Options to repair/replace a cracked heater matrix

[ascari]

My heater matrix dumped coolant into the passenger footwell, and after its removal, I can see a hairline crack in the plastic at the opposite ends to the 2 pipes.

Has anyone got any experience in a solid fix for this?

The options seem to be:

1. Replace with OEM - Can't justify the cost, even if Mazda had it in stock
2. Replace with aftermarket - anyone done this, web links to purchase something similar?
3. Repair the plastic crack - I've seen mentioned JB Weld as a plastic sealant, although can this type of fix last?
4. Remove and blank off - I live in the UK... not an option

Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[shaunwil]

How about : http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338477309&icep_item=192787608524

Shaun

 

[Spendyrx]

For 120 that's decent enough tbf! If I remember rightly one of the pipes has a plastic clip but you can yank that off and shove the pipe directly on to the matrix pipe. Mine had snapped and that's what I done

 

[Tangelos]

I might actually be looking into this, seems like a headache trying to clean out the old one so why not just swap it with a new one?

 

[ascari]

How about : http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338477309&icep_item=192787608524

Shaun

I saw that and thought it was pretty ingenious. Feels funny putting domestic central heating pipes in a rex, but why not

 

[ascari]

For 120 that's decent enough tbf! If I remember rightly one of the pipes has a plastic clip but you can yank that off and shove the pipe directly on to the matrix pipe. Mine had snapped and that's what I done

Nice idea. Mines cracked on the opposite end, and i'm tempted to remove the plastic and see if i can ali weld/braze the pipes up... my be overreaching tho

 

[ascari]

I might actually be looking into this, seems like a headache trying to clean out the old one so why not just swap it with a new one?

I think a new one would be £££££. what is your old one full of?

 

[Tangelos]

Sorry, I meant new one as in the one liked on eBay. It seems like a new core with just an inlet and outlet to match the FD dimensions. My heating is like warm, not nuclear like others on the forum. I’m assuming that some sort of gunk from the rad got trapped in there

 

[rotors7]

I thought mine was leaking so bought one of those for sale on eBay.
The first one didn't fit properly, got a replacement which was much better but by this time I'd pressure checked the oem and it was fine.
I've got the eBay one as a spare just in case now.
I reckon a local radiator specialist could easily knock one up quite quickly.

 

[ascari]

I thought mine was leaking so bought one of those for sale on eBay.
The first one didn't fit properly, got a replacement which was much better but by this time I'd pressure checked the oem and it was fine.
I've got the eBay one as a spare just in case now.
I reckon a local radiator specialist could easily knock one up quite quickly.

Good to know what those replacements rads were like first hand, thanks.