S2 heater matrix replacement

[andyps]

What absolutely has to be removed to enable the heater matrix to be replaced in an S2, or to put it another way, what is the least I can get away with removing to get the matrix out and a replacement in?

I'm pretty sure mine doesn't work effectively and would benefit from a replacement core but I'm hoping not to have to dismantle the whole interior if I can avoid it.

[lancialulu]

I would try flushing to clear the core first as if it is not leaking it should provide good service un blocked. Holts do a 2 stage  purge kit if the garden hose cannot get a good flow through (if you allowed to use your hose that is….).

[andyps]

Thanks Tim. I've flushed it through a few times and do get reasonable flow through it. Having been OK for a while it was losing water yesterday whilst driving, I can't tell where from but I wasn't sure that I didn't feel a few drops on my feet whilst driving (wearing sandals because of the heat), No sign of a leak when I got home but the water that was in the radiator must have gone somewhere! I'll look out for the Holts two stage kit as I've not seen that but have put a few bottle of radiator flush through it.

[nistri]

Flushing the rad with chemical products may actually increase the size of any leak by dislodging calcium salt precipitates clogging rusty holes. Andrea

[andyps]

Flushing the rad with chemical products may actually increase the size of any leak by dislodging calcium salt precipitates clogging rusty holes. Andrea

I had thought that, one reason I wondered about just replacing it.

[lancialulu]

Flushing the rad with chemical products may actually increase the size of any leak by dislodging calcium salt precipitates clogging rusty holes. Andrea

There could be many reasons the radiator level goes down. Do you run high concentrate blue antifreeze. That always leaves tell tales of external leaks.
I had thought that, one reason I wondered about just replacing it.

[Neil]

It might be worth checking the water control valve attached the heater box under the dash, I had one that leaked, despite being a new old stock item, around the central rod that moves the internal valve to control the flow of hot water.  Not too difficult to fit, but if you do change the matrix it may need replacing too.

[andyps]

There could be many reasons the radiator level goes down. Do you run high concentrate blue antifreeze. That always leaves tell tales of external leaks.

It had a 50:50 mix of blue antifreeze, that is what is odd about it as I can't see any sign of it anywhere. After the head gasket went due to the silt built up in the head (the car had been stood for nearly 30 years without moving) I did clean the radiator with limescale remover and could smell that slightly, but it's done well over 1000 miles since I used that and I hadn't noticed that smell before. May be the general hot weather though in relation to that.

[andyps]

It might be worth checking the water control valve attached the heater box under the dash, I had one that leaked, despite being a new old stock item, around the central rod that moves the internal valve to control the flow of hot water.  Not too difficult to fit, but if you do change the matrix it may need replacing too.

I did check that as it was the last part of the cooling system replaced and there is no sign of leakage - it wouldn't account for feeling like I got a couple of splashes on my feet anyway as it is on the passenger side.

[lancialulu]

Fulvias are notorious for self levelling the header of the  radiator and making  the  owner  think it losing water. Check the over flow pipe.....

[fay66]

Fulvias are notorious for self levelling the header of the  radiator and making  the  owner  think it losing water. Check the over flow pipe.....

My 2c used to worry me as I was always topping it up, I then realised no matter how often I topped it up its normal level settled just above the radiator core.
Brian
8227

[andyps]

Fulvias are notorious for self levelling the header of the  radiator and making  the  owner  think it losing water. Check the over flow pipe.....

I have wondered about that but it hadn't changed for many miles but now is doing, and it dropped below the level of the top of the radiator core. I'll be doing a reasonable length journey in it again at the weekend so will see what happens then.