Rad weld or no for matrix?

[despot67]

Well a few days ago I noticed my left footwell getting wet then very very wet but not that concerned as my last Terrano has a leaky door seal - I'd be so lucky this time!!!!
Coolant right down and can see drips from below glove box sot its the matrix - poop.

So do I get a new one for £50 and strip and replace or try radweld for now or could it be a connector?

Not happy as just spent £300 to get her through the MOT.

 

[panelbeater]

first i would try a rad sealer and see.then if no go a strip down will be needed.

 

[firebobby]

Are you absolutely sure it's coolant, is it using water ?? These do suffer from a panel below the wipers, leaking when the seal on the panel lets go.

 

[despot67]

Are you absolutely sure it's coolant, is it using water ?? These do suffer from a panel below the wipers, leaking when the seal on the panel lets go.

My expansion bottle was virtually empty after doing a short trip today with the heaters on so can't think where else it would have gone. I replaced the water pump last year as well as my leaky thermostat housing so dont think the pump has gone again?
It could be a coincidence and it has leaked from somewhere else and it is rain water as I did taste it and to be honest Im crap on taste so couldnt tell 100% it was sweet.

 

[scrumpydude]

No experience of the heater matrix on a terrano but when it went on my Peugeot 306 I was able to bypass it by cutting the hoses, some copper pipe and two jubilee clips. Replacing the heater matrix was a git of a job. Full dashboard out job. The plastic connector on bulkhead broke so it was a scrappy replacement and more copper pipe and jubilee clips. I hope the terrano is more user friendly.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

[rustic]

We have a workshop down load for replacing the heater Matrix...

Workshop 20

See here..


http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/downloads/workshop/wk20.pdf


Rustic

 

[macabethiel]

Are you absolutely sure it's coolant, is it using water ?? These do suffer from a panel below the wipers, leaking when the seal on the panel lets go.

Easy test - dip the tip of your finger on the damp floor, if it tastes sweet its coolant !

 

[firebobby]

Easy test - dip the tip of your finger on the damp floor, if it tastes sweet its coolant !

Ah but his taste buds are shot :lol
If it's loosing that much water then you should be able feel if the carpets are hot or as already said, bypass or clamp the pipes to/from the matrix in the engine bay.

 

[despot67]

Ah but his taste buds are shot :lol
If it's loosing that much water then you should be able feel if the carpets are hot or as already said, bypass or clamp the pipes to/from the matrix in the engine bay.

Damn, talk about reality staring you in the face - never thought about feeling if the leaked fluid was hot. Seriously that is a great tip - got to go out later so Ill try it then and report back,

 

[despot67]

We have a workshop down load for replacing the heater Matrix...

Workshop 20

See here..


http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/downloads/workshop/wk20.pdf


Rustic

Looking at the pics Im scared lol.

I have seen a replacement on eblag for 32 notes free postage so might be ordered later.

 

[Daemo]

Personally i find radweld type stuff just putting off the inevitable, i wouldnt even use it if i was selling the car as someone will probably pay all they can afford for the car only to have issues which could result in a family being stuck on the side of a freezing wet dangerous motorway.. I would do the job properly then its done with and forget about it.....

 

[rustic]

Personally i find radweld type stuff just putting off the inevitable, i wouldnt even use it if i was selling the car as someone will probably pay all they can afford for the car only to have issues which could result in a family being stuck on the side of a freezing wet dangerous motorway.. I would do the job properly then its done with and forget about it.....

Well the people who make or sell "Radweld" or "Kseal" don't seem to be bothered by that.

It's one of those get you home products, mind you, how many carry it in the car lol ?
I have a rusty tin of it in the garage...:doh

 

[solarman216]

I think it depends more on the cause of the leak in the first place, a stone hitting the core of a rad for instance stands a good chance if the hole is not too big, on the other hand a pipe into a heater matrix that is suffering vibration damage will stand no chance longer term unless you can stop the movement as well, Rick

 

[despot67]

well just done all of three miles in her and then when I pulled up I shone a torch in the footwell and its like a dripping tap - also warm so its definately the matrix.
I take it it makes no diference if your heater is on or off to the amount leaking?
Going to order a new matrix now but I gotta get through to Saturday to have time to do it as no chance with work.

 

[despot67]

well brand new one ordered with 2 yrs warranty - total cost £32.
Might have to try some sealant though to get me through the week and do a real good flush and new coolant when its all done?

 

[Timbo_1975]

well just done all of three miles in her and then when I pulled up I shone a torch in the footwell and its like a dripping tap - also warm so its definately the matrix.
I take it it makes no diference if your heater is on or off to the amount leaking?
Going to order a new matrix now but I gotta get through to Saturday to have time to do it as no chance with work.

Rad weld isn't going to plug that.

 

[solarman216]

To limit coolant loss in cool times undo the rad cap on top of the rad, as long as you do not work it hard, like towing up a long hill, you will be fine and you will now only have gravity pressure which is almost nothing compared to 12psi with the cap on, Rick

 

[rayf3262]

For now, just link the matrix hoses with a piece of 15mm copper tube.
It will be cold, but dry...

 

[firebobby]

you could remove the heater pipes and piece them together or clamp them off so little or no water gets into the matrix.

 

[scrumpydude]

For now, just link the matrix hoses with a piece of 15mm copper tube.
It will be cold, but dry...

Well worth doing if you have the time before your proper repair as when it goes properly it will be hot foot sauna time and you won't be going many miles further.