Heater matrix. Big problem?

[VR6_Jim 0]

Was drivin home tonight smelt a syrup sort of smell and **** loads of steam came out of the dash. Does this sound like heater matrix or burst pipe.

[russj249 2]

are either of the footwell's wet?? That's going to be the main one, if it's steaming from dash it's obviously leaking somewhere inside the car and dripping somewhere, So just check the carpets first.

and does the front window steam up when you out the heater on as though you are de-misting it?

Does sound very much like heater matrix though. Never done one on the VR6 before but I imagine it's a dash out jobby.

[VR6_Jim 0]

Yeah drivers footwell is soaked aswell as my legs and feet cos all the water pi*sed out the bottom of the dash and steam came out of the steering colum and everywere else. Hopeing it's just a pipe burst.

But it's never that easy is it. Lol.

[VR6_Jim 0]

Does any 1 think there's a chance that it could b a pipe gone as it's mainly on the drivers. And the drivers footwell has been wet for a couple of weeks.

Cheers jim

Cheers jim

[VR6_Jim 0]

Bump

[VR6_Jim 0]

Bump

[Mk1 Vr6 james 103]

Defo sounds like the matrix m8! i have just this minute finished fitting my new one.

[VR6Nat 9]

Yeah, it could be a burst pipe, but could also be the heater matrix, this is a pain of a job because you do have to take the dash out... but then if it is a burst pipe this could point to a head gasket problem as that can cause a build up of pressure which in turn would burst the pipe.... :(

[VR6_Jim 0]

Cheers guys. The temp gauge did go quite high bout 5 mins before the car filled with steam and water. Does this sugest anything else to any 1 like head gasket cos I don't like the sound of that.

Cheers peeps

jim

[cabrioman 6]

sounds like heater matrix mate .... get it done and if ur still worrie about the head gasket get a sniffer check done ... that will tell u but id put money on ur matrix goin pop .... can bypass it by joining the two pipes goin into the bulk head but wont have heat in the car but also wont have any more water in the footwells

[VR6_Jim 0]

Cheers mate already joined the pipes so that's cool. Any

1 got any idea how much it would cost to get the matrix done cos I don't fancy doin it in this weather.

Cheers

jim

[cabrioman 6]

depends where u go and who u talk to .... about a 3-4 hour job

[VR6_Jim 0]

I was told it's bout 8-10 hour job

jim

[Mk1 Vr6 james 103]

www.eurocarparts.com cost me £30 for the matrix came next day. Fitted it this morning did it in 1h40m have 2 take the dash out!

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Cant see it being a pipe, as the pipes terminate onto the matrix in the engine bay. this screams heater matrix i'm afriad! got one that needs doing on my corrado too

[cabrioman 6]

I was told it's bout 8-10 hour job

jim

blimy who quoted u that ????

[VR6_Jim 0]

Cheers for all ur help guys just fixed the matrix thismorning got it for £23 took bout 3 and half hours.

Cheers.

Jim

[ex911driver 0]

i just done heater matrix on my other golf , its a bittch of a job, had to take dash out ,steering wheel off and stalks , but you dont need to remove metal brace that goes across car as you can lift up high enough when you remove 4 bolts from door shuts, and 2 bolts behind steering column . to drop all heater box out so is enogh room to lift matrix out , there are 3 bolts in engine bay holding heater in place , 2 you can see 3rd is under heat shielding , also to remove dash you need to remove 2 bolts under windscreen scuttle , there is 1 on right you can get too , but on drivers side you need to remove wiper arms and take motor out as bolt is behind .