How to change the Heater Matrix on a 900 Series.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by niloc

Above 1st post, THREAD TOOLS -> Show Printable Version

Or as above but use the Download PDF version, this can be saved and printed at a later stage or viewed on screen, thus saving paper..

Des. . .

[snorkel]

wow thats amazing piece of dedication, great stuff, really impressed.

it LOOKS like my matrix. but how can i find out for sure...?

snorkel

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by snorkel

wow thats amazing piece of dedication, great stuff, really impressed.

it LOOKS like my matrix. but how can i find out for sure...?

snorkel

Remove yours and measure/check.
Check with a Dealer as to the part number quoted on the site (link above) for the part.

Des. . .

[Georgey dee]

MY WORD!!!! that's a job and harf! I too am glad the 850 is a bit easier to change.

Great post by the way. Well done. If everyone took a few photos on new jobs then no one would go into a job blind.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Georgey dee

MY WORD!!!! that's a job and harf! I too am glad the 850 is a bit easier to change.

Great post by the way. Well done. If everyone took a few photos on new jobs then no one would go into a job blind.

I plan to do this on my 940 soon and am not looking forward to it too much..

The V90 is worse as the whle dash has to come out I believe..

Des. . .

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Have some extra photos for this which can be added later (when preped correctly! )..

Comments on the process:
As you have a burst/failed matrix you will have coolant all over the place!
You will need to wash all the carpets and sound proofing, or in some cases replace some.
This presents an ideal opportunity to improve on sound insulation if required.
Everything that comes out will likely need to be washed. This to include pipes, ducts panels etc.. Give everything a good clean.
As above, you are removing things and working in areas covered in coolant. Expect your hands, clothes etc to get covered in coolant/anti-freeze!!!
Have water and soap/cleaner handy to wash your hands..
As this is an issue with a car and components that are WET. . .
DO THIS IN SUMMER!!! Your car will take ages to dry out after you have washed/cleaned the interior!!!

Des. . .

[aslan]

Great writeup! I just did this job over the weekend. Pity I did not come across this earlier.

A question, is there supposed to be any sealant or grommet at the firewall where the hoses from the heater comes out? There's none on mine. Wondering if water or fumes can get it through it. There does seem to be some sort of foam in between the back of the firewall and the front of the heater housing but I don't think that is there to seal it.

Thanks

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

As will be updated in my project threat which includes this process....

Removing the pipes from the engine to the matrix/exchanger pipes:
Easier said than done. They may have been fitted 10+ years ago. Welding has nothing when compared to removong these pipes. Prepaired to be seriously p155ed off!
It helps to remve the lead from the coil to the distributor. Not much, but it helps.
Have a big breaker bar handy!!!

Remove the matrix from the distributor box:
Slides out? No f*****g way!!
The holes through the firewall to accomodate the matrix pipes have a dense foam "grommet!" to prevent movement and vibration as well as seal the engine compartment from the cabin...
These, after the same 10+ years have been double welded into position around the pipes of the matrix!!!
So, while you have a springy movement when trying to pull the matrix out, you have little else.
Use of a breaker bar may help but may also damage the heater box itelf..

Just waiting to find out if there is a part number for these grommet type things....
Before I hack the thing/s to pieces!!!

Des. . .

[gbartling]

des

did you find a part number for the grommets? do you think expanding foam would do the job or even silicon as the bulkhead has been damaged where the pipes go through, (some butcher of a mechanic) and the original grommets would not seal properly. the reason i decided to change it was i found a swamp in the footwell and presumed the matrix but now i have removed it i am not so sure, the one i removed looks like a reconditioned one as it is the original type but painted black and the inside of the housing was dry, i presume the same butcher who damaged the bulkhead did not dry the carpets and sound proofing. i am going to put a new matrix in but want to make sure that there is a good seal at the bulkhead.

gary

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by gbartling

des

did you find a part number for the grommets? do you think expanding foam would do the job or even silicon as the bulkhead has been damaged where the pipes go through, (some butcher of a mechanic) and the original grommets would not seal properly. the reason i decided to change it was i found a swamp in the footwell and presumed the matrix but now i have removed it i am not so sure, the one i removed looks like a reconditioned one as it is the original type but painted black and the inside of the housing was dry, i presume the same butcher who damaged the bulkhead did not dry the carpets and sound proofing. i am going to put a new matrix in but want to make sure that there is a good seal at the bulkhead.

gary

The "Grommet appears to be a large foam panel stuck to the firewall. You would need to remove the front part of the heater element box to be able to replace it.
I wrapped the pipes from the heat exchanger with the door foam I used to apply to the exchanger itself (to stop rattles).
The pipes from and to the engine fit near flust to the firewall so noise invasion is unlikely...

Maybe heating the pipe from the engine bay may help with their removal...
They appeared pretty well glued/stuck in place...

Des. . .