GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Smarty696 on 12 November 2008, 11:23
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Last night my heater matrix exploded and gave me 3rd degree burns on my legs and feet. If you haven't already done it change your heater matrix to a mk3 later model one. Trust me do it before you burn!!!
There are some posts on here telling you and showing you how to do it, so do it!
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Crap! How you are alright dude, burn sounds v nasty!
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hope you are ok chap
but this is old news vw used to replace the heater matrix under warranty i had 2 mk2's done by vw themselves
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Hope ain't all that bad and you recover back to normal.
I think mine had 'ploded sometime in the past because I have the copper pipe fix in place :shocked: it works :grin:
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I've just bought a Mk2 8v GTI 74k minter... :cool: how can I tell if this recall work has been done? :shocked:
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Hope ain't all that bad and you recover back to normal.
I think mine had 'ploded sometime in the past because I have the copper pipe fix in place :shocked: it works :grin:
I might be wrong but the straight through copper pipe actually restores full coolant flow into the matrix, hence the reason why some exploded in the first place. The fix is the bypass valve that diverts some of coolant flow elsewhere, this then fails over time and the heater blows cold air, then its either reinstate the full flow again with copper pipe and assume if the matrix hasn't popped by now its not going to happen or just renew the valve.
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I have a brand new heater matrix from GSF AND brand new Bypass Valves from VW!!! Belt and braces!!!
Hope you get better soon dude! :nerd:
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if it hadn't been done i'd be inclinded to leave it if/until it burst. changing a heater matrix is not a fun job.
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I've just bought a Mk2 8v GTI 74k minter... :cool: how can I tell if this recall work has been done? :shocked:
Phone VW customer services with the VIN.
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will they still do them after all these year's ??
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Use the MK3 matrix, I've heard it's better than the MK2 and a direct swap for the MK2 jobbie.
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will they still do them after all these year's ??
Dont think they do anymore, pretty sure they only have to offer the recall for 10years
Use the MK3 matrix, I've heard it's better than the MK2 and a direct swap for the MK2 jobbie.
Vw actually supercede the mk2 matrix to the mk3 one now
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yup and they are toasty!!! :cool: sorry to hear bout the explosion tho!!?!?!? Just a good kjob you weren't on the motorway at 70+mph
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Mine was changed by the previous owner, not sure if it's mk3 or not but it will quite literally melt your face off if you leave it on full whack too long. Definately the hottest car heater i've ever had :smiley:
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if you buy a heatermatrix for a mk2 now you should and proably will get a mk3 one anyway. then you can ditch those crappy valves that stop the original one explodeing
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woah.. very sorry to hear about this mate - Shocking news, might be worth contacting VW just so they know of another case of this happening.
Get well soon and take note everyone!
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might be worth contacting VW just so they know of another case of this happening.
I dought they will care tbh, even the youngest of mk2s are 16years old now. Things are going to go wrong with a 16year old car
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they know it happens, all mk2 golfs were recalled after a heater matrix blew up on an american car and the owner sued. all mk2 golfs were then recalled and had the valves fitted if these have been removed there is nothign to stop the heater matrix going pop. it's more of an issue on LHD cars with RHD it's the passinger that gets cooked
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with RHD it's the passinger that gets cooked
Sounds charming doesnt it? :tongue:
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came across this while looking for some paperwork
(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5048/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg/1/w729.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img135/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg/1/)
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This happened to me at full chat on the A5. Luckily the airflow through the car sucked the steam upwards and out through the dash....thought it was on fire at first, then the heat on my feet went up and I was able to pull over. :cool:
Had to drive the rest of the journey after refilling with water using the clutch as little as possible tho :grin:
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Had to drive the rest of the journey after refilling with water using the clutch as little as possible tho :grin:
should have just bypassed the matrix by connecting the two hoses together til you got it fixed... silly.
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Eep worried now! :undecided:
My heaters are sh!t so got a feeling its all original!
How much are you talking to have it replaced with a MK3 one? Just roughly?
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Eep worried now! :undecided:
My heaters are sh!t so got a feeling its all original!
How much are you talking to have it replaced with a MK3 one? Just roughly?
just leave it til it blows. it's not worth changing for the sake of it.
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Eep worried now! :undecided:
My heaters are sh!t so got a feeling its all original!
How much are you talking to have it replaced with a MK3 one? Just roughly?
just leave it til it blows. it's not worth changing for the sake of it.
