Replace the heater matrix the easy way

**Quiggs2001** · 08-12-2014,12:54 PM

I done this last night, got everything removed and got replacement matrix in..
but by god I cant get the pipes to line up and fit into the damn matrix. spent over two hours trying to meet them up, seals on, but it leaked top & bottom. so damn distressed.
i did use a new seal/clamp kit by the way.

now i cant drive it as coolant leaking into footwell when car is started. how can i bypass the matrix? Joining the two heater hoses at the firewall in the engine bay?
but with what, im a complete ameture :O

**Props Forward** · 08-12-2014,01:06 PM

It is a fiddle. Have you taken the rubber hoses off the metal pipes that are in the engine bay.. (The ones at the end of the pipe that you're trying to reattach on to the matrix)

It may give you an extra bit of leeway. The bet way I did it was put the seals into the matrix and wiggle then and and clamp.

Its tricky but persevere.. I Did it 3 or 4 times in total.

**lukieno1** · 08-12-2014,01:43 PM

All you gotta keep telling yourself is "it can be done"

i had had to do it twice as mine leaked the first time, you'll know when they're pinched together correctly, there isn't any room for error with the clamps, once you've tightened them just feel around the seal

if all else fails just grow a third hand and the job is a doddle

**Quiggs2001** · 08-12-2014,05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Props Forward

It is a fiddle. Have you taken the rubber hoses off the metal pipes that are in the engine bay.. (The ones at the end of the pipe that you're trying to reattach on to the matrix)

It may give you an extra bit of leeway. The bet way I did it was put the seals into the matrix and wiggle then and and clamp.

Its tricky but persevere.. I Did it 3 or 4 times in total.

Nope. Thats what I didnt do actually. Never really thought that'd give me extra leeway. Now u mention it.. It would have been easier. May try that.

**Quiggs2001** · 08-12-2014,05:46 PM

Is the best way to remove these by removing battery first? I cant seem to see how I would get pliers in there otherwise? They're simply like a tension clamp thing?

**Props Forward** · 08-12-2014,06:28 PM

I didn't have to remove the batt. Those hoses are how you bleed the system after. There should be like a pin hole that removes the air when the systems pressurized.

Yes those clamps! They were tricky. I used a pair of mole-grips to remove them. Be careful though as the hoses probably haven't been off before and they will be stuck. Once the tension clamps are removed, try and use hot water to heat the hoses so they become softer. The clamps are a pain but if you can use those mole grips on the lugs then squeeze them together and lock with the mole grips, you should be able to manipulate them off. Just be careful if you remove the clamp completely as those tension clamps have a habit of slipping off the mole grips and 'pinging' off!!! Watch your eyes!!

let me know how you get on..

Si

**Crasher** · 08-12-2014,06:50 PM

You may find that your problem is the heater units plastic body interfering with the clamp fitting, sometimes you have to gently lever the matrix forward slightly to give you room to get the clamp on and I also find I have to gently pinch the pipe towards to matrix with some grips or the two lips of the pipe and matrix will not be close enough together to get the V band around. Don't whatever you do damage the pipes, they are awful to change.