V90 disconnect heater as matrix gone

[ns1234567]

Hello

Has anyone advice on connecting the inflow and outflow heater pipes in the engine compartment to empty the matrix and then remove it from circuit as it is leaking - and has resisted attempts with Radweld etc to seal the hole wherever it is in the heater system (as it leaks into the footwell and the anti freeze fumes are pretty awful and minute droplets form an irremovable haze on all the windows).I can then buy an electric fan heater for the windscreen and cabin.I'd be grateful for your advice - thanks

nick

[aardvarkash10]

Remove the heater hoses from the junctions on the engine. just leave tehm hanging - it won't do any damage.

Fit a new length of hose that connects the engine outlet to the inlet.

Job done.

[ns1234567]

yes thanks for that - what about the anti-freeze remaining in the matrix - would it just drain from the disconnected heater hose..? - and would the electric heater (s) be sufficient do you think..?

[aardvarkash10]

anti-freeze in the matrix - blow it through and collect it in a container for recycling if you are feeling a bit environmental.

No idea on the electric heater - I've never seen one.

[eternal optimist]

Originally Posted by ns1234567

- and would the electric heater (s) be sufficient do you think..?

Why don’t you replace the matrix? I think you’re going to struggle like mad to find a 12v heater that will be of any use practical use whatsoever

[tofufi]

You'll need to replace the matrix to have any worthwhile heat.

Just go and put a 230v, 2kW fan heater in the car, and see how long it takes to warm up on a cold morning.

Then do the maths. At 12v, you'll need an electric heater to be using 167 amps of current to provide the same heating. Typically a cigarette lighter is rated at 10 amps or less.

In any case, the V90 has a 100amp alternator (according to the internet), so the car couldn't sustain the power required to run a 2kW heater even if you didn't use any of the other electricals on the car.

[Dippydog]

I'm not sure how easy it is to get to the pipe ends where they attach at the bulkhead in the engine bay,but I'd go for disconnecting the supply/return pipes at this point and use a short piece of copper pipe and a couple of jubilee clips to join the two[short copper jointing pieces can be had from B&Q/Wickes etc. for pennies]Not tried an electric heater so don't know how effective this would be.better of course to replace matrix.

[ns1234567]

Tried to get a matrix and drawn several blanks - thanks for your interest

[eternal optimist]

Originally Posted by ns1234567

Tried to get a matrix and drawn several blanks - thanks for your interest

If you can't find an exchange one, or a good secondhand one, you can get yours reconditioned easily enough. That's assuming it's the matrix that needs replacing - I'm not familiar with the 960/V90 heater system inside the cabin, but there could be a valve leaking or a joint. It might not be the matrix itself. My 960 could roast your face off. It was a good heater.

[nozamaman]

I have a matrix and all the parts for the heater/ aircon except the heater casing from a V90 1997
Email john.smith@volvoclub.org.uk