GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: andykram on 09 October 2012, 20:43
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Over recent weeks when I've moved the heater lever off its cold setting I've had 20 seconds of a "burning" smell, followed by massive misting of the windscreen which has taken ages and ages to clear.
Yesterday I even had steam coming out of the vents when I turned the heater on, 20 miles into my journey. This was followed shortly after by the red temperature light coming on. I pulled over, waited a few minutes for it to cool down then managed to get to work without any further problem.
Home time comes round so I check a cold engine and the coolant is way below minimum. I top it up and get home without a problem.
Anyway, I'm thinking this is far more likely to be a heater matrix issue than an actual coolant leak as there is absolutely no indication elsewhere of the latter. No obvious leaks anywhere, nothing under the car, temperature gauge absolutely rock solid on the first mark etc. etc.
However, there's clearly some moisture lurking somewhere and, with the screen misting so badly, I suspect a slight leak in the heater matrix somewhere. So my question is, is it ok to sort this with a juicy dose of sealant or is that just putting off the inevitable of changing the matrix? I wanted to avoid the drama of pulling the dash to pieces to sort that. What do you experts reckon?
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No moisture in the foot wells either before anyone asks.
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Ive got same problem on my 1.8 digi had no heat from blowers when engine hot also lost a tad of water ... Ive now put a 20vt turbo engine and its doing same thing :( im going to change the matrix at the weekend
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Just change it, you dont need to pull the dash to pieces. Its just undertrays and centre console you need to remove to access. Itll take a couple of hours to change
and before you fit new make sure you clean all the protective oil of it, otherwise youll get an oily residue on your window for about 3mths after it while it slowly burns off
also remove bypass valves as new matrix wont need them as its a superceeded mk3 part you fit
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If people reckon that's the best way forward to put a new one in, it's going on for a full engine refurb at the end of this month so I reckon a sealant job will do for a few weeks and then I'll get one put in when the engine is out and everything's being cleaned up.
This also saves me having to fanny around sticking a new one in for the sake of three weeks.
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All you need is here.... http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=68989.0
As said many times over, use only Valeo, or Behr branded units, others leak after a few months! be warned!
GSF do them. at around £40ish, ask for a Mk3 matrix, which is the same fittment, but heavier duty...
Thom
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You could even ask for a mk4 one if ya wanted. They are all the same part. If getting from gsf ask if they have any better quality items. I got a hella heater matrix from them though that was years back
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I did it not long ago, followed one of the 'how to' threads and was very straight forward. Did it over the course of a few evenings, can be a bit fiddly, and did involve a fair bit of sitting upside down with my head in the footwell, but not difficult at all.
As said, get the mk3 matrix, and if your car has one, remove the bypass valve.
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Spoke to the mechanic today and it's definitely the matrix. So off we go on the hunt for a Mk3 jobby!!!
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If your not bothered about the heat for a few weeks just plug the water pipes into each other and keep your heating turned off
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Yeah just replace the patrix rather than compromising everything else with a sealant that may not do anything but block your radiator!
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Better in the long run to fit a new matrix.
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Spoke to the mechanic today and it's definitely the matrix. So off we go on the hunt for a Mk3 jobby!!!
James replaced my matrix earlier this year. We also managed to source some replacement pipes to do away with the bypass valve.
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If your not bothered about the heat for a few weeks just plug the water pipes into each other and keep your heating turned off
Do that temporarily to prevent misting etc, heater matrix's are so common usually with a damp footwell though? Not always the case. Good luck changing it, it's always been known as a bit of a mission to do.