ALL MK 2 OWNERS TAKE NOTE!!

[Ben Lessani]

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!

[mattneck(Beavis)]

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!

[rubjonny]

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...

[Brayster]

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

[mattneck(Beavis)]

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

[rubjonny]

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

[Alec]

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

[Ben Lessani]

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)

[Alec]

lol "at the chicken guy" 

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

[bodga]

If the matrix does burst, it hardly happens with explosive force - the cooling system is barely pressurised.

  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