Help needed on removing the Heater Matrix on a 200Tdi Defender!

[2234jones]

Hi all, well the top of the heater matrix was split, so I ordered a new one from DLS UK for $80-00 delivered.
I have read the manual and started to remove the the parts to get to the matrix.
I removed the cables, hoses, however without removing the under dash Aircon unit, I cannot gain access to the bolts which hold the heater box to the footwell.
I thought about trying, I managed to get all of the screws from the top bracket, abd it wouldn't budge. I drilled out the rivets to the top panel, still no joy.
I then looked underneath and there appears to be another plate on the bottom with phillips screws, holding it in. The only way to appears to be removing the heater box!!!!!

Now the question, is there a way of getting the heater matrix out without removing the aircon unit in the passenger footwell.

Thanks in advance, I have already lost a long reach socket behind the air con unit. :eek:

cheers Mark

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner (http://landroverfreak.blogspot.com)

[keith73]

Hi all, well the top of the heater matrix was split, so I ordered a new one from DLS UK for $80-00 delivered.
I have read the manual and started to remove the the parts to get to the matrix.
I removed the cables, hoses, however without removing the under dash Aircon unit, I cannot gain access to the bolts which hold the heater box to the footwell.
I thought about trying, I managed to get all of the screws from the top bracket, abd it wouldn't budge. I drilled out the rivets to the top panel, still no joy.
I then looked underneath and there appears to be another plate on the bottom with phillips screws, holding it in. The only way to appears to be removing the heater box!!!!!

Now the question, is there a way of getting the heater matrix out without removing the aircon unit in the passenger footwell.

Thanks in advance, I have already lost a long reach socket behind the air con unit. :eek:

cheers Mark

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner (http://landroverfreak.blogspot.com)
Hi
I had to replace mine the other week aswell and had the same problem.What i did is undo the screws and bolts on the aircon vents and that allowed to drop down enough to access the nuts.I hope that helps.

[2234jones]

Thanks for your reply, will try it tomorrow and keep you updated how I went,

thanks again Mark

[2234jones]

Yipeeeeee!!! did it,

I thought I'd get a torch and look and I could just see the bolts, so I taped the socket on the end and went for it and got them out. Then I removed the unit in about 30 mins, lucky I did as the fan motor was swimming in water and the drain on the inlet was full of gunk and was blocked. I'll let the motor dry out before I put it all back together.

Thanks Mark

will post the full story on here and my blog when I finish.:D

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner (http://landroverfreak.blogspot.com)

[keith73]

you must be a lot more flexible then me no way i could get my head underneath.:p

[2234jones]

I have done it and got the photos to prove it, I had to fill the heater matrix with coolant as the air pocket stayed there. will get round to uploading the post in the week. I managed to remove the bolts with out any help, and refitted them with ease.

all done, just got to replace the heater motor fuse, as the motor was swimming in water.

cheers Mark

Blog:-

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner (http://landroverfreak.blogspot.com)

[keith73]

At least your motor didn't seized up like mine did and all its surrounds with rust holes.I blame previous owners for that.I hope you cleared the drainage hole.I made mine a bigger so it wont get clogged up with dirt again i hope.:)