heater matrix pipe damaged

[chrisdurham]

hi guys, just bought our 1st mx5, its a 52 plate 1.6. We got it cheap due to a couple of coolant leaks. anyway i was removing the water pump inlet pipe and when i took the runner hose off the left hand heater matrix pipe, i squashed it. Now after reading up etc i see they are very weak. So ive had a look and they dont look to easy to swap out.

Has anyone ever managed to swap one of the pipes out without removing the comlete matrix/dash, which i would prefer not too.

Cheers

Chris

[Richyvrlimited]

chrisdurham said:

hi guys, just bought our 1st mx5, its a 52 plate 1.6. We got it cheap due to a couple of coolant leaks. anyway i was removing the water pump inlet pipe and when i took the runner hose off the left hand heater matrix pipe, i squashed it. Now after reading up etc i see they are very weak. So ive had a look and they dont look to easy to swap out.

Has anyone ever managed to swap one of the pipes out without removing the comlete matrix/dash, which i would prefer not too.

Cheers

Chris

How badly damaged is it? I'd be tempted to bend it back as straight as you can.

It's a part of the heater matrix, so replacement is a pull the dashboard out job (not as time consuming as you'd expect mind).

[chrisdurham]

hello, the 1st cm from the end of the pipe i have managed to straighten out and make round, not sure if its enough to get the pipe to seal, ill try get a pic up later to show you

[ronime]

It's only soft copper and can usually be forced back into shape by inserting an appropriate sized ratchet extension bar and/or socketry.

A new heater hose would be a good idea but try some Hylotite Red (formerly Hermetite Red) to aid the seal if necessary. Warm the end of the new hose in some hot water before fitting as this will make it easier to fit without damaging the matrix pipe again.

Edited by ronime on Wednesday 13th March 23:07