Replacing heater matrix

[Jamesb318is]

Ive started to find coolant in the passenger footwell AGAIN, and to cut a long story short, its the heater matrix.
Thing is there are two types right? i have a plastic one, so should i fit another plastic one? (Ԛ£70 from parts, so i'll get parts warranty)
Does the complete dash need to come out? or can i remove the centre console and get it in from the side?

[ian332isport]

James,

Just remove the centre console and drop the glovebox down to get at the matrix. No need to remove the entire dash.

Ian.

[Jamesb318is]

Ah, so i wont be repalcing the entire heater box, just the matrix inside through the unscrewable slot yeah?

[kidsinister]

Ooh, best of luck - I've done this, it's a bitch.

Centre console & glovebox out, then you should see the end of the matrix with the valve at the top & two pipes going out through the bulkhead.

Getting at the bolts holding the valve in place is your first problem, but you also have to remove the big "hinge" for the brake servo so you can slide the matrix out.

It will take all day, and be prepared for lots of swearing. In short, be absolutely certain it's the matrix before starting the job.

Fit like for like, I think the plastic one is for later cars, metal for earlier ones.

[Jamesb318is]

Ah, that makes sense!
Deffo the matrix, put pressure in the system yesterday with a pump and could see it leaking out of the heater box. No bloody instructions on TIS though , all E30 stuff is on microfische, and i think thats in a museum somewhere!!!
Cheers for the help lads, at least i'll be doing it in a nice warm workshop up on a ramp lol!

[kidsinister]

Cheers for the help lads, at least i'll be doing it in a nice warm workshop up on a ramp lol!

I did it outside.

Last November.

In the rain.

I'm still wet now.

[Jamesb318is]

now thats commitment lol!!! my way sounds better though i think

[ian332isport]

Getting at the bolts holding the valve in place is your first problem, but you also have to remove the big "hinge" for the brake servo so you can slide the matrix out.

I have never had to touch the brake linkage to remove a heater matrix.

Granted, the bolts that secure the heater valve are awkward to access, but it was always possible to do without disturbing anything else. Once the valve is removed, the matrix is a fair bit forward of the brake linkage, so can't see why this would need removing to slide it out.

Ian.

[Brianmoooore]

Wrap PVC tape around the valve in the appropriate place to keep the fiddly little square nuts in place.

[Jamesb318is]

Cheers for the tips guys , i must say i removed the brake linkage when i did the o rings for the heater pipes, just gave me a bit more room for the one close to the bulkhead, see how it goes this time!