Leaking heater matrix?
Discussion
Just looking to order a new heater matrix for my MK1 Punto Sporting. It's not that expensive but I really don't want to undertake this job if it isn't actually the matrix at fault.
Basically, when you put the heater on warm, the cabin quickly stinks of coolant. Also, it hasn't happened in a while, you get a short burst of mist when you first turn the heater on full and hot. When its raining, you have to keep the heater on cold. If it turned 1 notch to warm, the windows instantly mist up and its impossible to remove without drying out the window by hand or leaving it to stand for a few hours.
People have suggested the heater matrix is leaking, hence humid air steaming the windscreen quickly and the smell. I don't have any damp carpets though and don't lose any coolant so unless its a very very minor leak, im not sure.
I don't get any steaming up when the heaters are on cold or off. Just hot, so pretty sure it isn't water getting into the cabin another way. It's defo related to the heater being on hot.
Cheers
Basically, when you put the heater on warm, the cabin quickly stinks of coolant. Also, it hasn't happened in a while, you get a short burst of mist when you first turn the heater on full and hot. When its raining, you have to keep the heater on cold. If it turned 1 notch to warm, the windows instantly mist up and its impossible to remove without drying out the window by hand or leaving it to stand for a few hours.
People have suggested the heater matrix is leaking, hence humid air steaming the windscreen quickly and the smell. I don't have any damp carpets though and don't lose any coolant so unless its a very very minor leak, im not sure.
I don't get any steaming up when the heaters are on cold or off. Just hot, so pretty sure it isn't water getting into the cabin another way. It's defo related to the heater being on hot.
Cheers
I'm sure if you have the heater control set to cold, you shut off the valve that leads to the heater matrix, and the coolant is then diverted back towards the engine. If you take the car for a drive, then overnight leave the heater control on hot, it should show up a leak from the matrix either through damp carpets or a visible trail of water.
Might be an idea to remove the radio if you're going to try this though, not sure on the punto but I've seen a lot of radios that have bought the farm due to being rained on by a bust heater matrix.
Just an idea though!
Might be an idea to remove the radio if you're going to try this though, not sure on the punto but I've seen a lot of radios that have bought the farm due to being rained on by a bust heater matrix.
Just an idea though!
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