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Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 15:30
by MidLifeCrisis
Just dismantled the dash and had a look at the heater matrix - this is what I'm faced with ....
(This is the lower edge of the matrix as it's installed)

I'm assuming that the pink stuff is solidified coolant?
Can that be anything other than a leaking heater matrix/radiator ??
Symptoms were a smell of coolant when heater was on, so I was pretty convinced that it was a leaking matrix but was hoping it was just a leaking pipe/loose connector but now .......
Anyone got any other options that it could be before I fork out for a new matrix??
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 15:32
by CovKid
At least the matrix is cheap to buy - if you shop around. Leak - yes unless it trickled from a leaky hose.
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 15:40
by lloydy
I've never heard anyone call those front cores cheap!

Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:22
by MidLifeCrisis
CovKid wrote:At least the matrix is cheap to buy - if you shop around. Leak - yes unless it trickled from a leaky hose.
Last I heard (on this forum somewhere) was that it worked out at +£100 !!!!!
Unless I'm mistaken ...... tell me that I am?!?!
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:34
by lloydy
£135 from Brickwerks, who were the cheapest i could see.
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:40
by MidLifeCrisis
lloydy wrote:£135 from Brickwerks, who were the cheapest i could see.
That's not quite the sort of help I was hoping for!!!

Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:45
by lloydy
Well I ain't buying it for ya!
It's only money anyway, can't do anything with other than spend it. Treat your van as an ISA, it'll hopefully be worth more than what you've put into it when the time comes to sell

Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:47
by Smcknighty
Like an ISA - remember values can go down and you aren't guaranteed to get back what you put in!
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:51
by MidLifeCrisis
Was thinking I might just connect the two pipes together and buy a big coat!!
Much cheaper!!
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:56
by lefty67
http://www.vwsonline.co.uk/car_parts_br ... e-cat.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This one claims to fit 79-87 models
Sorry just seen the out of stock
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 16:58
by lloydy
That's for the rear heater, not front
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 17:04
by MidLifeCrisis
Pipes are wrong - think that may be for a rear heater (maybe)
Thanks for trying to help out though !!
This thread from a while back found one for £107 .... so that's winning at present!!
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... &p=8050687
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 22 Apr 2015, 22:45
by MidLifeCrisis
Clutching at straws here a little bit but do you think it might be worth trying K-Seal or something similar - see if that will fix it??
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 23 Apr 2015, 05:11
by itchyfeet
Second hand?
Re: Heater Matrix Leak
Posted: 23 Apr 2015, 05:58
by CovKid
I did say 'shop around', or is it only me that can search easily? Under £30 at ECP. Ask them when next batch is coming in.
or: (under £40)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Volkswagen ... 3f46610423" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
No way is that matrix worth £100+
