Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: gordonfh on 29 August 2008, 01:25:06

Title: Heater matrix
Post by: gordonfh on 29 August 2008, 01:25:06

Hi does any one know the easiest way to change the heater matrix?
I bought my omega yesterday and their is water/coolant leaking from underneath the dash where the pedals are. It is taking all the coolant/ water from the engine anyone have any ideas if it is the heater matrix or anything else?
Cheers.

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: RobWheatley on 29 August 2008, 01:49:49

Just had mine fail (details in another post) reading the haynes manual its a dash out job for the matrix but there is another joint under the dash between the matrix and the steel pipes from the bulkhead, you could be lucky and its the joint that is leaking.
At the moment im thinking of getting a saw out and hacking the side of the dash out if it turns out to be the matrix.
Hope you get it sorted out.
Rob

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: sophos9 on 29 August 2008, 09:30:13

I've just done this job and bugger pulling the dash out!!

• Drain Coolant
• If you have got the vinyl covering on your dash then using a scalpel, carefully peel it back until its close to the facia.
• Using a saw blade, cut a fair chunk of the foam faced PVC out, approx 7 x 5inchs
• Remove the cabling (dont cut through fit) for the climate control valves.
• Remove the console securing bracket
• Remove coolant pipe securing brackets
• Remove matrix securing bolt
• Getting the matrix out is tricky as there is not much room to move at all - requires some careful brute force!!

Rebuilding

• I used a combination of glue and duck tape to secure the PVC piece back in place
• Used automotive spray glue to get the vinyl to stick back to the PVC

You will need a selection of sockets, male and female torx bits. To be honest, I found this the worst job I've ever done on the omega but was great satisfaction when it was done!!

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: gordonfh on 29 August 2008, 15:13:31

Thanks for the advice i will have ago at it tomorrow
any one else got any more advice please say
cheers

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: sophos9 on 29 August 2008, 15:16:43

Quote

any one else got any more advice please say
cheers

Take your time and be prepared to get in some painful positions, get a torch and spare batteries...

Could change your coolant at the same time?

Before you rip it all out, check to see if the leak is from the seals mating the coolant pipes to the matrix

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: JonArgraig on 29 August 2008, 16:09:53

Been out and taken the section I cut out away so you can see where to cut

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/jonargraig/Photo-0001a.jpg)

To be honest - you still can't see the hole unless your head is in the well

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: sophos9 on 29 August 2008, 16:23:18

How did you remove the matrix from that small area (or did you just change the seals?)

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: JonArgraig on 29 August 2008, 16:25:33

Quote

How did you remove the matrix from that small area (or did you just change the seals?)

Using a little force, it comes out, though you need take the fuse box cover off as well

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: sophos9 on 29 August 2008, 16:30:24

There must be different cores or locations or summat, could never have got mine out of a place that small...

I have to cut out at least twice that size just to see the core??

Title: Re: Heater matrix
Post by: gordonfh on 30 August 2008, 15:38:59

Thanks For The Advice Evryone
 :y