11 replies to this topic

[Ryang556]

I have an older type heater in my mini and my matrix has a small hole in it meaning that it is a pain and needs changing

Although I was wondering what I would need to do to replace my old unit with the later MPi / Spi two speed unit?

Cheers

[markosparko1994]

some 1/2" rubber tubing and some rigid tubing of similar diameter and the heater itself i believe

[Ryang556]

Are the water hoses that go into the heater not the same then?

[Spherix]

The later types (spi onwards) have two hoses vertically connected on the left side of the heater unit.

[GraemeC]

Later heaters use 5/8" hose not 1/2" so you might need some adapters

[cliche]

My heater is coming out during my resto of my 94 Spi. Would I have a 2 speed then ?
If I replace the matrix, would the part be any different ?

[charie t]

Later heaters use 5/8" hose not 1/2"

But made of rubber which is stretchy, use some wd40 and it slips on with a grunt

[mab01uk]

Metal Fresh Air Heater with Single Speed Fan
1984-92
This heater may be identified from pre-1984 metal heaters in two ways. Firstly, the matrix inlet and outlet pipes are of 5/8" diameter (all previous heaters had 1/2" diameter pipework). Secondly, the inlet and outlet pipes are only 2" apart, measured from pipe centres - on pre-1984 heaters the distance between pipes is 6".

Plastic Fresh Air Heater with Single Speed Fan
1992-96
Apart from the fact that this heater is plastic-bodied as opposed to the previous metal bodied item, the other easy way to distinguish this heater is once again by the matrix inlet and outlet pipes. On 1992 on heaters, each pipe comes out of the side of the casing and turns upwards through a right angle; on pre-1992 heaters the pipes simply point straight out of the side of the casing. Also, the demister ducting was enlarged from 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" from 1992.

Plastic Fresh Air Heater with Two Speed Fan
1997 On
The 1997 on heater casing was a completely new design compared to the 1992-96 item, but in fact it shared some major componentry such as the fan and matrix. The biggest engineering difference was the inclusion of a resistor pack, allowing two speed fan control (and a two speed switch to suit, of course). One seemingly insignificant change was to a plastic rather than metal control panel, ending at last the vibrational 'zizzle' noise the Mini cabin had suffered for the last 27 years!
http://www.somerford...page=page&id=99

Edited by mab01uk, 13 April 2012 - 10:57 PM.

[mayfairflair]

Thats a helpful post, thanks for that.
I am thinking of upgrading mine too

[leaky]

I have an MPI and SPI heater in my garage. I was gonna fit the MPI one in the clubby but something inside has broken and now only one speedo works. Any idea what that could be. Also it is possible to convert an SPI heating in to a twin speed one. My mate did it to his.

[Ozymandias]

Hope I'm not hijacking this thread, but mab01uk's comment about a resistor pack being needed for the 2-speed fan intrigued me...!

 

I have a '95 Jap export Spi, with a normal one-speed heater fan. I fitted a 12v variable motor speed controller in the hope of being able to have a truly variable fan speed, but it hasn't worked - if I turn it down to about 3/4 speed and the fan just switches off, rather than slowing down.

 

Being a total numpty when it comes to electrics, am I missing something? Why doesnt it work?

 

Any advice/insight gratefully received! 

[Mini Manannán]

KernowCooper's reply here: http://www.theminifo...i-speed-heater/  answers your question I think.