1996 Turbo R smelly heater!?
Discussion
Almost certainly a small leak from the heater matrix.Does it mist the windows after a drive when standing ?
Mine ( 1990 turbo R ) has been a bit smelly for a week or two now , I have a replacement to fit as soon as I can.
If this is the case with yours , dont leave it too long as the leaking coolant can damage the printed circuit board that controls the heating system.
Mine ( 1990 turbo R ) has been a bit smelly for a week or two now , I have a replacement to fit as soon as I can.
If this is the case with yours , dont leave it too long as the leaking coolant can damage the printed circuit board that controls the heating system.
Well now , thats a question !
Ebay purchase of a used matrix , then a local radiator recon job set me back a mere £110 , plus two gasket and seals from Flying Spares.
As to how much of a job ................I will let you know. It looks like the matrix was the first thing the factory fitted to a bare bodyshell !
Realistically , Im hoping a day should do it .
Ebay purchase of a used matrix , then a local radiator recon job set me back a mere £110 , plus two gasket and seals from Flying Spares.
As to how much of a job ................I will let you know. It looks like the matrix was the first thing the factory fitted to a bare bodyshell !
Realistically , Im hoping a day should do it .
Yes , I have done it. Fitted a recon heater matrix in the old girl today.
Factory time is two and a half hours , and the next one will be inside that time.
Nothing to be scared of , just work methodically and be observant.
Initial difficulty is removing the organ stop/dash retainers , but after that is no problem.
Make sure you have four gaskets to hand ( seals pipes to matrix either side of heater box ) and two rubber o rings.Also replacement foam , as that will be soaked.
Probably took longer cleaning around back of the dash etc...............
Factory time is two and a half hours , and the next one will be inside that time.
Nothing to be scared of , just work methodically and be observant.
Initial difficulty is removing the organ stop/dash retainers , but after that is no problem.
Make sure you have four gaskets to hand ( seals pipes to matrix either side of heater box ) and two rubber o rings.Also replacement foam , as that will be soaked.
Probably took longer cleaning around back of the dash etc...............
Hi , the only way to confirm that the matrix is leaking is to strip off the top roll etc , and inspect it . Diagnosis is all important on jobs like this , otherwise itll cost limbs to check it out !
Typically , a leaking matrix will smell of antifreeze when warming up , will give a mist/film on the windscreen whilst driving and lastly , the windows will mist up after a journey when standing.
You probably wont even notice the coolant level going down , as it only takes a few drops of coolant to give the above signs.
Mine was only "weeping" on the edges of the matrix , but as mentioned before , the foam insulator was soaked in coolant.
Hope that this helps in your decision..............................
Typically , a leaking matrix will smell of antifreeze when warming up , will give a mist/film on the windscreen whilst driving and lastly , the windows will mist up after a journey when standing.
You probably wont even notice the coolant level going down , as it only takes a few drops of coolant to give the above signs.
Mine was only "weeping" on the edges of the matrix , but as mentioned before , the foam insulator was soaked in coolant.
Hope that this helps in your decision..............................
1000foot said:
Hi , the only way to confirm that the matrix is leaking is to strip off the top roll etc , and inspect it . Diagnosis is all important on jobs like this , otherwise itll cost limbs to check it out !
Typically , a leaking matrix will smell of antifreeze when warming up , will give a mist/film on the windscreen whilst driving and lastly , the windows will mist up after a journey when standing.
You probably wont even notice the coolant level going down , as it only takes a few drops of coolant to give the above signs.
Mine was only "weeping" on the edges of the matrix , but as mentioned before , the foam insulator was soaked in coolant.
Hope that this helps in your decision..............................
Thanks again. How would you describe smell of antifreeze?Typically , a leaking matrix will smell of antifreeze when warming up , will give a mist/film on the windscreen whilst driving and lastly , the windows will mist up after a journey when standing.
You probably wont even notice the coolant level going down , as it only takes a few drops of coolant to give the above signs.
Mine was only "weeping" on the edges of the matrix , but as mentioned before , the foam insulator was soaked in coolant.
Hope that this helps in your decision..............................
1000foot said:
Yes , thats a pretty accurate way of describing it . Shame youre not nearer to darkest Somerset , or I could have a nose !
Yep, you couldn't be much further away from north Norfolk and I can't think of an excuse to visit the West Country...but thanks anyway, will get it sorted.Roy
I have seen suggestions elsewhere of water failing to drain away from within the scuttle, and alternatively a blocked aircon drain resulting in moisture getting into the heater system, but with these cars there are so many possibles that the mind boggles!
I haven't even been able to locate the scuttle drain holes in my Turbo R, and TSD4700 isn't exactly user-friendly!
I have seen suggestions elsewhere of water failing to drain away from within the scuttle, and alternatively a blocked aircon drain resulting in moisture getting into the heater system, but with these cars there are so many possibles that the mind boggles!
I haven't even been able to locate the scuttle drain holes in my Turbo R, and TSD4700 isn't exactly user-friendly!
keith9849 said:
Roy
Did you manage to sort your heater-smell/'misting' problem? My Turbo suffers a similar mjsting problem, but there's definitely no smell, so maybe it's rainwater getting in?
Yes, I had new front and rear windscreens fitted (£££ouch!) and smell has gone. Plus rear heated screen is working again so no misting up!Did you manage to sort your heater-smell/'misting' problem? My Turbo suffers a similar mjsting problem, but there's definitely no smell, so maybe it's rainwater getting in?
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