:shocked:
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Eep worried now! :undecided:
My heaters are sh!t so got a feeling its all original!
How much are you talking to have it replaced with a MK3 one? Just roughly?
just leave it til it blows. it's not worth changing for the sake of it.
:shocked:
well change it then and come back to me. it's a right faff about.
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Eep worried now! :undecided:
My heaters are sh!t so got a feeling its all original!
How much are you talking to have it replaced with a MK3 one? Just roughly?
Change the bypass valve, that should restore the heat.
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I am slightly worried now though! :sad:
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Change your bypass valve luv and you'll be fine.
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I've just bought a Mk2 8v GTI 74k minter... :cool: how can I tell if this recall work has been done? :shocked:
Phone VW customer services with the VIN.
And they'ill have the details on record?! :shocked:
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its an easy job, dunno why it has the reputation it does!
id rather change the matrix than clean the mess from all that water and then have to change the matrix as well
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thats what i said happened to me and that why the golfs had recall to put vaulvs in the water pipes :smiley: :smiley:
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Had to drive the rest of the journey after refilling with water using the clutch as little as possible tho :grin:
should have just bypassed the matrix by connecting the two hoses together til you got it fixed... silly.
Yea, thought of that after i got home :laugh: used that fix until I changed the matrix.
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http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=68989.0
Thread on here shows how to replace matrix. Good tip about unbolting heater controls. I followed Haynes manual and disconnected on heater box, now they dont move very well :grin:
If I can do this anyone who can recognise one end on a spanner from the other can. Even a numpty like me did it in under six hours, maybe less if I followed the guide above :smiley:
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Did you have to remove the dash ?
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you can remove the dash or you can leave it in place. either way.
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its an easy job, dunno why it has the reputation it does!
id rather change the matrix than clean the mess from all that water and then have to change the matrix as well
yep, 3.5 hours all in, would have been quicker if I had junked the haynes
dash left in, front seats out for easier up side down access
Heater control issues :undecided: dunno, 3 cables off, 3 back on . :cool:
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Cheers for the sympathy guys, its taken me 4 hours, dash in seats out to replace the matrix with a Mk3. Not too bad a job just unclipping the heater box was hard with my sausage fingers, but all done and lovely and toasty!!
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Guys if I replace the matrix with one from gsf do I need to get new bypass valves? If so can I get them from vw?
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you can do away with the bypass valve with the later matrix, ask gsf for the pipes to delete it
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Guys if I replace the matrix with one from gsf do I need to get new bypass valves? If so can I get them from vw?
Super dig ... check the original post date boss!
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They did away with the Mk2 matrix quite early on due to this, the valves were the cheaper and quicker turn over route to get the cars 'safe' the only amtrix you can buy now is the mk3 one.. 1H2819031B.. Mk2 ones don't exist anymore. The aftermarket dont even make them to the early design!
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not so sure bevis, you seen gsf sell a cheaper matrix that is only listed for the MK2? they also sell the MK3 matrix which is listed for MK3, but the cheaper MK2 one is not...
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Thanks beavis know where I can get one of those model no's? And Ben of course I can see the date of the thread I can spell my own name too x ha
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not so sure bevis, you seen gsf sell a cheaper matrix that is only listed for the MK2? they also sell the MK3 matrix which is listed for MK3, but the cheaper MK2 one is not...
John I think theyre just Alt quality.. cheap made in china tat.. we do the Topran ones which are only mk3.. and looking at supplier lists they all superseed them to the later type.. maybe its just an old gsf listing they use as alt quality for the muppets who want to bodge it :grin:
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yeah tis just this party no listed for mk3 at all, which is why it makes me think it may be for the + valves. whatever, if in doubt, order a MK3 one :)
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I have been trying to get hold of a heat exchanger for mine after hearing this horror story. Cant be doing with changing the matrix and dont wana risk blowing it up by sticking copper pipe in the system raher than the heat exchanger.
Anyone got a vw part number for the exchanger? Or is it unlikely for vw to still supply these? Listers say they think they have found what I am looking for but it is 140 odd quid and only 6 left in the factory
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I can't understand where this myth has come from - its virtually impossible for the matrix to burst - then spray boiling water onto your legs!
If the matrix does burst, it hardly happens with explosive force - the cooling system is barely pressurised. Then the fact it would have to somehow just break through the walls of the heater matrix housing - which couldn't happen. Then when it does leak, it would just drip out the bottom of the heater matrix housing only once it has filled up about an inch from the recess at the bottom of the housing.
