Passenger heater cooler

[Chuckles]

This old chestnut rises again!

I just could not believe how small this matrix is when removed, and when flushing it seemed fine. Then....

I brought it home, found some caustic soda, poured that in with hot water, and more or less chocked my self!

Lesson 1; do this is a well ventilated room!

After two or three goes it started to bubble up and a lot of gunge came out. So I am going to continue this approach until it stops.

I only hope this will not attack the seals on the pipe to matrix joints.
If it works I will post accordingly, if not, I may be laid out recovering from a sharp intake of breath!

One point of interest... using hot water and holding the end of the matrix you can get an idea how quickly the hot is going to the end of the matrix.

[Chuckles]

Well Caustic is not the solution!

Yes it cleared out a lot of muck, and perhaps it was me being over zealous, but leaving the caustic to froth away for too long, it ate through the matrix....

So rimmers to the rescue with a new unit - expecting that today.

The matrix must have been well and truly clogged because the amount of muck that came out was horrifying, and it still was not clear.

So chaps, unless your really lucky, it looks like a replacement for a "fit and forget" solution.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Chuckles

So chaps, unless your really lucky, it looks like a replacement for a "fit and forget" solution.

Don't give up as easily as that Chuck. I would have to check their compatibility with aluminium but there are other cleaning solutions which can be used: ordinary washing soda and dishwasher tablets (I'm told). The mild domestic descaling products might also be worth trying.

Simon

[Chuckles]

Simon, I heard that some of the domestic stuff is not strong enough, that's why I didn't try it.

Bearing in mind too that the blockages that I had, and that others comment on, is pretty compressed.

I take your point though, I should have persevered with other cleansers.

[Chuckles]

Dont buy the new type matrix from Rimmer Bros. yet.

Just had one delivered. No Sponge gasket and very tight fit ... so tight infact...

It "pinged" into the slot but would go no further.

BUT:.... Now I cannot get it in or out.

Rimmers are investigating - but how long is that going to take?

In the meantime I have a car occupying a lift cannot be moved; with a heater matrix hanging out

Apparently my order was the first of the latest product.

WHATCH THIS SPACE!

[Chuckles]

Part # Matrix-heater - Genuine MG Rover Part No.: ZUA001130


No reply yet

[Chuckles]

Buyer beware - the new heater matrix that Rimmers are selling does not fit properly. It had two metal covers one each end that did not allow the matrix to be inserted properly, and the 'O' rings supplied are too big. fortunately we had boxes of 'O' rings in the workshop and was able to find the correct ones.

The response from Rimmers was very poor, insinuating they are never wrong and if it does not fit, its my fault. They were adamant that no refund was to be offered.

I managed in the end to make it fit, by removing the two end covers completely, and refitting the one on the connection end once the matrix is in, just to act as a finisher realy. Unlike the original matrix there is no sponge gasket and the new fittings they supply for the tubes are a pig to fit.

All in all what was supposed to be an hour at most has been the best part of half a day of messing about. I only hope after all this it doesn't leak.
1st photo shows the end covers being removed.
2nd photo shows matrix being inserted without end covers.
3rd Photo is the end cover used on the pipe connection end, showing the bent in corners to allow it to be inserted into the heater.
The last one, (very poor picture - sorry about that) shows the end cover now in place. There is no cover on the inside end as this would not go into the heater.

This is not "sour grapes" but it does highlight a problem Rimmer have with a complaint. It was admitted that this was the first one they have sold, although later said that they had no problems with them.

So its up to you, if you think I have been vindictive or helpful that is
your prerogative.

[SD1too]

Chuck,

If you are absolutely sure about this then the part is not of merchantable quality. Try again, but this time speak to no-one but Chris Dennis. He is by far the best contact there and has accepted returns for a refund from me (and others) in the past. If you remain dissatisfied after that, put your complaint in writing to one of the directors Graham or Bill Rimmer.

Simon

[Chuckles]

I have the feeling they are not interested in this.

I have had cause to dive under the steering wheel yet again. The ring clamp on the joint is leaking, and it just had to be the one at the top of the matrix. The most difficult to access.

This my third attempt to stop leaks. I think the clamp is just that tad too big as the screws are now up to the stops, can't tighten any more. I have turned the clamp to try and refresh the clamping action/surface contact, a little better but after about ten minutes there is residue.

Short of taking the matrix out - cutting the flanges off and using hose cuffs I am at a loss.

This matrix change certainly has not been a good move at all.