Heater Matrix Leaking+ Hp Pump Leaking

[alan james]

I have 1994 Xantia SX TD. Hatchback. 1.9

I've been told by Citreon that the heater matrix is leaking and also HP pump leaking. They told me that I could fix this by paying about £1000. Which for some reason I said "*&^%$%^^&!".........

 

What am I looking at here, in terms of failure to the car and what option would be best for me. The car drives really well and has no rust. Very economical.

 

Cheers

[Johndouglas]

You have two seperate issues, one more important than the other. Replacing the heater matrix is a £40 job if you have the time and 'know-how' to diy. The dashboard needs to come out which involves a lot of work, therefore will be costly. Depending upon the severity of the water loss, one of the 'can-remedies' like Bar's Leak may help.

 

The leaking HP pump is probably more important because if you loose too much fluid, you loose suspension, brakes and power-steering. Could be that a breaker's yard could supply a change of pump.

[mrjohnson99]

Can't help on the matrix (except to say that Radweld worked a treat on my radiator - so maybe try that), but have been through the loop on the hydraulic pump. This is what I found out talking to a Citroen mechanic:

 

There are 2 designs of pump which may have been fitted to your car, so check you get the right one.

 

The first has one metal and one rubber pipe attached to it.

 

The second has two metal and one rubber pipe attached to it.

 

I bought one off eBay from a guy dismantling a Xantia for about £35 inc postage. Just check the mileage from the car it is coming from. Also, if the pump is just weeping slightly then just monitor the LHM fluid level (with the suspension at its highest setting - orange float marker between 2 red rings on glass dome). If it only goes down very slowly over months then just keep topping it up! Luckily I didn't need to fit the pump - problem was a clogged LHM filter - so I sold it.

 

Let me know if you want a photo of one. You can also get them new for about £165 + VAT. Citroen quoted me £450 just for the part!!!!

 

Regards

 

Martyn

[alan james]

Thanks for the responses. I have neither symptoms. No water leak, but the internal fan doesnt work and the window mists up, which Citreon say is a symptom. The LHM fluid I will keep an eye on, but again can not see any sign of leakage. Sorry to ask, I am a novice to patching up. Bar's Leak ? What is it and where do I put it. Citreon seemed to indicate it could "possibly be leaking" and "by tightening things up" may stop the leak. I guess I would see leakage on the ground somewhere...!? Wonder if they are spinning me a story to try ang get business. I'd be interested in any photos or assistance, as out of all the cars I have had costing a damn-site more then this one, this one has proven itself in the two months I have had it already...

[Johndouglas]

If your matrix is leaking you will need to top up the coolant reservoir from time to time. Also the carpet will be damp in the front seat footwell. If the car is misting up, check that the lever is on recirculating. If it isn't, you won't get rid of water vapour from the car interior. If there's a need to top up the coolant tank, get some Bar's leak or similar from Halfords,

[DickieG]

If the matrix is leaking enough to require replacement it will cause an acrid smell of anti freeze 5 minutes after start up. You will also have a damp front passenger footwell as this is the lowest route out for any leakages which will also leave a white stain on the heater outlet down there.

 

Bear in mind that dampness in the front passenger footwell on Xantia's can also be due to water getting in via the heater inlet under the screen due to a poorly fitted/cracked plastic shield at the bottom of the screen. The way to tell what liquid you have on a damp carpet, run your hand across it then rub your fingers together. Anti freeze will feel greasy whereas water will feel like..... :)

 

The fact that its misting up when the fan doesn't work at this time of year isn't surprising considering the damp atmosphere.

 

The heater fan may not be working due to it being fed directly from the ignition switch which is a well known weakness on Xantia's as it carries a heavy load without the protection of a relay. Remove the steering column shroud then try wiggling the wires behind the ignition switch.

 

What exactly is the problem with the hydraulic pump?

 

Is it suffering from air entering via its feed pipe from the LHM tank, leakage or belt slippage etc etc. Normally when pumps require replacement its because they do not build up enough pressure to extinguish the 'stop' light.

 

Take a good look at the LHM fluid by dipping a clean white tissue into it, it should be luminous green in colour. Are the LHM filters blocked? Its easy to jump to comclusions and spend lots of money but I'd carry out basic checks first and if necessary seek second opinions.

 

Whereabouts in the country are you, as there are a number of specialists you could atke the car to for advice.