Topic: Sodding heater core (I'm guessing) (Read 10975 times)

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #25 on:** December 21, 2014, 02:53:15 PM »

That would be incredibly helpful! Do pre-facelift XJs use the same matrix as mine (1998)?

How much would you want for one?

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #26 on:** December 21, 2014, 02:55:28 PM »

Damn, I've just looked and it would appear that they're different (assuming RHD is the same as LHD)

Dave69 · « **Reply #27 on:** December 21, 2014, 03:32:46 PM »

you'll be lucky if that was the case

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #28 on:** December 21, 2014, 03:54:14 PM »

It looks like RHD probably is the same as LHD, as the pipes enter the bulkhead in the same location, and the core is (I believe) centrally mounted. Either way, it looks like I'll be going for an eBay one for £100, or would Lighthouse have them for less?

Jonny Jeep · « **Reply #29 on:** December 21, 2014, 06:10:59 PM »

The parts list shows the heater hoses entering on different sides on RHD/LHD models. I expect like the TJ that the heater box and matrix are mirror images of the LHD parts.

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #30 on:** December 21, 2014, 10:48:52 PM »

Ah that's interesting. I'll have to have a good look tomorrow, as I've not touched the Jeep since I dumped it at home in a bad mood!

gazjeep · « **Reply #31 on:** December 21, 2014, 11:54:02 PM »

£26 - £39 on rockauto but guessing thats for LHD only

Try USA automotive too

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #32 on:** December 22, 2014, 12:02:40 AM »

Cheers Gaz. How had I never come across USA Automotive before!? Is all of their stuff in the UK? I ask as I have very limited time to do install the new matrix, so need to order it soon.

Does anyone have any tips for the job itself? Are there any other parts required?
I'm going to put the Jeep in the middle of the garage so that I have a clean floor, lots of room and the rain won't matter. Mum's even told me that she'll help by doing things labeling up parts! I think she can tell that I'm a bit daunted by this.

jay140285 · « **Reply #33 on:** December 22, 2014, 09:23:15 AM »

Just be methodical in your methods and ask for help where needed.

I was daunted when the V8 dropped its valve, but I got there just took my time and lots of research and Donk gave it one final check over before we started it.

The Smiths · « **Reply #34 on:** December 22, 2014, 12:20:38 PM »

and if in doubt where things may go back - take a photo

bgbazz · « **Reply #35 on:** December 22, 2014, 01:02:00 PM »

Quote from: The Smiths on December 22, 2014, 12:20:38 PM

and if in doubt where things may go back - take a photo

Excellent advice...it works for me!

gazjeep · « **Reply #36 on:** December 22, 2014, 01:12:19 PM »

Quote from: Brynjaminjones on December 22, 2014, 12:02:40 AM

Cheers Gaz. How had I never come across USA Automotive before!? Is all of their stuff in the UK? I ask as I have very limited time to do install the new matrix, so need to order it soon.

I have ordered front hubs, calipers & Heavy Duty UJ's off them. Although not on their website, if you ring them, they got me HD greasable UJ's from the US, had them in a week.

Best thing is to give them a call young jedi, Lighty's seem dear these days but if they have it in stock it might be worth paying the premium to get it on time

Dave69 · « **Reply #37 on:** December 22, 2014, 02:13:20 PM »

next day delivery from lighty's is standard

Bandit · « **Reply #38 on:** December 23, 2014, 12:04:39 AM »

I dont know if the matrix is handed or not, either way there isnt a huge queue waiting for one, dont be phased by the dash out, its not that difficult, if its a mkII then apparently but dont quote me the dash only needs to be moved enough to gain access, unlike a mkI where it needs to be completely pulled out.

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #39 on:** December 23, 2014, 12:49:10 AM »

Thanks for the help guys. I had a proper look today and you're right, the RHD ones are different.

For now I've managed to get the bypass sorted, which I'm happy with. It does drip slowly with the engine running though - what's the best thing to stop that?

bgbazz · « **Reply #40 on:** December 23, 2014, 06:40:59 AM »

Teflon thread tape on every join should stop that.

JamesH · « **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2014, 07:45:14 AM »

Yep, PTFE tape

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #42 on:** December 23, 2014, 09:08:15 AM »

I've come across that stuff before - do you wrap it around the thread then screw together with it still on there?

bgbazz · « **Reply #43 on:** December 23, 2014, 09:24:45 AM »

Yep...cover the whole thread with three or four layers, nice and tight, then screw it back together as normal.

Dave69 · « **Reply #44 on:** December 23, 2014, 03:03:11 PM »

couldn't you find anything smaller?

eastryjeep · « **Reply #45 on:** December 23, 2014, 03:12:36 PM »

Really tempted to say 'RadWeld' here, but suspect you'd put a hit on me!

When you wind your PTFE tape on make sure you start at the end of the union and wind the tape in the same direction as the thread so it doesn't try to unwind as you tighten the joint.

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #46 on:** December 23, 2014, 06:32:29 PM »

Quote from: Dave69 on December 23, 2014, 03:03:11 PM

couldn't you find anything smaller?

Believe me, it took an entire afternoon of Mum driving me around St. Austell just to get the pieces I've used!

Cheers for the advice on using the tape. I'll have a look for some tomorrow.
In the meantime, I've driven the Jeep about 100 miles today and it's used no coolant

bgbazz · « **Reply #47 on:** December 23, 2014, 07:59:12 PM »

Go back and nip up all the joints and you may not even need the tape.

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #48 on:** December 23, 2014, 09:53:34 PM »

They were as tight as I could get them using a vice and a big adjustable! I suppose it could be worth trying now it's been through a few warm-up cycles though. The apparent lack of coolant loss however is making me wonder if it's not leaking once up to temperature?

bgbazz · « **Reply #49 on:** December 24, 2014, 06:44:58 AM »

Anything is possible...just keep a close eye on the coolant level while you wait to get a new matrix.

Author Topic: Sodding heater core (I'm guessing) (Read 10975 times)

jay140285

Bandit

eastryjeep