Heater Matrix Change

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

I'm going to change my heater matrix over tomorrow.

 

I only filled up with coolant a few weeks ago and haven't got many miles under the belt as I noticed a small leak under the dash early on.

 

What I want to do, is try to remove the heater matrix hoses in the engine bay and plug them temporaraly, and then remove the matrix and catch the fluid contained as I remove it from the heater box. Opposed to draining the system and refilling with new for the sake of it.

 

Anyone done the same/is it posible? Or am I likely to make a mess inside? Even with a full drain there will be coolant in the matrix so I can't see that part is going to be made more of an issue to catch coolant on removal inside.

 

Obviously I will top up and rebleed, but would save a full change of new fluid.

[Anthony 1,002]

Just part drain the system into a clean bucket, and refill after changing the matrix. So long as the bucket is clean there's no issue re-using it.

 

You'll lose loads of coolant if you try and remove the pipes and plug them without draining IMO.

 

Inside you'll lose a small amount of coolant (a rag or old towel is handy here!) but providing the system is drained and you don't tip the matrix/pipes, you'll not spill too much in my experience. I've never tried doing it with a still full cooling system, but since the matrix is lower than the expansion tank by some margin, you're liable to make a huge mess if you do.

[205007 12]

just remove the pipes going into the matrix as you planned and join them together

 

then blow the matrix out with a foot pump or air line by attaching it to one of the exposed ali pipes on the bulkhead

 

should be dryish inside then when you take it out

[joshsnoad 2]

the other ideas will work fine, but what i normally do is get 2 hose clamps and put them on the hoses going into the matrix in the engine bay. then just top the coolant up after running for a few minutes.