Heater matrix problems!!

[chris.hunt22]

Just spent hours removing the dash etc. only to work out I could get round not doing by stripping the dash area near the pedals, I have sucessfully got the old one out but the new one is different, it has a ridge inside which means the pipes will not push all the way in and seat correctly, the part number is correct (Its a Britpart matrix) but I cannot get the pipes to fit unless I drill it out and if it has a leak they won't take it back if I have tampered with it, I have dropped them an email but they are closed until Monday now....wasted weekend :x  Has anyone else had this problem before??

[blacknight]

I'm watching this post with interest as I also have a leaky heater matrix. Have wet carpets in the footwell and gurgling from the water pipes under the dash!!

Are you saying that you may have been able to do this by not removing the whole of the dash and, has yours got air conditioning??? I notice that we both have Disco's of a similar age.

[Wireless]

I'm also reading this with interest, my heater matrix appears to be partially blocked and reversing the flow with mains water to clear out the sludge hasn't cured it.

Estimate for replacement heater matrix, fitted, £587!

Maybe next winter.

[Bulli]

on a coutionary note if its leaking you need to do something. Mine failed and it was only luck that stopped the engine being fried. Keep a close eye on your water level.

[lurch_917]

 ive had varios problems with britpart replacements and found that just because it says original landrover ??????   drivers door lock   opend the box and geuse what its got genral motors logo stamed all over it original my ass

[hobbit]

To be honest if I had a leaky matrix, and couldn't get it done straight away, I would re route the heater hoses back into the engine cutting the flow to the heater altogether, ok gets a bit cold, but cheaper than a cooked engine in the long run ;)

[chris.hunt22]

Some advice fellas if you are doing this.....ignore the haynes manual!!  You do not need to remove hardly any of the dash or go anywhere near the refrigerant circuit, the matrix is up in the heights of the drivers side footwell, remove the electrical cover completely (4 small bolts) and the thin carboard type cover above the pedals, remove the centre console (the gearstick one not the one in the dash) and the drivers side floor vent and you will beable to see the end of the matrix, you have to unclip a few heater control cables and cable tie the wiring loom  out of the way, remove the steel panel that held the electrical panel on and that is it, the matrix will slide out (prising the dash but only slightly - its flexible now as the steel frame has been removed), if I knew this before and had the correct matrix the job would have been done in approx 1.5 hours, I will take some pictures before I put it back together!!  If yours is leaking bypass the system under the bonnet with a piece of copper pipe (you will have to leave the engine sound deadening cover off though)

[blacknight]

Some advice fellas if you are doing this.....ignore the haynes manual!!  You do not need to remove hardly any of the dash or go anywhere near the refrigerant circuit, the matrix is up in the heights of the drivers side footwell, remove the electrical cover completely (4 small bolts) and the thin carboard type cover above the pedals, remove the centre console (the gearstick one not the one in the dash) and the drivers side floor vent and you will beable to see the end of the matrix, you have to unclip a few heater control cables and cable tie the wiring loom  out of the way, remove the steel panel that held the electrical panel on and that is it, the matrix will slide out (prising the dash but only slightly - its flexible now as the steel frame has been removed), if I knew this before and had the correct matrix the job would have been done in approx 1.5 hours, I will take some pictures before I put it back together!!  If yours is leaking bypass the system under the bonnet with a piece of copper pipe (you will have to leave the engine sound deadening cover off though)

So was the matrix that you were firstly trying to fit the wrong one or was it a matter of purchasing a differant make?

The photo's will help me assess whether i will be able to tackle this matrix replacement. Have bypassed the matrix under the bonnet.

[DonH]

Replaced mine last year..... when we took it out, the replacement part was different so we took it back together with the failed unit and managed to get an identical part. Sorry but I hav eno pix.

[eugene]

i replaced the whole heater in mt 200tdi disco last year and took whole dash out as there are 4 bolts that hold
it in place took whole dat to remove and replace have some pics il post them when ive found then if any use