VG onwards heater matrix/core

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Tue Jul 26, 11 9:42 am

Hi
I know this may be better it the 'wanted' section but I am sure none of the yanks can be used in my VG so decided I'll post here to limit the audience.

Think I have a slight leak in my heater, sometimes smell coolant and have seen a drop or two on the rubber mat under the heater box over the last few weeks.
The heater box may be sealed well and may be carrying more leaked coolant than I can see/smell and may account for the smell.
It gets driven every day so has not got a bad leak as I would not be able to miss that!
Have bypassed the heater so it does not let go but want to get it sorted before winter.
Giving myself plenty of time because everything I now do is in slow motion with Max on the scene (11 week old)

Anyway Has anyone got an old heater matrix I could have (will pay or swap).
Thinking of having one re-cored rather than putting a used one in.
Anyone know a good radiator place that do repairs - more than sell factory made radiators.

I am not 100% but think the VG onwards used the same heater.
My VG has AC but I think the heater was the same as non AC.

Thanks

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue Jul 26, 11 9:56 am

i have a heater core that is in good condition from a VK or CM with Aircon

if it fits

you can have it

needs some of the fins bending back

i'll have to dig it out

copper pipes can be bent to fit or resolderd if neccessary

the aircon box it was in was in great condition until liz drove into it and smashed it into graage wall

so i now have a load of aircon spares

suggest it is corked and submerged in a sink of hot water and we look for bubbles

seemingly my fault bacasue i left the car in gear

Dave

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Tue Jul 26, 11 11:37 am

Thanks Dave, that would be great.

The sink test would be a good first test.
Been looking for a good scientific way to test without spending money on an expensive pressure tester.

Reckon you would need to submerge it to 10m to produce a 1bar reverse pressure. To be sure of leaks around operating pressure you would need to get it deeper.
Got a deep sink?

May even pay to plumb it into the car inside the engine bay (before installing it so it can be seen) and run it upto operating temp and pressure. Have a temp gauge in my radiator cap so will get a good idea of temp.
Have both 13lb and 16lb caps with gauges so should be able to get a good idea of any leaks.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue Jul 26, 11 12:12 pm

well we need a diving pool

and a very long snorkel

in sure Costco will have one, i can pick up a canoe and a fire pit while i'm there

Dave

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Fri Aug 26, 11 12:43 pm

Thanks for the old heater box and matrix Dave.
Sorry I could not talk for long..... Imagine that, work getting in the way of talking cars and crap!

Plumbed it into the VG, just inside the engine bay and ran it to operating temp & pressure.
At least 2 small leaks as we could see in the staining on the fins.

I'll take it to a radiator joint in Cranleigh today to see how much a re-core will be.

Thought you may like the electrical engineering that was done to the old heater box of yours.

Don't think I fancy melting/burning my car this way!

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Mon Sep 05, 11 10:02 am

think thats the thermister.

resistance increases as the air gets hotter its supposed to either speed up or slow down the fan whichever is appropriate.

you get a thermocouple attached to a switch and one of the sliders in an aircon box

but only one of these in a heater.

sorry its got holes in it....

what a pain

Dave

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Mon Sep 05, 11 12:26 pm

Thanks Dave.

Had it re-cored, picked it up on Friday.
Have no fitted it yet, had other things to do.