Even if the matrix housing had a hole in it - there is a plastic cover between the matrix housing and the drivers footwell too!
@the chicken guy - don't bother with bias valves, just remove and bridge with copper pipe, and if your not a pikey like the rest of us, you can buy the replacement hoses from gsf/vw and a new matrix from gsf/vw (gsf one is OEM Valeo)
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lol "at the chicken guy" :grin:
I have heard loads of horror storys about the matrix's popping. Thats why VW recalled them in the first place. I'm just one of these geeks who likes to replace things with OEM parts, not bits of copper pipe. The valve is there for a reason I guess.
I will have a play around tomorrow and see if I can sort something out
Cheers for the help though dude
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If the matrix does burst, it hardly happens with explosive force - the cooling system is barely pressurised.
:undecided: Take the cap off the coolant expansion tank after you have been out for a long drive and see if its pressurized? The water is kept under pressure to stop it boiling at 100deg. thats why you shouldnt take the cap off when the engine is hot. You release the pressure, the water will boil! I suppose thats what happens when the matrix fails. Think i will tell my front seat passengers to wear green welly boots :grin:
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i have the same problem and i am going for the copper pipe method this weekend :smiley:
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I can't understand where this myth has come from - its virtually impossible for the matrix to burst - then spray boiling water onto your legs!
It's not a myth, it's a warantee replacement because this has actually happened on many occasions.
It happened to Sharpie on the way to the 'ring September 08.
The heat exchangers/bias valves, whatever people want to call them are pressure reduction valves, which VW fitted as the fix to stop the matrix bursting. Take them out with an old matrix and you're risking a burst matrix. Replace the matrix and you'll get a later matrix AND you can remove the valves because the later matrices don't need the pressure reduction.
If you want an OEM stylee fix have a look at some Golf3 heater hoses - lose the valves and tidy things up.
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I don't doubt they burst - but its the spraying boiling water onto your legs which is dumb!
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Believe me it happens! A few years back it burst & sprayed steaming hot water all very my girlfriends legs, & I'm not just talking about a couple of drips but a bucket full. luckily she had jeans on but she wasn't too impressed! Plus the water stinks foul & it takes a lot to get rid of the lingering smell once its on your carpets & the sound deadener material has soaked a load of it up.
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I don't doubt they burst - but its the spraying boiling water onto your legs which is dumb!
my friend in the passenger seat got wet feet/legs but its mostly steam.
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mine started running down,didnt spray but i did feel the heat from the water on my legs to make me pull over and let it cool.
Didnt even get out of the car.
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I had one let go at full chat in 2nd gear coming off a roundabout, had I had a passanger they'd have had very badly burnt legs, it went everywhere. It even made a low pop/thump like noise when it went. I shat myself, thought I'd blown the engine up with all the (what I initially thought was) smoke.
Also when watching a trackday a few years back a MKII came tonking down the straight at Combe and suddenly steam poured out of the windows, the car dived on to the grass and the passanger jumped out and pulled his tousers off while swearing.........a lot!
Nick
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Right I am sure this has been asked a million times but I replace the heater matrix and then buy new hoses aren't I gonna be left with a gap where a bypass valve should be. Or are new hoses longer?
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thats where the copper pipe comes in,or you can try mk3 ones.
Mine never had the valves so you could try finding one that never had them fitted in the scrappy but mk2 s are a bit thin on the ground up scrappys now.
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you can get the longer hoses from gsf, the part number is buried in rubjonny's etka thread!
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Change your bypass valve luv and you'll be fine.
Where is thisin the bay or under the dash? any pics?
My heaters are crap also!
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follow the heater hose out the side of the engine on the right hand side as you are looking under the bonnet. Just before it goes through the bulkhead there is a metal valve on the hose. I took a pic of mine to send to the vw dealer the other day, when I can be bothered I will get it off my phone and on to photobucket for you
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follow the heater hose out the side of the engine on the right hand side as you are looking under the bonnet. Just before it goes through the bulkhead there is a metal valve on the hose. I took a pic of mine to send to the vw dealer the other day, when I can be bothered I will get it off my phone and on to photobucket for you
I know the pipe, cool, is there a way of knowing it goosed , all the coolant pipes there are burning hot!
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Check if the pipes going through the bulkhead are hot. There are two pipes, one feed and one return (I think). At the bypass valve mine has a smaller and thinner hose that bridges the feed and return at the valve if that makes sense. I'll plug me phone in shortly so you can see mine.
