Small pool of water in both front footwells?! Help!!

[BigDave1]

Just noticed a small amount of what is highly likely to be coolant (definitely water anyway) in both front footwells of my '89 325i sport - non-AC model. The carpet is out for the resto'n so easy to notice. The engine has been recently run (after a two year pause! - successfully I might add). All levels were good before and after the run up (35 minutes). Thermostat works spot on. The front is on axle stands as suspension bits being renewed, so sitting at a slight angle. Following the tracts of the coolant it looks as if it has landed on the tunnel from somewhere behind the dash and then down into the footwells. I'm guessing it's coming from a perished heater pipes(s) but need some advice on where to start looking and what the "usual suspects" could be. This is new territory for me. Anyone any ideas???

[Grrrmachine]

Get to grips with the Heating system here:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Heating

Normally the leaks are on one side, where the hoses come through the bulkhead. The plastic pipes break and leak water everywhere. Trouble is, if you're getting it in both footwells, I'd be more inclined to think the heater matrix itself is broken, and swapping it is not fun.

[B7]

If it's both sides and it's coolant then the matrix would be my bet.

The usual culprit is the heater valve but that would only affect the left hand side.

[BigDave1]

Thanks guys. Really useful info. I'll tackle the matrix this weekend!!

[Brianmoooore]

You need to establish for certain what the liquid is first. Coolant or water? Taste test should determine.

[Idol]

Ignore my post, thought it might of been rot in the floor pans but see that you traced the water up the tunnel