Possible Coolant Leak From Heater Matrix

[Shabazmo]

I am loosing some water from my coolant and am finding that the interior smells of antifreeze. I cannot find any dampness on the carpet yet, but am convinced that coolant is finding its way into the cabin. I know that dash removal is a big job to replace the matrix, but has anyone used radweld or similiar to cure the fault. If so, did you put the radweld straight into the header tank or elsewhere.

Thanks

[seatkid]

How much is some? Dont over fill the header tank above the max mark and unless it dips say more than 1 cm below the min mark I wouldnt top it up.

 

The air passes through the heater matrix first and then through the a/c evaporator. There is drainage under the evaporator to under the car to allow condensed water to escape (two small rubber pipes located at the bottom of the bulkhead IIRC). It is possible that a small leak will never make its way onto the carpet.

 

On the other hand remember the header tank is located not far from the air intake (pollen filter) albeit there should be a scuttle seal between them. Check the header tank is not leaking from the cap etc before jumping to the conclusion that the matrix is gone. Also check you dont have a saturated or blocked pollen filter, this can lead to smelly air.

 

Swapping the heater matrix out is a two day dash strip down for an experienced mechanic, so radweld or similar may be worth a go.

[Shabazmo]

Thanks for the information Seatkid, I am loosing about say 0.5 litre per 1000 miles. The reason why I am vague is that the Galaxy is a spare car and I only use it at weekends. It is not leaking from the header tank and antifreeze smell is such that I am convinced it is comming into the cabin. My pollen filter is dry and I replaced this 2000 miles ago. It was about that time when I noticed the coolant level had gone down, so I have lived with this problem for about five months. i may have to try radweld but would like to hear from someone who has already done this.

Regards

[Shabazmo]

Problem fixed. I used a radiator sealing product, Bars and the leak and smell has gone away. Thank goodness, I didn't fancy removing the dash.