Heater matrix

Hi All,

I know that this topic has been covered numerous times before on here, but I'm after definative advice about this.

1. Where is the cheapest place to get hold of one?

2. Does the dash need to come out to fit it?

3. Is it an easyish DIY job or is it best left to the pros?

4. Is it covered in the Haynes Manual?

Mine has just gone pop and I've been quoted £400 by Rybrook Liverpool to get it replaced. Is this a fair quote or should I try elsewhere/DIY?

All advice/help would be GREATFULLY received ;)

Paul

Hey Paul,

They must've thought all their Christmas' had come at once - two '93 850's needing (relatively) expensive parts in one day. I assume the £400 quote is inclusive of VAT and Labour? They quoted me £292 to fit a new radiator or £176 inc VAT just for the part.

If you're a VOC member try Nordic for the Matrix. Nordic quoted me £106 inc VAT for the radiator so that should give you some idea of the savings to be made.

Alternatively, ECP list a "Heat Exchanger" for £152.50 plus VAT.

I'm going away this evening so won't get the chance to check my Haynes Manual but will do over the weekend if you've not had any responses. I reckon it could be done DIY though.

Andy

Hi Andy,

The quote was all inclusive, but still made me fill my pants! As I'm not yet a VOC member, could you (or anyone) obtain a price for me from Nordic? If it's worthwhile, I'll join the VOC just to get the discount! Thanks for looking in the Haynes bible for me, I'll have to make myself get one this weekend as I'm sure it will be very well used!!

I've found a used matrix on partsgateway.co.uk for £38 incl. delivery. Is it worth trying a used one with a 90 day warranty before shelling out around £180 for a new one, or will I just be throwing good money after bad? Advice welcomed by all....

Paul

[warthog]

Paul,

changing the heater matrix is not particularly difficult. Before you start, along with the new matrix you will also need 2 new O rings to fit to the connector where the coolant pipes enter the matrix.

In outline, locate and clamp off the two coolant pipes with pipe clamps where they enter the engine bulkhead to the heater under the bonnet. This will save you draining all the coolant.

Inside the car, remove both plastic coverings under the dash - driver and passenger side, also both side coverings to the centre consule. Remove any amplifier brackets etc if they are fitted. Gently pull the carpets away from the centre consule and cover with lots of absorbant rags etc to catch a heater matrix full of coolant.

There are 5 screws that need removing. One in between the two coolant pipes - this allows them to be removed from the matrix. You will see the O rings that need replacing here. There are also two screws each side of the heater box securing the matrix holder to the bottom of the heater ducting. Once removed, the matrix holder can be manoevered out sideways.

Replacement is a reverse of the above.

Unless you are seriously strapped for cash, it's well worth joining VOC (if you're not already) and getting a new matrix from Nordic or similar.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Brian

[liuleichan]

>In outline, locate and clamp off the two coolant pipes with
>pipe clamps where they enter the engine bulkhead to the heater
>under the bonnet. This will save you draining all the
>coolant.

Just one thing to add to that...

Given that the normal reason for heater matrix failure is internal corrosion - it may be a good idea to drain and refill with new coolant.

[warthog]

Good point, and probably worth doing every so often anyway.

Thanks for all the advice!

Managed to get the matrix for £148 incl VAT and delivery from Nordic. Set of O Rings were £17 from Rybrook Liverpool. Decided to get it fitted by my local garage and save myself the hastle for £80 including a coolant flush and new coolant. Should be ready Monday so will post after then with any further problems encountered/advice received by mechanic.

Thanks again for all your help and words of wisdom!

Paul

Finally got the motor back today after a 15 minute argument last night with the garage. (Crane Bank Garage Wallasey - just so you can steer well clear) They had decided to take it upon themselves to replace the pipes and coupling on the matrix also without agreement from me first! By doing this it had added £70 onto the price of the work for parts, another £45 for the extra labour and delayed the fix by an extra day. Also, I had to phone them to find this out as they hadn't the brain capacity nor consideration to phone and tell me the car wouldn't be ready when they said it would be.

Because of my rantings, they didn't charge me for the new pipes (£32+VAT) nor the extra labour and I got a free valet to boot! Still not enough to make me entrust my car to them again as they pulled a similar stunt with my dad's Rover last week!

I'll leave it to Rybrook next time I think just for added peace of mind!

Paul

Hi all

I just got back from holiday aboard and read these messages just wondering is the S70 matrix the same to remove?, I posted a similar message a few weeks ago but no reply.

My 98 S70 R matrix needs to be done im thinking of doing the job this weekend i will get new seals from volvo and take the matrix to a nearby radiator specialist they can recondition it for approx £50 i hope.


cheers
Leigh

[deanrosc]

thanks brian, that'll help enourmously. doesn't look too hard. famous last words or what?