Heater Matrix - Gsf

[lightflow 59 1 Cars]

In case you are tempted to try the current "pattern" heater Matrix from GSF - don't bother. The pipes are ok in size, shape and fit, but there is one small flaw....

 

The matrix is too long! When I held it up against the Valeo one which I had taken out it was almost 1cm longer!

 

It's also pretty flimsy and very low density in fins. Not worth the half price of the OEM version.

 

As I suspected - should have gone OEM as usual - Valeo now on order...

[welshpug 1,657]

Have you removed the plastic packing material from the end?

[lightflow 59 1 Cars]

Cheers Mei - There's plastic packing material!!?? WTF - it wasn't obvious if it is - a sticker on it might be good - something like "remove - packing".

 

School boy error maybe.. It didn't look like packing - looked like it was moulded in one piece and there was nothing to draw my attention to the fact that it was packing - just looked like a smooth moulding.

 

Then again I didn't look too closely. I must admit I was looking for reasons not to use it as is was just so poorly made - even for £30 it's not good.

 

I'll take a look again in the morning. I still reckon I'll return it and stick with the Valeo.

[Alastairh 47]

I agree, they are crap. I tried to fit one 6 months ago, spent a lot of time trying to make it fit well, but wasn't happy.

 

Ordered a Valeo unit and it was working lovely in no time.

[welshpug 1,657]

I got a nissens boxed valeo unit off ebay a few months back for less than £20, worth checking.

 

Yes most matricies i have seen come fitted with a clipped on plastic housing which needs to be removed before fitting.

Edited April 6, 2014 by welshpug

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

That almost caught me out too when i fitted mine as it looked like it had tanks on each end like a radiator.

[jackherer 543]

I got a nissens boxed valeo unit off ebay a few months back for less than £20, worth checking.

 

I got one the same from Motor Parts Direct recently.

[lightflow 59 1 Cars]

Yes Mei, Andy, Alastair, Jack - it was indeed a plastic packing shroud - made a really convincing job of being a piece of the full assembly of the matrix - as you said Andy looks like to should be there.

 

Mind you, when I did gently prise off the piece of plastic crap - low and behold - there was flimsy metal crap beneath! I am going to return it - I went to GSF as it was more expensive than the ECP version, but it really is horrible, I know it will never be seen but I only intend doing this job once - so I think I'll keep my order for the Valeo one.