7 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Managed to fix my indicators tonight, which meant five seconds later something else had to go wrong. And it did, in the shape of a sudden drip from my heater box.

Now my car's a 91 Mayfair which is kind of on the cusp of when Rover changed a lot of parts in the Mini, but it definitely has the 84-91 heater with the two pipes close together at the bottom on the right hand side. I do not believe this model of heater has washers and seals and things at the pipe-ends, but even so it's definitely leaking out of the casing.

I guess this means a new matrix? Any one else had this in this era of Mini? It's my daily drive and I need it for work tomorrow. Can I shove the button in to close the valve in an attempt to stop the drip for a day or two until I can get the parts I need or will this not work? Obviously I will keep the radiator topped up as necessary..

Thanks!

[Rabtmac]

Try Ebay for a matrix (demisterman is your guy)
mine also has both pipes close together but mine is an '83
if its not too bad just keep the water topped up but if its getting bad try a copper pipe bend
and join the 2 rubber pipes together with it and you can leave the heater out if you like until you replace the matrix.

[lewBlew]

Thanks, you've put my mind at rest. I was thinking of getting a 5/8 hose connector and joining the pipes together while I work out what the problem is and source a replacement matrix (probably). Just need to remember to keep the valve shut

[Rabtmac]

if you join the pipes together with some tubing you dont neet to close the valve off
and you can take the opertunity to flush and reverse flush the system with a hose while the matrix is outso your new matrix doesnt get any sludge going through
it when you fit it.
also when you finally get a new matrix (its not worth trying to repair them)
connect the pipes to it once its in the heater and leave it on its side while you refill the system and get it up to temp
that way you shouldnt have any air locks when you re hang the heater.

[lewBlew]

Side as in pipe upwards?

[Rabtmac]

Yes on its side with the pipes facing upwards that way any possible air inside will flow out up the pipe
If you want to get busy with the hole saw you could cut holes in the left side and refit it like that then your left foot would have a little more room for the clutch

[lewBlew]

Right, got the matrix out (wasn't too bad actually) and can't quite see where it was leaking from. The plastic pipes where the hoses connect were complete and clean, and the whole unit looked in good shiny condition, although I suspect it was the original looking at the stickers on it.

I put a little bit of water in and sloshed it round and there were no leaks from what I could see. However the inside of the casing had some rust, whether that was from coolant or from rainwater entering via my leaky windscreen who knows.

Hmmm...

[lewBlew]

Ok there may be a leak.. Replacing it anyway!