I noticed a few weeks ago that I've got coolant under my mats in the cockpit, and have been told that the radiator for the heating system's a goner (apparantly 'normal' for a Fiat :bang. So, obviously I'll have to have it replaced (...what a bundle of joy this Barchetta is ). Before I go ahead and order the part, are there any heads up for changing it? Anything in particular I should be aware of? I presume that I've got to remove the dashboard to be able to access it - is there anything else I should check while I've got it disassembled? How long time is needed for doing this? I've heard rumours about 5-6 hours...

Oh, and is it normal that my windows are all greasy and 'misty' (wot's the word?) on the inside if the radiator's leaking? I can't see anything most of the time

The windows will mist quite dramatically if the matrix is leaking, but there could be two reasons, either the matrix is gone or the valve system, if it's the valve it could be as simple as a faulty o ring so may be a bit easier to fix. I've never removed a matrix from a barchetta, but did on my V12 BMW as it had gone and had simmilar problems with the misting. I'll have a look at the manuals and see if i can offer any advice re removal or replacing the valve system.

I also own a Mitsubishi Outlander and took it over to Germany for the Koln Xmas markets last November. On the way back the heater matrix started to leak and even driving with the windows and sunroof open I could not demist the windscreen Didnt help my nervous partner the fact she couldnt see where I was speeding

Mine is on the way out and last summer I had the coolant in the cockpit. I used Bars leak and nine months later its still fine. I will fix the problem when I have the cockpit retrimmed as the dash will have to come out for that.

Why does this happens?Rust?

Gremlins I say :idea:

lol, its going from hot to cold all the time so eventually they go.

I did put something in my radiator to stop the leaking, but to no avail. So I guess I'll have to rip out the whole dash Will I need to remove the steering wheel and airbags as well?

Is this the part that I need? I think I'll be getting it from eBay; I called the local Fiat dealer and they quoted me a price of about €200. The eBay one is €20 + €30 postage. I love living in Norway...:yuck:

Um...does anybody know if a 1996 Barchetta has a Magneti Marelli or Valeo matrix thingie?

Sorry unsure of that but I have found some pics that may help. I've also found that the valve system on the heater is not directly attached to the matrix, there is also a fixing/refurb kit available, which appears like valve parts.

I just recieved the workshop manual in the mail yesterday. I presume your pic's from there Alan? So far, leafing through the manual, it only looks like I'll have to remove the centre console - fingers crossed.

I also found a local shop that sells the radiator rather cheap (slightly more expensive than eBay), but they couldn't help me in finding out which one I need (Magneti Marelli or Valeo), so I'll buy the both of them and return the one that isn't compatible. But, just my luck, the shop's closed on Saturdays and only open during the time when I'm at work, so I'll have to figure out how to find time to go buy the parts...:bang:

Life is never simple
Just phone in sick to work and take a couple of days off, much more important to fix the B and stop getting wet feet

Yup, just what I was thinking of

F**k me. Planning on exchanging it tomorrow; just found this guide. Looks like I'm in for a hell of a time...

Yup, it's hell. Started dismantling my poor B today - spent about 7 hours today to just get the fecker out

If anybody's planning on doing this as well, remember to bring the workshop manual as it is pretty much just following the manual. But what they don't tell you about in the manual is that all the torx/torques (wossitcallled?) screws (about 6 of them) can't be unscrewed, plus some parts that need to be removed have been nailed into place, rather then using screws. So, bring a small angle grinder as well to cut them off.

Attaching som pics so you can see how much fun you're in for if you're so lucky as to need to replace the radiator-thingie .

Hoping to put the car together again tomorrow. Too bad I didn't really note down where all the different screws go...:dead:

And a few more.

Just remembered - my radiator's a Magneti Marelli. Not sure if one can conclude that all '96 Bs have a MM, though...

Oh, and if you happen to remove the radiator; there's 4 bolts holding it from the engine compartment side. This was of course not mentioned in the manual...

Seems to me now is a good time to part it out on ebay

:nutter:

Just need a few more mugs of coffe (sadly your face didn't work too well as a deterrant ) and I'm off to try and put it together :woot:.