(T) HEATER Matrix unit removal

Great job there, well done.

Thanks Stum! I'll be even happier when I get it all back together and I know the car still works

Thanks richit

Your strip down information and pictures are extremely informative.

Thus far, and thankfully, the Holts Radweld Plus application is holding firm on our "B".

I don't normally opt for a cheap solutions to problems but sometimes a gamble is worth the option. As with all options/gambles then safety comes first (eg. massive hot fluid release - not a high risk is in this case) and you have to be prepared to re-visit the issue again and spend even more time and money on a proper fix.

Wish you and your "B" all the best!

There's no way I'd be brave enough to tackle a job like that - well done so far, and best of luck in putting it all back together again!

Thanks guys! It's really not too bad. I'm not a great or very confident mechanic but it is a case of just dismantling and then putting it back together. I used the Edd China 'top tip' of taping bolts and screws to pieces of paper with diagrams showing where they go back.

Interestingly, here in Italy it seems more of a common problem. This is a recent discussion on the Italian forum: https://translate.googleusercontent....PnrtoAzx6h5keA

It's linked through Google so the translation isn't perfect. I'm happy to see on page two a Barch in the same sad state as mine.. They talk about 'turafalle' this is radweld.

I'll let you know when it's all back together.. We had rain yesterday.. First time in 100 days. It's a sign!

Update: I stripped the dash out weeks ago but then got sick with a really bad flu (3 weeks!) and then had to catch up with work and other things. Today I finally got everything back in. Even though I had a lot of nightmares about not remembering how it went back together it was very straightforward. I did put labels on all the electrical plugs (masking tape and marker pen) and this really helped.

On first start up everything worked apart from the heater blower (fan)! I'd just left it unplugged, so that was easy to fix. Then I got the engine hot to test the heaters and there was no heat despite both pipes going to the heater matrix being hot, so it had to be a control problem. The cable had come off the heater unit that controls hot - cold. It was easy enough to get to and push back on. Then everything was good. I just need to get insurance and the AC gas refilled then I can start enjoying it again.

While the interior was heavy stripped I decided to take everything out and insulate the entire floor with two layers of car insulation (I used Silent Coat). I'll let you know what difference it makes. I also changed the front speakers to Alpine SXE-1750S. The difference is huge compared to the originals and there was no sound insulation around/behind them so just adding that must be making a big difference. And I've decided to scrap the rear speaker box. It takes up a lot of space and doesn't look so great (in my opinion) and I'll probably go for roll over hoops.

So, if you have a leaking heater matrix just put aside plenty of time and go for it. I'm not an accomplished mechanic but found it fairly easy. If you ever need some help, don't hesitate to ask. The worst thing about the job is the time it takes, but it's a labour of love and you'll probably enjoy it as much as I did!

Photo: part way through the soundproofing. I then added a foam on top of this, but not all as I was worried the rubber matting wouldn't go back in.



The car this evening in full working order - apart from no AC gas..

Nice work - and thanks for the helpful tips. After replacing the heater matrix on an Audi 100 many years ago, I swore I'd never tackle another one, but I'd now be tempted to give it a go on the B. Still hope I never have to, though!

Hi gar074, for sure I'm glad it's now done.. I read on the Italian forum that one guy said he did it in one night! It's probably the best way so you have a better chance of remembering how it goes back. I just look forward to driving it now. Good weather is here and I just insured it. I've promised the wife a drive down to the Amalfi coast. All the best!

Now that, my friend, is the good life!

I never complain. Well... I do sometimes. Human nature

hi there ! i just both a barchetta 5 months ago , now i found out that i have a small leak in the heating radiator only notice wen it's in heating position... it seams sooner or lather i must put hands to work...
i have done similar work before but never in a barchetta , so , beside it's a real "pain in the ass" work specialy dismantling with out a manual in this case it's even worse because it's dificult to get parts if you break some plastic part in the process...
i have been following this thread and i found it very usefull specially richit ones that just ended is job , so i will be in the "asking mode" looking for tips from you guys ...
now i just need to get some time out to get the job done without any rush !
great job "richit"
sorry for the lecture

Hi JMSG. Yes, mine started as a small leak.. then turned into Lake Como. It's a real pain to do but it's not hard. If you like, I can make a short video to give a rough idea how to do it. I would have loved something like that before I started so I'll be happy to do it. You can also find a link somewhere on the forum to download the manual. It was very useful.

I broke a few things... but that's how it goes. I did managed to repair everything though. Get some good strong epoxy resin glue and you'll be fine

Let me know if you need help!!

As a footnote to the heater matrix issue, does anyone know the cause of leaks? Is it corrosion or just poor quality materials? I religiously change my coolant every 2 years in the hopes that corrosion doesn't happen. Am I wasting my time?

i wood apreciate the video alot "richit" and if possible detailing where are located the screws that atach the dash , how to get the air vents out , the best way to remove the plastic covers of the windshield colums.
those are the things that i found more usefull because they are hiden at first site and it's usual having plastic clips that are easy to mount but much hard to dismantle speacialy if we don't have a clue hand force it to find out there is a chance off braken it... as you no !
i have allready pulled out the instruments cluster for fixing the partial km counter (another usual) some time ago ...
the rest of the job i think is easier because we can see how it works...but very labourous...