****ing Heater matrix

[Lyle]

WTF is with this. I didn't realize until I started this project, changing a heater core that the heater core was where land rover started building my defender. 2001 Td5, first stop on the production line heater core, subsequent stops, build car around said heater core. It looks like you should be able to slide it straight out, but I have found out you need to remove the box. To remove the box looks like I'll have to remove my air con to get to the bottom two bolts. Am I missing something? As the bloke with the steering wheel in his pants said "It's driving me nuts"

[jboot51]

I've got to do one in a 300tdi soon.
Thought it looked easy, couple of screws at the top...job done.
A quick look at rave shows there may be screws at the bottom retaining plate of the heater matrix.

[flagg]

There are a couple of different types but iirc all but the county ones (with integrated A/C) can have the heater matrix replaced in situ..

[philandmickey]

Hi
I have just done mine on a 300tdi.
There is a really good right up here:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/111970-changing-defender-heater-matrix.html

I managed to do mine by undoing the AC and allowing it to move a little on the pipes, and sliding my hand in enough to get a spanner on the nuts.
It is not a major job.

Good luck

Phil

[Lyle]

Thanks all. Painful day. Couldn't get the A/C to move enough so ended up leaving the bottom bracket in place and undoing the nuts from the heater within the engine bay. Three 8mm nuts that all had to be done by feel. Oh well hopefully now I'll be somewhat warmer...

[460cixy]

I did my 300 with out a/c inside of an hour I Imagine a/c makes it much harder another reasion I didn't want a/c

[rick130]

I did my 300 with out a/c inside of an hour I Imagine a/c makes it much harder another reasion I didn't want a/c


My a/c system came out when I did the heater core 14 months ago. :D

I totally re-insulated and sealed the box and flaps too, it was all falling to bits.

The aftermarket core had less FPI than the OE one but heats fine.

[460cixy]

My heaters blistering . You putting a/c back in or not?

[rick130]

Nope. :D

[460cixy]

I have heard its about as useful at tits on a bull

[rick130]

Works ok in a crew cab or ute, but bloody hell does it encroach on cab space.

The condenser also blocks air to the rad badly, the fin pitch is miles too fine IMO.

[POD]

Pretty much every vehicle is built the same way, i.e. start with a heater core and build a car around it. Anyone who has replaced a heater core is intimately familiar with what's between the seats and the engine in their car.