My heaters are duff also :smiley:
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(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii208/alec01_photos/16122009041.jpg)
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii208/alec01_photos/16122009040.jpg)
Hope that helps
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well my heater is pants to just changed these valves off a working car i knew heater was good still no heat in my car the pipes are red hot either side of valves and theres deffo water passing thru heater matrix
so do i just swap matrix or is there something im missing
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Think theres a flap inside the dash that blocks off the hot air isnt there, maybe this is closed off? Might be best asking Horney or Diamond Hell though, they seem to live and breathe old golf stuff man.
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Think theres a flap inside the dash that blocks off the hot air isnt there, maybe this is closed off? Might be best asking Horney or Diamond Hell though, they seem to live and breathe old golf stuff man.
i had thought about that but i get hot air for about 10 seconds of turning the blowers on then stone cold
also u forgot mr jonny on that list lol all mk2 gods :evil: :evil: :evil:
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It seems to me that your heater matrix is partially blocked up. does the heater warm up again if you giver the golf a thrashing?
Normally i would get the garden hose on one of the matrix pipes in the engine bay and flush it though but your foot well might get wet if the matrix is weak and break! :cry:
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It seems to me that your heater matrix is partially blocked up. does the heater warm up again if you giver the golf a thrashing?
Normally i would get the garden hose on one of the matrix pipes in the engine bay and flush it though but your foot well might get wet if the matrix is weak and break! :cry:
might try that tommorow if it brakes il bypass it till i get round to fixing mind u the way its goin it will be very warm with a gallon of petrol and a match lol
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could be the hot/cold flap has a load of holes in it? iethe that or it could be the matrix. in both cases the heaterbox needs to come out tho :(
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those flaps were a moment of retardedness from vw. Why cut big holes in them then cover the holes with foam that goes brittle and falls off :rolleyes:
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those flaps were a moment of retardedness from vw. Why cut big holes in them then cover the holes with foam that goes brittle and falls off :rolleyes:
+1 !
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those flaps were a moment of retardedness from vw. Why cut big holes in them then cover the holes with foam that goes brittle and falls off :rolleyes:
+2 had to bodge mine with bubble wrap and duct tape
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Think theres a flap inside the dash that blocks off the hot air isnt there, maybe this is closed off? Might be best asking Horney or Diamond Hell though, they seem to live and breathe old golf stuff man.
i had thought about that but i get hot air for about 10 seconds of turning the blowers on then stone cold
also u forgot mr jonny on that list lol all mk2 gods :evil: :evil: :evil:
I did forget yes! Sorry Mr Jonny :smiley:
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Think theres a flap inside the dash that blocks off the hot air isnt there, maybe this is closed off? Might be best asking Horney or Diamond Hell though, they seem to live and breathe old golf stuff man.
i had thought about that but i get hot air for about 10 seconds of turning the blowers on then stone cold
also u forgot mr jonny on that list lol all mk2 gods :evil: :evil: :evil:
I did forget yes! Sorry Mr Jonny :smiley:
tut tut tut :grin: :grin: :grin:
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anyone know what the part number is on German and swedish for the pipe that removes the bypass valve? going to put a MK3 matrix in and remove the valve, found the matrix just need the pipe number for german and swedish? any ideas?
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179VG0770 - HEATER HOSE (FEED) 8v - 9.60
179VG0780 - HEATER HOSE (FEED) 16V - 11.50
179VG0790 - HEATER HOSE (RETURN) - 9.45
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Cheers mate
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came across this while looking for some paperwork
(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5048/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg/1/w729.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img135/heatermatrixletterdp6.jpg/1/)
curious...
does this go for the models in the US? for example if i took my mk2 to a reputable vw dealership here in washington state would the laws that back up this letter have any authority? would i really get my car worked on for free?
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OK just ordered the these items
mk3 matrix
heater hose feed
heater hose return
is there anything else i need? this is going on a mk2 gti 16v?
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OK just ordered the these items
mk3 matrix
heater hose feed
heater hose return
is there anything else i need? this is going on a mk2 gti 16v?
yes: antifreeze
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true, should have plenty of that at the garage lol. Dont want to get there and find out we are missing a simple little bit and have to put it off, its very cold lol
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VAG G12 ;)
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whats a vag g12 mate?
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The coolant you should be using in your MK2.
GSF supply 1.5l for about £8.
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ahh right lol i will let my mechanic sort the cooling fluid out