Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

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chinkostu
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

That ebay one is misleading as it isn't actually a valeo one! But if it's one you've had success with i'll give it a go. Gonna try local factors too see if they can source one.

Given that i'm flushing the system i'll stick with red then, easier to spot leaks too :rofl2:
Stu

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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by myglaren »

I haven't used one personally.
Checked GSF but there's isn't Valeo either.
I had one fitted in my Xantia but don't know the make. It exploded a year after fitting but was never repaired, car went for scrap as it had been collided with while parked, at 3am.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

Aye thats exactly what I want to avoid, don't fancy doing this job more than once!
Stu

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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by CitroJim »

I'd definitely try to get hold of a Valeo one Stu..

I've seen several pattern ones with problems including not lasting, being too big for the heater box and elbow sockets not being correctly sized for the elbow connector... The one that was physically too big split the heater box in half in the attempts to make it fit...

I found that when I went in to investigate why the heater mixer flap had a mind of its own.

GSF used to supply Valeo ones...

Other than that, a Nissins one should be OK. I've used one in the past.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by RichardW »

GSF list one at £31.50, doesn't say what make
AEP direct list one they say is original at £48.30
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

Ah, a search for a nissens one brought up a few! Theres a site called mister-auto who also do a valeo one. Anyone had dealings with them?


Thanks again too guys, makes the whole job feel easier =D>
Stu

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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by lexi »

Mr Auto are freepost if you spend £39. They have all the quality part ranges and stuff that others don't do.
I have had loads from them. Fine, if you are not in a hurry IME. Have you tried ECP? I have had good deals recently. All Lemforder and in sealed factory bags :wink:
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

Mister auto is off the cards i think. they seem to list the LHD matrix's for some reason. Glad i checked the part numbers!
Stu

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1995 Xantia 1.9TD SX in (faded) Red
2003 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec in GREEEEEEEN
2001 206 1.9 LX
2001 Saxo VTR
1999 Saxo 1.1 East coast
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

Quick update, got hold of a nissens one from a local factors for £37 :) then bought a box of o rings, deionised water and coolant, then forte is on the way from the interwebs for safetys sake. My bank accounts crying :rofl2:

Quick question though, theres some sticky back foam, where does that go?!
Stu

Cars
1995 Xantia 1.9TD SX in (faded) Red
2003 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec in GREEEEEEEN
2001 206 1.9 LX
2001 Saxo VTR
1999 Saxo 1.1 East coast
1999 Punto :oops:
1996 306 1.8 XN Auto :?
1996 Fiesta 1.3 #-o
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

Well, old matrix out, no obvious leaks but a heater box full of coolant. Heater box did not want to split! The two jobs i dreaded (window seal and removing the elbow) went easy, but today the elbow would just not go back home easily.

An hour of using vaseline and failing left me to push it in as far as it would go then use some wood and a hammer to tap it home!

Old matrix was properly snug in the heater too, good job I was changing it as i bent half the fins getting it out!

So we're looking at a third day now, as my arms are cut to shreds!
Stu

Cars
1995 Xantia 1.9TD SX in (faded) Red
2003 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec in GREEEEEEEN
2001 206 1.9 LX
2001 Saxo VTR
1999 Saxo 1.1 East coast
1999 Punto :oops:
1996 306 1.8 XN Auto :?
1996 Fiesta 1.3 #-o
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by superloopy »

Did you take any pictures at all?

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Mike

Xantia Activa Dante Red MK1 (96) 121k - SORN, to be broken
Xantia Activa Silex Grey MK2 (98) 120k -SORN, ditto
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

xantiamanic wrote:Did you take any pictures at all?

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Unfortunately not, although if you're as far as I am i can happily help!

Despite what I mentioned earlier about leaving the turbo piping on i ended up removing it, as getting the two torx bits out is a pain in the arse otherwise!


Oh, and i flattened the battery when I tried to start her again to check for leaks! Just went dead!
Stu

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1995 Xantia 1.9TD SX in (faded) Red
2003 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec in GREEEEEEEN
2001 206 1.9 LX
2001 Saxo VTR
1999 Saxo 1.1 East coast
1999 Punto :oops:
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by superloopy »

I'm not even off the blocks yet. In this neck of the woods it's still midwinter! Wont be started for at least another 6 weeks here when its mild enough to stick the bedding plants in.

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Mike

Xantia Activa Dante Red MK1 (96) 121k - SORN, to be broken
Xantia Activa Silex Grey MK2 (98) 120k -SORN, ditto
Xantia V6 Silex Grey MK2 (98) 95k - non-runner
Xantia TD Storm Grey MK1 (95) 95k - non-runner
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

xantiamanic wrote:I'm not even off the blocks yet. In this neck of the woods it's still midwinter! Wont be started for at least another 6 weeks here when its mild enough to stick the bedding plants in.

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Get a hairdryer or heatgun and a decent thin blade for the window seal, and the easiest way to get the elbow apart is to get it up to temp then use the system pressure to pop it apart. In the guide i used they didn't mention the spring clip thats just below where the screw is on the heaterbox, and the screw is accessed from underneath rather than above! The old matrix was really snug in the box but you can just about yank it if you tip the heater box forward away from the dash.

Oh and dont forget the piddly torx screws that hold the plate and insulation together over the matrix pipes, best to do these last after seperating the elbow then once you've got the matrix back in put it back together as it'll hold the matrix solid so you can push the elbow on!

Pretty much everything up to the heater box is dead easy!
Stu

Cars
1995 Xantia 1.9TD SX in (faded) Red
2003 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec in GREEEEEEEN
2001 206 1.9 LX
2001 Saxo VTR
1999 Saxo 1.1 East coast
1999 Punto :oops:
1996 306 1.8 XN Auto :?
1996 Fiesta 1.3 #-o
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by superloopy »

Lifting the dash ... easy? And ... what was the foam for? I dont think my matrix has any in the box. I've got a spare set of heater pipes in case they break.

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Mike

Xantia Activa Dante Red MK1 (96) 121k - SORN, to be broken
Xantia Activa Silex Grey MK2 (98) 120k -SORN, ditto
Xantia V6 Silex Grey MK2 (98) 95k - non-runner
Xantia TD Storm Grey MK1 (95) 95k - non-runner
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