9 replies to this topic

[oliver122]

hey guys , i was just wondering if anyone has installed a t7 heater in there mini (link) and if they noticed an improvement over the standard heater ? also i was wondering what size ducting it is that connects to the vents in the dash ? also i was thinking of trying some of that engine coolant flush on my metro ( a series) as the heaters don't seem brilliant , and was wondering if it would cause any damages to the a series ? 

 

thanks guys 

[oliver122]

Bump

[Mini Manannán]

No, but I want to at some point, that unit looks a good 'un.

[AVV IT]

The standard mini heater is actually really effective if you maintain it. The matrix is notorious for getting blocked and corroded, so flushing it through, or replacing it with new can make a huge difference. The heaters not particularly well insulated as standard either, and over the years the foam around the matrix and air direction flap perishes, meaning you loose a lot of the warm air that the heater produces, as it doesn't get sent where you want it to go. You also get gaps and leaks in the demister ducting, and the vents under the windscreen, meaning the little air that actually makes it to the screen, is often cold by the time it gets there. So before fitting a different heater, it might be worth removing and giving your existing heater an overhaul and spending a bit of time with a roll of insulation tape and a tube of sealant.

I've overhauled the heater in one of my minis, but not in the other, and the difference in the heat produced between the two is pretty considerable!

[Steve8274]

Is there an 'idiots' guide how to refurb the mini heater? Don't fancy taking it to bits then not knowing what to do

[AVV IT]

Not that I'm aware of. It's really not that difficult to figure it out though, as the classic mini heater is pretty simple/basic afterall. It's basically just a metal box with a matrix and a blower inside, with a switch on the front and a mechanical flap that directs the air to where you want it.

[finch661]

the mini mag did a guide a while ago. as said above, its mainly about ensuring that the warm air goes where its suppose to.

[grck1]

The best thing you can do is change the heater matrix. I tried flushing mine but it was still pants. £35 got a new matrix which has 3x the amount off fins and a damn sight more efficient. Also use some new foam around it so the air blows through it not around it. Then check the sealmonnthe control flap is in good condition and the flap is working and adjusted properly. The demisters pipe work is a pooor fit but is easily improved using insulation tape to seal it at both ends, the vent end being the worst. Finally the actual demist vent can warp leading to air flow not travelling through the slot in the dash rail which gives poor demisting.

I did all this and the difference is amazing to be honest.

[Verno]

Hi I've just bought a new matrix and not sure what to wrap in the foam? Do you wrap all of it or just part?

[MRA]

Adam at T7 is also a Mini fan by the way....