MintyST
02-02-2009, 10:28 PM
After having 2 Vectras with the same problem after head gaskets blowing, it seems when the head gasket blows it pushes all the crap from the block into the heater matrix, blocking it.
Don`t bother with one from the scrapyard. Purchased one from Midwest (01543375156) motor factors for £32 inc Vat
Here`s how to replace it
SAFETY FIRST
Make sure engine cold, remove the radiator/expansion bottle cap
.1. trace the pipes that go into the bulkhead, I clamped mine off with easy grip clamps but any kind of clamp will do
2.Remove centre console via 3 Phillips screws under the screw covers on either side of console at front and rear foot well., you will need to adjut the passenger and the drivers seat to gain access to undo the rear screws
3. Remove tray under handbrake and undo 2 Phillips screws to gearstick surround.
4. Remove the console fixing screw you can now see once the covers are removed
5.Unplug two electric window switch plugs and remove gearstick gaiter surround. Cut off the cable tie that holds the gaiter to the gearstick and remove
6.Lift console from rear and slide towards rear of car.
7. Remove the two plastic covers either side of ashtray.
8. Remove the two Phillips screws behind them.
9. On the top of ashtray and cup holder unit remove the metal bar that holds that unit in place.
10. Slide whole ashtray unit out unplugging cigarette lighter and light...
11. Then pull centre console completely off towards rear of car.
12. Remove the plastic covers in the foot well that joined to the front of the centre console.
13. You will then see a plastic heater box there with either a Phillips screw or torx screw in centre of it. Remove this screw.
14. There is a U shaped frame that is held in place by 2 Phillips screws at top and 2 10mm nuts at bottom remove these
15. Push framework to one side carefully with cables still intact. CAREFUL WITH THE CABLE CLIPS
16.Now carefully pull the heater duct towards rear of car and down and it will pull off. It is a little stiff
17.Behind this there is now in view a rectangular plastic box with 4 gold Philips screws in remove 4 gold screws,. This will allow access to heater matrix.
18. On the passenger side of the heater matrix are the two metal pipes that contain water, these are held in place with a metal bracket at the point where they meet the matrix.
In the centre of this bracket is a Phillips screw.
Remove this screw and slide bracket downwards, but don’t pull pipes off yet.
19. You should now be able to see 3 Philips screws that hold the front cover in place; there are 2 screws on the side of the matrix. Remove them
20.With all screws now removed the matrix should be loose apart from two water pipes. Gently prise off pipes, you might want to put some kind of container to catch the water from the matrix and a little from the pipes. I used a couple of old towels, then vacuumed the foot well with a wet vacuum cleaner (aka George)
21. Slide out old matrix and slide in new matrix.
22. Push metal pipes back in and reattach with bracket and Phillips screw.
23. You can now put this all back together by doing reverse of what you have just done.
24. Top up water and add antifreeze if necessary and start up your motor. And check for leaks
Don`t bother with one from the scrapyard. Purchased one from Midwest (01543375156) motor factors for £32 inc Vat
Here`s how to replace it
SAFETY FIRST
Make sure engine cold, remove the radiator/expansion bottle cap
.1. trace the pipes that go into the bulkhead, I clamped mine off with easy grip clamps but any kind of clamp will do
2.Remove centre console via 3 Phillips screws under the screw covers on either side of console at front and rear foot well., you will need to adjut the passenger and the drivers seat to gain access to undo the rear screws
3. Remove tray under handbrake and undo 2 Phillips screws to gearstick surround.
4. Remove the console fixing screw you can now see once the covers are removed
5.Unplug two electric window switch plugs and remove gearstick gaiter surround. Cut off the cable tie that holds the gaiter to the gearstick and remove
6.Lift console from rear and slide towards rear of car.
7. Remove the two plastic covers either side of ashtray.
8. Remove the two Phillips screws behind them.
9. On the top of ashtray and cup holder unit remove the metal bar that holds that unit in place.
10. Slide whole ashtray unit out unplugging cigarette lighter and light...
11. Then pull centre console completely off towards rear of car.
12. Remove the plastic covers in the foot well that joined to the front of the centre console.
13. You will then see a plastic heater box there with either a Phillips screw or torx screw in centre of it. Remove this screw.
14. There is a U shaped frame that is held in place by 2 Phillips screws at top and 2 10mm nuts at bottom remove these
15. Push framework to one side carefully with cables still intact. CAREFUL WITH THE CABLE CLIPS
16.Now carefully pull the heater duct towards rear of car and down and it will pull off. It is a little stiff
17.Behind this there is now in view a rectangular plastic box with 4 gold Philips screws in remove 4 gold screws,. This will allow access to heater matrix.
18. On the passenger side of the heater matrix are the two metal pipes that contain water, these are held in place with a metal bracket at the point where they meet the matrix.
In the centre of this bracket is a Phillips screw.
Remove this screw and slide bracket downwards, but don’t pull pipes off yet.
19. You should now be able to see 3 Philips screws that hold the front cover in place; there are 2 screws on the side of the matrix. Remove them
20.With all screws now removed the matrix should be loose apart from two water pipes. Gently prise off pipes, you might want to put some kind of container to catch the water from the matrix and a little from the pipes. I used a couple of old towels, then vacuumed the foot well with a wet vacuum cleaner (aka George)
21. Slide out old matrix and slide in new matrix.
22. Push metal pipes back in and reattach with bracket and Phillips screw.
23. You can now put this all back together by doing reverse of what you have just done.
24. Top up water and add antifreeze if necessary and start up your motor. And check for leaks