbow, one from the engine bay and the other inside the car tugging on the other end..

It worked a treat but it still took us about an hour and a half to separate the joint :twisted:

That and the rain made it a bit of a log job. Finish off tomorrow...
Jim

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Post by addo »

Nice bit of pr0n there. Do I see vestiges of a little liquid therapy in the door pocket?

What are the yellow topped wiring bits next to its Autoliv module?
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Post by CitroJim »

addo wrote:Nice bit of pr0n there. Do I see vestiges of a little liquid therapy in the door pocket?
Just an old can of Coke Adam!!
addo wrote:What are the yellow topped wiring bits next to its Autoliv module?
The seat heater control connectors, the ones that go to the temperature selectors. This Activa has the rare winter pack fitted...
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Post by XantiaDaveEire »

What's the worst case scenario with the heater matrix?If it's left unfixed?

My car smells a little of curry when the warm heat is selected sometimes :roll:
1998 Xantia 1.9 TD 186k
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