V6 heater matrix

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fatherjack2002
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V6 heater matrix

Post by fatherjack2002 »

Hi folks, i realise there will a thread on the forum somewhere, but i cant locate it :(
I've had my V6 for 6mths now (how time flies, loads of stuff to do and no time :( ). When i got the car i experienced the dreaded "curry smell" from the heater and passenger foot-well carpet being slightly damp, i've kept an eye on temp/and water, and in 1500 miles it's only used about half a cup of water to top it up .
Where i'm going with this post is, when the matrix starts to fail does it loose a minimal amount of water, and more importantly is there any easy/temp fix with "RadWeld" or a similar product ? as the thought of changing the matrix is beyond my capabilities.
Cheers for now Paul
1995 Xantia VSX 1.9 TD, RIP
N*ssan Pr*mera . HATING EVERY MILE
1994 Xantia LX 1.9TD, RIP
1997 Xantia desire 2 re-homed
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by myglaren »

Don't use Radweld or Barrs Leaks Paul.

The only thing we are aware of that is suitable is Forte Cooling System Stop Leak.
Normally only sold through garages but it is available on eBay and possibly Amazon.
Anything else will give you grief in the end.
Blocked oil cooler is one of the effects.
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by superloopy »

I'm sure there's a post on here which says there is a problem with its interaction between autobox in some way?? Jim will know. Indeed it may have been a post of his ... i've got 'exchanger'?? stuck in my head somewhere as being a reason not to use it but am normally way wide of the mark. My matrix needs doing also and i had stuck a bottle of FSL in before reading the post thats why it sticks with me as a redflag.

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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: V6 heater matrix

Post by myglaren »

Jim did find that on the autobox he stripped and refurbished that among other things the oil cooler was clogged with what appeared to be radiator sealant.
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by chinkostu »

If its not leaking too bad forte will limp you along. Mine went from faint whiff to dumping coolant in the footwell in about 200 miles!!

If you do attempt to change the matrix then do as i have and leave yourself plenty of time, it isn't a job to rush! From start to reaching the matrix is about 4 hours, quicker if your tools are nearer and you don't get unstuck, i found it took longer to find all the screws and bolts holding it together!

The hardest part is getting the scuttle panel off, a long sharp thin knife and a heatgun did the trick for me.
Stu

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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by superloopy »

Is there a complete matrix tear down and rebuild IN PICTURES anywhere on the forum?
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: V6 heater matrix

Post by chinkostu »

xantiamanic wrote:Is there a complete matrix tear down and rebuild IN PICTURES anywhere on the forum?

Kind of



This guide is for a mk2 but is useful. I should have took pictures myself tbh!
Stu

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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by CitroJim »

Yes, use ONLY Forte Stop leak!

Paul, it was your old V6 that was full of rad sealant that clogged the transmission cooler. It may have contributed to the failure of the gearbox...
Jim

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Mandrake
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by Mandrake »

CitroJim wrote:Yes, use ONLY Forte Stop leak!

Paul, it was your old V6 that was full of rad sealant that clogged the transmission cooler. It may have contributed to the failure of the gearbox...
In the long distance post mortem of my old Silver Xantia V6 (RIP) I came to the conclusion that the gearbox had been overheating for a long time (since before I bought it in fact) probably also due to a clogged heat exchanger, and that it very likely contributed to the gearbox failure!

I was not able to to inspect inside the heat exchanger, however I have records of gearbox oil temperature measurements taken by the Lexia under various driving conditions in both that car and the V6 I have now - the difference is night and day. Average oil temperature on the new V6 (with presumably a good heat exchanger) is about 15 degrees lower than the one I believed was blocked, and more importantly after heavy acceleration the new one cools back down to coolant temperature very very quickly (good heat transfer) whereas the other one not only got 15 degrees hotter in the first place but also stayed much hotter than the coolant temperature during prolonged periods of light cruise when the heat exchanger should have taken away the excess heat.

Designing a coolant expansion chamber that has a propensity to split its sides every 20K could well have been the death knell of many a Xantia V6 - the temptation to put some kind of radweld in the coolant instead of replace yet another flawed expansion chamber was probably too much for many people, with the consequences not coming home to roost until months or even years later. (Mine struggled on for a couple of years although I did have to change the oil a lot more frequently as it was going black unusually quick)
Simon

1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey
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fatherjack2002
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by fatherjack2002 »

Cheers for the info folks, looks like Forte Stop leak is the answer ( if only temporarily ) :) :)
i'm going to try stripping out the matrix on the V6 i'm breaking if only to establish whether its a job i can actually undertake, as i'm a little limited on mechanical knowledge :? :? :?
Cheers Paul.............
1995 Xantia VSX 1.9 TD, RIP
N*ssan Pr*mera . HATING EVERY MILE
1994 Xantia LX 1.9TD, RIP
1997 Xantia desire 2 re-homed
2002 Pugeot 307 HDI (not quite a Xantia, but still French)
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chinkostu
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Re: V6 heater matrix

Post by chinkostu »

fatherjack2002 wrote:Cheers for the info folks, looks like Forte Stop leak is the answer ( if only temporarily ) :) :)
i'm going to try stripping out the matrix on the V6 i'm breaking if only to establish whether its a job i can actually undertake, as i'm a little limited on mechanical knowledge :? :? :?
Cheers Paul.............
Is it the red exclusive? If so keep the wheel to one side ;)


Trust me it sounds bigger than it is. A sizeable tool set and a good weather day will be enough, its just lots of dismantling. Imagine it as your cupboard thats all neatly organised and stackef beautifully. but you need to replace a screw that holds it to the wall right at the back. It takes longer to remove all the bits in the way than it does the actual matrix. Well, it takes a few hours to get to the matrix, and thats with stopping every 2 minutes to get a different driver/socket/read the guide again as somethings not right :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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