Heater matrix, I think

[Ben Lessani]

Only prob is if you remove the bypass valve and you have the original mk2 heater matrix it may one day burst boiling coolant all over your feet...

It will never burst on your feet Worst case scenario is that the matrix housing just fills up with water, then it gently seeps out the foot vent hole.

Nevertheless, if you do the copper pipe trick, get a new matrix and do it at the same time, it will save you the grief doing it 1 month down the line.

[dabber77]

bought a new matrix now
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=190283121617&Category=9889&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

If I but the mk3 hoses are they a direct replacement for the bypass valves? sounds like it might be the easiest/best route

[Village Idiots]

Unless you've got water in the passenger footwell it's unlikely to be the heater matrix. Unless it's been by-passed in the engine bay it will still be leaking into the car and using a lot of water. Look to see if the control cable is working, this seems more likely from your symptoms. Still a 'swearing' job, but nothing like as bad as heater matrix exchange.

[Gloves88]

Only prob is if you remove the bypass valve and you have the original mk2 heater matrix it may one day burst boiling coolant all over your feet...

It will never burst on your feet Worst case scenario is that the matrix housing just fills up with water, then it gently seeps out the foot vent hole.

Nevertheless, if you do the copper pipe trick, get a new matrix and do it at the same time, it will save you the grief doing it 1 month down the line.

I was told this first hand by someone who this happened to, it burst going all over there feet, said he pulled over diving out the car to kick his shoes off as it was so hot....

Also someone on here a while back posted the same thing having happened to them...

I bought this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-8V-RADIATOR-HOSE-SET-C200_W0QQitemZ190283124993QQihZ009QQcategoryZ9889QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

^^^ it had the hoses uncut for replacing the bypass valve. (Note they're for an 8v)

[rubjonny]

gsf also sell uncut matrix hoses, if you buy a matrix from them get the more expensive one of the 2 they offer.

[dabber77]

again the heater seems fine around town and on way to work!

I'll check the cables behind it first.

[lukebGTI8v]

the same thing happened to my GTI all i did was go to my local breakers yard n take the bypass valves off another golf n wacked them on!! the heating is now fantastic!!! if anything it works too well