On Xantia Heater Matrix Elbows and Rad Sealants...

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 20:05

This weekend we swapped the heater matrix is Xac's Cassy. The elbow connector was stuck so fast we broke it getting it free. It really, really was stuck very fast as even when broken it was very reluctant to part company...

Xac had formerly used K-Seal in the system and I believe I may be on to something here. A common factor, I believe, is that in all recent cases of broken elbows I've been involved with, a common factor has been the use of a rad sealant other than Forte Stop Leak..

I may be barking up the wrong tree here (or just barking) but theres a growing body of evidence in my mind to suggest these sealers weld the matrix connector together and make them almost impossible to separate.

I've used Forte on a leaky matrix and in that case the connector did come apart...

I'm no fan of K-Seal and it's ilk and even less so now...

Also, I'm reasonably sure now that all that happens to a Xantia matrix to make it leak is hard O rings on the inner flange; That was the case with Cassy's most definitely... Her rings were as hard as iron..

Next time it'll be worth really trying to just replace those O rings (they're a standard size) without disturbing the elbow. If it fails though, it'll be a sod give the dash will have to come all the way out again...

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:33

CitroJim wrote:Next time it'll be worth really trying to just replace those O rings (they're a standard size) without disturbing the elbow. If it fails though, it'll be a sod give the dash will have to come all the way out again...

Unless you test it by running the engine before you refit the dash, you can of course connect up the dials without refitting the whole dash.

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:36

Yes, that's a good thought Richard...

We need a guinea pig now.. I wonder how the matrix is on my soon to be arriving HDi?

Note: This is not an invitation for me to do anyone else's leaky matrix... I've done enough now to last me several lifetimes

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:47

S2 matrix's are a little easyer to do I find, more with the dash removal...

Anyway... I am a STRICT non user of any sealer what so ever in any car system! If theres a leak it gets done as soon as and not put off!!

Its a COP out useing sealent..

Did you remember to split the heater box from the blower house on the middle?? Makes the job a bit easyer and is only two 10mm bolts.. top and bottom

Paul

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:50

CitroJim wrote:Yes, that's a good thought Richard...

We need a guinea pig now.. I wonder how the matrix is on my soon to be arriving HDi?

Note: This is not an invitation for me to do anyone else's leaky matrix... I've done enough now to last me several lifetimes

Well, we haven't done Jenny's yet...

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:54

Xac wrote: Well, we haven't done Jenny's yet...

I tried to reply but the forum word censor was having none of it

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:56

Ill do it... ill do it..... they dont bother me!!!

Paul

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 21:57

citroenxm wrote: Did you remember to split the heater box from the blower house on the middle?? Makes the job a bit easyer and is only two 10mm bolts.. top and bottom

Oh yes

Do it that way every time now Paul, it's a fantastic time saver and obviates removing the LHM reservoir. It *almost* makes the job a bit easier....

addo · Post by **addo** » 09 Oct 2011, 22:00

Yes, the "rock hard O-rings" situation is common with PSA stuff! I have taken to using rubber grease on the connector elbows with their O-rings. Come apart again a real treat.

Is anyone selling just the connector yet?

Post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 22:14

addo wrote: Is anyone selling just the connector yet?

Not as far as I know but I'm sure there's a market for such a device, just as there is for Mk2 Xantia window clips which, fortunately, are being manufactured by a third party...

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 09 Oct 2011, 23:07

Well I have a slight curry smell in this MK 11 V6. Got a whiff about 4 wks ago and put Forte in it. It still smells when heat put on for first minute.

I aint doing no matrix now . I think every Xantia at 12 yrs old has duff matrix or rings

Dommo · Post by **Dommo** » 09 Oct 2011, 23:16

lexi wrote:Well I have a slight curry smell in this MK 11 V6. Got a whiff about 4 wks ago and put Forte in it. It still smells when heat put on for first minute.

Mine does this and has done for the past 13 months, not put any sealant in although a previous owner may have, I don't imagine you'd know until you do a job such as this. I need to get it done one of these days but don't fancy it at all!

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 09 Oct 2011, 23:19

Eventually you'll get mist coming out the vents and even having the a/c on won't stop the windscrean from fogging up.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 09 Oct 2011, 23:20

lexi wrote:I think every Xantia at 12 yrs old has duff matrix or rings

Oi!!

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 10 Oct 2011, 19:06

Eventually you'll get mist coming out the vents and even having the a/c on won't stop the windscrean from fogging up.

Cheer us up why don't ya

Sounded like something from a John Carpenter movie there...........maybe The Fog

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On Xantia Heater Matrix Elbows and Rad Sealants...

On Xantia Heater Matrix Elbows and Rad Sealants...

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