15 replies to this topic

[ClareWags]

hey just need a lil advise on my 1993 mini sprite please! I've recently bought it off a guy who had it in his garage as a project for some years, I've had some work done on it ( leaks fixed, new alternator...so on) anyways I finally got it on the road I'm using it daily now so thought I'd see if heater works (preparing meself for winter) lol. When I turned it on it keeps spitting out lots of dust n grit, I thought I'd let it run to clear it out but then I read sumat about asbestos in gaskets?! Not sure if this effects the heater gaskets but now I'm bit worried if there's any in the dust spitting out?! Or I am just being daft? I know clutch, brakes can contain asbestos.

Thanks, if anyone can put my mind at rest or let me know if it's harmful who would grateful! :)

[sonikk4]

No not anything nasty, this will be down to where the car was kept, what was going on in the area and so on.

 

My Clubman was in bodyshop for 10 years (long story) but was never covered in a sheet. You can imagine filler dust etc everywhere and i do mean absolutely everywhere.

 

The best thing to do is whip the heater out out, strip it down and clean it. The same applies to the ducting going to the window demisters.

 

That should sort your problem out.

[ClareWags]

Pheww! Thanks will defo do that then, was weary off opening anything up until I was sure but think your right it will be the best way as the dust is never ending!!! Can only imagine the state your clubman must have been in!! Lol

Thanks muchly :)

[sonikk4]

No problem. Once you have got it all apart you may find the heater matrix will need to be replaced so just to give you a heads up. Paddy's was 38 years old and decidedly leaky.

[ClareWags]

Ah I see, I've gathered since I the mini (lu lu) that nothing is every a simple job LOL

[danie garry]

just have a look at the ducting goin up to the heater first, if the air is coming in under the wing to the heater it brings dirt with it, ie if the front air ducting is missing

[sonikk4]

The biggest thing with the Matrix is they are hidden so you never see what's happening with them. The only way i knew mine was shot was when steam was coming from the demister vents. Took the thing apart and it was totally rusted out.

 

It was just a heads up that you may or may not find the same thing. If it looks crusty then with it apart i would change it as its something less to do.

[ClareWags]

Can't picture it now but I will defo have a look for that! Wouldn't suprise me if it was missing tho lol cheers!

[Ethel]

'93 Mini has likely got the ducting lined with foam as sound deadening, it'll hold loads of crud and turn to powder as it breaks down with age. There won't be any asbestos in Minis of that age.

[Yoda]

Scaremongering you are now sonikk. LOL

 

if its not Alien toxic dust, its holes in the matrix. or was it the time space continuum? 

 

so if it looks like this i could be Holey?

 

You did say krusty didn't you?

Edited by Yoda, 29 August 2013 - 02:36 PM.

[sonikk4]

[sonikk4]

Anyway enough of the spamming take it all apart, give it a thorough clean up and you will be fine.

[rally515]

I find the self destruct quite funny, going down the road in the metro and all of a sudden the heater starts belting out foam in my face!!! Daaamm

Maybe i wont hoover as much if i re-furb the heater

[Barman]

Mine was completely full of shyte....

 

Take it all apart, clean it up, put the bits in the dishwasher, re-paint it and put it back together again...

 

You'll need to replace the seals around the matrix and on the flap - I used that draft-proofing seal that you put around doors... worked a treat.... 

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[ClareWags]

Haa haa I will go for it then! I did actually get o massive chunk of foam spit out onto my foot whilst driving! Lol it did give me fright because I wasn't aware there was foam in there n just saw something black n large land on my foot!! Went into girlie mode thought mite be a big bug lol