Heater Matrix replacement

[lolipop]

Has anyone replaced their (2001 1.9D Berlingo,Van based campervan.) heater marix, or how much in a garage ?
I've looked at a video or two and by the end, it looks like a bomb went off ! Bits everywhere, loads and loads of "sneaky" screws to "forget."
I've used a good leak stopper which has worked very well but for how long ??
Was planning a longish trip. If it started leaking while away, could I just "choke off" the two heater hoses in the engine bay, with mole grips say and not stop the cooling system working ??
Appreciate any ideas.
lolipop

[sirigonis]

I did it on my m49 Berlingo a couple of years ago - it was a fairly difficult job (but I am not a mechanic, and a bit of a noob). I used the guide on this page, and took lot of pictures and wrote down every step of the process - with corresponding pictures. I marked all the screws separately with numbers that matched the step - so it was really easy to put it all together.

The job took me two full days, but I learned a lot. So don't be too afraid, as long as you have a method of putting it all together again ?

[Romahomepete]

Can you still buy the heater matrix?

Peter

[lolipop]

Yes £28 quid all over ebay !

[Kieron G]

I replaced heater matrix on R registration van some years ago. I found it time consuming and fiddly but not technical.
it almost feels like the whole vehicle is built around that part.
The steering wheel and assembly rested on drivers seat still connected which helped.

[Carl.1]

You do not have to choke off the matrix.
In a pinch locate the hose going to it and the one coming from it. Bypass the matrix by joining these together.
Or, not permanent, or shouldn’t be but i used ‘K Seal’ on my Jeep Cherokee and it solved a leak permanently.
‘K Seal’ is an additive you pour i to your header tank, it is millions of fine filings that seek out leaks and block them up.

[lolipop]

I replaced heater matrix on R registration van some years ago. I found it time consuming and fiddly but not technical.
it almost feels like the whole vehicle is built around that part.
The steering wheel and assembly rested on drivers seat still connected which helped.

[lolipop]

You do not have to choke off the matrix.
In a pinch locate the hose going to it and the one coming from it. Bypass the matrix by joining these together.
Or, not permanent, or shouldn’t be but i used ‘K Seal’ on my Jeep Cherokee and it solved a leak permanently.
‘K Seal’ is an additive you pour i to your header tank, it is millions of fine filings that seek out leaks and block them up.

[lolipop]

Thanks Karl !
That's another possibity if you get caught out somewhere away from home.
K Seal has been put in. If it's as good as you say, I can relax a bit more !
Thanks,
lolipop

[lolipop]

I replaced heater matrix on R registration van some years ago. I found it time consuming and fiddly but not technical.
it almost feels like the whole vehicle is built around that part.
The steering wheel and assembly rested on drivers seat still connected which helped.

Thanks Kieron.
That steering wheel tip is a gem !
There's an awfull lot of wiring under there that looked a nightmare to re-do later, as seen in a video.
A brilliant tip that !
Thanks agian.
lolipop