Xantia Heater Matrix Leaking!!

Jonesy · Unread post by **Jonesy** » 17 Dec 2003, 03:47

I have discovered that the heater matrix on my '98 2.1 TD must be leaking. During this spell of cold weather I am having difficulty in keeping the windows free from condensation and on closer examination have realised that the carpet area in the passenger side is damp. Because the climate control has recently stopped working (needs regassing only) I have not been able to use it to stop/reduce this condensation.
The leak is obviously very minor as I have only had to top up the coolant twice in nearly 7,000 miles (about 2/3 pint).
Question is, does the whole dashboard have to come out to replace the matrix or is there some clever way this can be done without this trauma?
Any thoughts appreciated as I really don't fancy removing the dash!

Unread post by **alan s** » 17 Dec 2003, 04:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jonesy

I have discovered that the heater matrix on my '98 2.1 TD must be leaking.
Question is, does the whole dashboard have to come out to replace the matrix or is there some clever way this can be done without this trauma?
Any thoughts appreciated as I really don't fancy removing the dash!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
All I can say is, at least we know what you'll be doing over the Christmas New Year break.[}:)][;)]
Pulling the dash board out.[:0][:0]
Alan S

wrinklet1 · Unread post by **wrinklet1** » 17 Dec 2003, 12:19

Alans, Thats cruel.
Jonesy, sounds like the heater matrix has packed up on you. The design of it is crap, vertical instead of horizontal, therefore fills up with sediment. Try this first, remove the bottom hose from your radiator, then remove the thermostat, put your hosepipe into the stat housing and make sure the heater is open, allow the water to back flow for around 20 mins, this may dis lodged the crap if your lucky. Refill your system and put some Bars leaks in too, follow the instructions. Hopefully this will stop your leak. If not, you will have to pull out the dash, I have done it on my Xantia, a day of a job mind you.
Good Luck,
Paul.

Unread post by **alan s** » 17 Dec 2003, 14:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by wrinklet1

Alans, Thats cruel.
Paul.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yeah but true unfortunately.
Alan S [:p]

arry_b · Unread post by **arry_b** » 17 Dec 2003, 21:39

Barrs Leaks / Radweld etc is generally a bad idea in "our" cars. It may (or may not) fix the weeping matrix, but will just as likely block your radiator, cause your engine to overheat and blow the head gasket.
After you've fixed that little lot, you'll then have to remove the dash to change the heater matrix....

Unread post by **alan s** » 18 Dec 2003, 02:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by arry_b

Barrs Leaks / Radweld etc is generally a bad idea in "our" cars. It may (or may not) fix the weeping matrix, but will just as likely block your radiator, cause your engine to overheat and blow the head gasket.
After you've fixed that little lot, you'll then have to remove the dash to change the heater matrix....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Agreed arry_b particularly with a diesel. It has often been reported that any radiator flow rate below 60% will almost certainly cause head & gasket problems.
At present I'm talking to a guy out here with a Peugeot 405 petrol who is finding his car runs constantly at 95 degrees even on the highway and even after he's removed his thermostat from the system (normally this has them running at 60 - 70 deg) and it seems he has a leaky matrix that has been 'sealed' using a leak stopper of some description and is now looking at a radiator clean job, system flush AND a new matrix.
I had one go on my CX so I opted for a bypass of the matrix; but I live in the tropics so it isn't what you'd call an essential item.
Alan S

andy pandy · Unread post by **andy pandy** » 18 Dec 2003, 04:48

IS IT ME OR DO THEY FIT CRAP MATRIXS TO CITROEN CARS[?] MY MATRIX HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW ONCE BY ME AND THE OTHER TIME BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER.
I HAVE HAD MANY OLD CARS IN THE PAST AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE HEATER EVER ( COME ON Citroen GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND DESIGN ONE THAT LASTS THE CARS LIFE )
THE PROBLEM IS I DO LOVE THE THING TO BITS[:)]
ZX 1.9 L REG ESTATE

JohnW · Unread post by **JohnW** » 19 Dec 2003, 14:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by andy pandy

IS IT ME OR DO THEY FIT CRAP MATRIXS TO CITROEN CARS[?] MY MATRIX HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW ONCE BY ME AND THE OTHER TIME BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER.
I HAVE HAD MANY OLD CARS IN THE PAST AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE HEATER EVER ( COME ON Citroen GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND DESIGN ONE THAT LASTS THE CARS LIFE )
THE PROBLEM IS I DO LOVE THE THING TO BITS[:)]
ZX 1.9 L REG ESTATE
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'm with you.
JohnW

louis1 · Unread post by **louis1** » 22 Dec 2003, 08:31

I have a 1993 zx TD and a 1998 xantia exclusive with two airbags, i have changed the zx matrix a few months ago and it wasnt to bad to do, i may have to do the same on the xantia. How much harder is the xantia to do than the zx? thank you.