Cold Feet? Not any more!!
Discussion
I've been playing around in my drivers footwell trying to solve the puzzle. And I think i've found the answers. At least I have on mine.
Firstly, All the air ducting pipes are too big and leak, seal these up, I used mastic, messy and probably a bit OTT, but it works. Don't forget the 'face' vent, this can be a bit tricky, but its worth the effort.
Secondly, the pipe that connects to the 'face' vent on mine had been cable tied to the steering column, consequently as the column turned it had cut a hole in the pipe. Easily missed this one.
Thirdly, Getting deeper in the footwell. There is a larger pipe coming through from inside the wing into the footwell, this is attatched to a manifold by a short connecting pipe with two jubilee clips, and you guessed it, that leaks too. Wrap it in duck tape and that should solve that one.
Finally the big one.
Behind the carpet above the large pipe that comes in through the wing there is a largeish fibreglass panel that has a foam backing. This covers an equally large hole. You will most probably find that this is where most of the drafts are coming from, they travel through the hole in the front of the car beneath the indicator, through the wing, through this hole and into the footwell. My panel was coming away and I used more mastik to seal it back in place, after cutting off the excess foam.
The way I detected all my leaks was to put a fan infront of the indicator, with a funnel to direct all air into the wing. Then laid upside down in my footwell. The fan causes just enough draft to detect the leaks.
Hope this solves your problems too, my feet are now cosey and warm.
Firstly, All the air ducting pipes are too big and leak, seal these up, I used mastic, messy and probably a bit OTT, but it works. Don't forget the 'face' vent, this can be a bit tricky, but its worth the effort.
Secondly, the pipe that connects to the 'face' vent on mine had been cable tied to the steering column, consequently as the column turned it had cut a hole in the pipe. Easily missed this one.
Thirdly, Getting deeper in the footwell. There is a larger pipe coming through from inside the wing into the footwell, this is attatched to a manifold by a short connecting pipe with two jubilee clips, and you guessed it, that leaks too. Wrap it in duck tape and that should solve that one.
Finally the big one.
Behind the carpet above the large pipe that comes in through the wing there is a largeish fibreglass panel that has a foam backing. This covers an equally large hole. You will most probably find that this is where most of the drafts are coming from, they travel through the hole in the front of the car beneath the indicator, through the wing, through this hole and into the footwell. My panel was coming away and I used more mastik to seal it back in place, after cutting off the excess foam.
The way I detected all my leaks was to put a fan infront of the indicator, with a funnel to direct all air into the wing. Then laid upside down in my footwell. The fan causes just enough draft to detect the leaks.
Hope this solves your problems too, my feet are now cosey and warm.
Nice post Mark - very helpful !
I had already broken my back 'assuming the position' and fixed most of the cold air distribution with stoppers in the distribution manifold. I have, unfortunately, the same problem as Simon in that my heater fan has a mind of its own.
It doesn't appear to be related to engine speed. I have been 'under' the dashboard and there are no terminals hanging off the ribbon connections. If anything, it almost feels as if it is related to the pitch of the car. It sometimes kicks in when the nose dips under braking.
Anyone know how ro access the heater motor and fan or have any other suggestions ?
I had already broken my back 'assuming the position' and fixed most of the cold air distribution with stoppers in the distribution manifold. I have, unfortunately, the same problem as Simon in that my heater fan has a mind of its own.
It doesn't appear to be related to engine speed. I have been 'under' the dashboard and there are no terminals hanging off the ribbon connections. If anything, it almost feels as if it is related to the pitch of the car. It sometimes kicks in when the nose dips under braking.
Anyone know how ro access the heater motor and fan or have any other suggestions ?
mad mark said:
The way I detected all my leaks was to put a fan infront of the indicator, with a funnel to direct all air into the wing. Then laid upside down in my footwell. The fan causes just enough draft to detect the leaks.
Hope this solves your problems too, my feet are now cosey and warm.
he he: this is what i'm going to have to do, as i freeze at this time of year whilst on motorway driving. thanks mark!
>> Edited to add
I also remember a recall on one of my cerbera's to have a sponge place in the wing through the 'light-bulb' entrance? if that makes any sense. to reduce the flow of air.
seems we freeze in winter and cook in the summer...!
>> Edited by dean_ratpac on Wednesday 11th January 13:11
Thanks for the comments guys 
Another less drastic method of fixing the leaking pipes (as opposed to mastik) is to wrap a few layers of tape round the part that slots inside the pipes, thus creating a tighter fit.
I actually used tape, mastik AND plastic ties, I wasn't taking any chances. (just hope i dont have to take them off again)
My hot air pipe was also not attatched,
by re-attaching it you can then close it of, giving increased blow through the windscreen vents.
Another less drastic method of fixing the leaking pipes (as opposed to mastik) is to wrap a few layers of tape round the part that slots inside the pipes, thus creating a tighter fit.
I actually used tape, mastik AND plastic ties, I wasn't taking any chances. (just hope i dont have to take them off again)
My hot air pipe was also not attatched,
by re-attaching it you can then close it of, giving increased blow through the windscreen vents.
Hi Pete, yup the new rad is in - not that you can see more than two square inches of aluminium under the bodywork. However - the company who made it 'modified' the size and the garage had hells own job getting it in to the point they have said they will never do another! Anyway - it's in. Oh yes..........YEEHAAAA - warm feet. The sun came out this afternoon so I braved going under the dash and now have hot air blowing in the foot well. Can't wait to drive it tomorrow!
Mr.Cerbera said:
Nice post Mark - very helpful !
Anyone know how ro access the heater motor and fan or have any other suggestions ?
Just a guess, but....
As the hot air blower is in the near side wing, I would guess that there is a Panel on the left of the passenger footwell, similar to the one on the drivers side.
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