Bypassing Matrix

[dipsomaniac]

matrix has gone and i am thinking about bypassing it for a few weeks until i can decide whether to attempt removing the dash.

 

how will this affect my climate control? I realise i won't have any hot air but can it do any damage?

[dipsomaniac]

trawled through previous posts - replacing the matrix seems to take between 2 - 5 days? I have just been quoted 6 hours labour at a local garage. I think they are quoting Autodata. Is this too good to be true?

[Guest 3.5bullet]

trawled through previous posts - replacing the matrix seems to take between 2 - 5 days? I have just been quoted 6 hours labour at a local garage. I think they are quoting Autodata. Is this too good to be true?

 

 

way to good to be true! if you can nail them down to six hours labour only and no more then go for it! other wise look at two days minimum if all goes well! and a regas for the AC system

as for bypassing the matrix, as long as you connect the correct pipes up to each other and leave the rear heater operationa,l so at least you will have some heat if you need it? you should be ok?

[dipsomaniac]

i was just going to join the two (heater?) hoses which dissappear into the centre of the bulkhead just below the wiper linkage. Does anyone know the size of the hoses?"

[dipsomaniac]

until i can access elsawin can somebody please confirm that i can join these two hoses to bypass the matrix

[Guest 3.5bullet]

thy are to the correct pipes, remove them from the spigots and link them together, use a piece of copper pipe and a couple of jubilee clips

also remember that when you replace the matrix you will need to flush out the old antifreeze and replace it as it will not protect the new part from corrosion!

[dipsomaniac]

thanks 3.5bullet i appreciate your help.

[dipsomaniac]

for the record should anyone want to temporarily bypass the matrix.

 

you will need a 3/4" 180 deg ubend. This is almost impossible to find, i tried car accessory shops, sheds, plumbers merchants, specialist hose companies and pipe manufacturers - all with no luck. I could only find copper pipe in 15 or 22mm, I thought 15mm was too small. I eventually bought 2 x 3/4" 90 deg plastic bends from the fish shop (not the one that sells chips with them) and joined them together with a short piece of hose.

 

you can't use a straight connector as the hoses kink, restricting the flow. I thought about a longer piece of hose but didn't have the space.

 

Autodata is quoting 6.10 hours to fit a new matrix. Spoke to someone yesterday who has taken a few of these dashes out, he said that it is at least a 12 hour job. will let you know who is right when i can find the time to do it.