Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

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

Post by CitroJim »

That's good to know Paul :D
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

If it were quicker to do I think more of us would! It's definately cheaper though.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by CitroJim »

It does mean the elbow joint potentially does not need to be disturbed...

One slight problem may be that the joint between the matrix proper and the extension may not be identical/compatible between different makes of matrix...

Plus the O Rings are not available as spares so it would need some careful measurements and selection of suitable replacements. I'd not trust ones from a box of 5,000 selected sizes (none of which are the size you want!) you get from the local pound store for such a critical role.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by Paul-R »

CitroJim wrote:Plus the O Rings are not available as spares so it would need some careful measurements and selection of suitable replacements. I'd not trust ones from a box of 5,000 selected sizes (none of which are the size you want!) you get from the local pound store for such a critical role.
Not quite a pound shop but Aldi (and I suspect Lidl) occasionally have selection boxes of metric and imperial O-rings for sale. It was from one of these that I chose the best match. I'm fairly sure that it was a metric one but I wouldn't bet my house on it.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

I reused my elbow o rings, found some similar in my box but weren't as thick. Old ones were suprisingly supple!
Stu

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

Post by chinkostu »

Finally sorted. A quick note for anyone else doing this: the mk1 wires for the clocks don't go through the back of the dash as i thought, they drop below the wheel and route up under the panel that slots infont of the clocks!

I did the wrong way and had to fish them out one by one...dire job, almost tempted to remove dash again but the clocks we did near the end!!


One thing im struggling with is the scuttle. Got some black silicone but it won't bond properly, and the scuttle edges are a bit lifted. Do i need something really drastic like no more nails? :rofl2:
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by myglaren »

I believe Sikaflex is the recommended stuff.
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by CitroJim »

chinkostu wrote:Finally sorted. A quick note for anyone else doing this: the mk1 wires for the clocks don't go through the back of the dash as i thought, they drop below the wheel and route up under the panel that slots infont of the clocks!

I did the wrong way and had to fish them out one by one...dire job, almost tempted to remove dash again but the clocks we did near the end!!
Been there, done that Stu :twisted: And done the same with the instrument binnacle connectors too...

The scuttle and windscreen must be clinically clean for a good bond to be achieved with automotive grade Silicone RTV... Don't use ordinary bathroom sealant as it won't last...
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Re: Xantia heater matrix - quick fix with forte or replace?

Post by chinkostu »

CitroJim wrote:
chinkostu wrote:Finally sorted. A quick note for anyone else doing this: the mk1 wires for the clocks don't go through the back of the dash as i thought, they drop below the wheel and route up under the panel that slots infont of the clocks!

I did the wrong way and had to fish them out one by one...dire job, almost tempted to remove dash again but the clocks we did near the end!!
Been there, done that Stu :twisted: And done the same with the instrument binnacle connectors too...

The scuttle and windscreen must be clinically clean for a good bond to be achieved with automotive grade Silicone RTV... Don't use ordinary bathroom sealant as it won't last...
I'll grab some proper stuff and reseal it on a warm day. Its really damp up here so the stuffs taking ages to set!

Glad i'm not alone though. Had the wife helping me and she must have wanted to divorce me once an hour :rofl2:
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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