Coolant Leak / Heater Core

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MaseratiForum Maserati Cars 3200GT, 4200 Coupe/Spyder, GranSport Coolant Leak / Heater Core

Coolant Leak / Heater Core

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13/12/2011 12:21:51

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

Tried searching but can't find what I'm after so hopefully somebody can help.

I've got a smell of coolant in the cabin that gets worse when the heater is on, the coolant also needs topped up pretty regularly. Also got a constant window mist just to the middle left of the windscreen, and there's a residue I think has a slight coolant smell too.
From reading about the forums - I reckon my heater core or some of the hoses into the matrix may have a leak.

Is there such a thing as a picture thread on here that shows dash removal and how to get in about the heater core? And does anyone know the specific parts on Eurospares site or where to find them?
I've done work behind the dash on other cars before but never the coupe. Maybe somebody has a link to a 4200 service manual they could PM me?

If I decide the job is beyond my abilities, Nearest Maserati dealer for me is in Edinburgh - does anyone know an indy closer to Aberdeen who could carry out the work?

Thanks

13/12/2011 12:26:37

adam01

Posts: 52
Since: 20/6/2010
Region: melbourne mcv#128
Status: offline

Search the US life forum Someone in Paris did a write up inc pics of how to replace heater core

< Message edited by adam01 -- 13/12/2011 12:27:23 >

13/12/2011 17:41:24

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

Thanks!

Here's the link in case somebody else needs it in future:

http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/11607-heater-core-replacement-5.html

This looks a beast of a job! Probably just about the limit of my capabilities and/or patience.
I still can't find the correct bits on Eurospares despite going through all the diagrams twice.

I think I'll give it a go and open it up - hopefully it's just a hose needing tightened or replaced - if not hopefully the parts will look more obvious on Eurospares.

However, if it's more than just a hose I'll probably get a garage involved. I've contacted Maserati to get a "back of a fag packet" price which ranges from reasonable to predictably expensive depending on the work required.

Anyone know of an independent capable of carrying out this work near Aberdeen because closest official Maserati is Edinburgh?

Thanks

13/12/2011 18:24:08

Nigelo

Posts: 775
Since: 19/8/2007
Status: online

If the leak is found from the internal matrix, you may need to change the complete assembly as IIRC the matrix core does not appear to be available separately. The complete assembly is descibed on Eurospares site as "Evaporator Set" see item 001 on link http://www.eurospares.co.uk/partTable.asp?M=3&Mo=380&A=2&B=20210&S=

The cost new is £1,082 (in stock) athough they also happen to have a second hand unit @ £ 555

Whatever your choice, I suggest you call Eurospares to ensure that all parts required are included in your order

hope this helps

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You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force it to drink

13/12/2011 19:03:11

mjheathcote

Posts: 46
Since: 22/3/2009
Region: Holmfirth West Yorkshire
Status: online

I believe the Alfa 166 is the same heater core, if you do a search. Cheers Mike

13/12/2011 20:58:31

Rex B

Posts: 39
Since: 24/6/2010
Status: offline

Hi

If the Alfa 166 Heater core fits then there is a company on the web call carcooling.co.uk that are advertising them for £48.89.

Rex B
Manual 3200

14/12/2011 21:07:39

Safrane

Posts: 2477
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: online

One of our old forum members, [Paul] changed his this year.

You could e-mail him via the sports maserati site here in the uk

_____________________________

Peter

4200 CC
Volvo C70 Cabriolet
VW Golf mk1 Cabriolet
2CV LHD In France

15/12/2011 6:26:22

Sunningdale 3200GT

Posts: 61
Since: 13/4/2009
Status: offline

Hi there,

As Pete says, I changed my heater matrix on my 3200gt earlier this year, I took photo's etc and put togther a step by step guide.

If this can help you please email me and i can send you all the info as a powerpoint presentation as it is a bit big to post

regards

Paul

_____________________________

Paul Lawrence

3200 Gt
Audi S line
VW Jetta

12/2/2012 5:55:22

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

PM sent with my email details. Thanks!

Planning to tackle this in aboot 10 days time. The thought of paying a garage to do it is annoying me too much haha.

12/2/2012 13:16:29

Safrane

Posts: 2477
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: online

Best of luck...will you provided before and after shots of your knuckles?

_____________________________

Peter

4200 CC
Volvo C70 Cabriolet
VW Golf mk1 Cabriolet
2CV LHD In France

20/2/2012 20:47:31

Sunningdale 3200GT

Posts: 61
Since: 13/4/2009
Status: offline

Hi All,

Just to let those who have PM me I have sent via email the powerpoint of the project I did to my 3200 of replacing the heater matrix.

Regards

Paul L

_____________________________

Paul Lawrence

3200 Gt
Audi S line
VW Jetta

24/2/2012 18:13:47

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

Got that, thanks Paul.

Well - I started this afternoon and have made some good progress before it got too dark.
I've got the centre console out, top of dash off, steering wheel cover off and speedometer console removed.
Started looking for and removing screws to take of the main front of dash.
I reckon I will have dash completely off tomorrow - if I can find all the screws!
Then hopefully I find a leaky core or hose and can get new parts ordered to arrive early next week.

24/2/2012 19:21:18

Sunningdale 3200GT

Posts: 61
Since: 13/4/2009
Status: offline

As with any project like this, slow and steady going labelling everything and use the digital camera. Its one of those jobs once completed never to be forgotten ever but you will never need to do it again!!!

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes

Paul l

_____________________________

Paul Lawrence

3200 Gt
Audi S line
VW Jetta

24/2/2012 21:06:35

mjheathcote

Posts: 46
Since: 22/3/2009
Region: Holmfirth West Yorkshire
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sunningdale 3200GT As with any project like this, slow and steady going labelling everything and use the digital camera. Its one of those jobs once completed never to be forgotten ever but you will never need to do it again!!! Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes Paul l

But you are replacing the heater core for the same item that can leak again in the future, so you may have to do it again! We need a full welded aluminium replacement, not one with crimped end tanks, which I believe is the weak point. Please post a picture of the failed heater matrix I am interested where it has failed. Cheers Mike

_____________________________

2002 Cambiocorsa coupe

25/2/2012 16:03:11

Rex B

Posts: 39
Since: 24/6/2010
Status: offline

Hi

If you are looking for a heater core then try UK Car Cooling 020 3012 3016, they are advertising a replacement for the alfa 166 which I think has the same heater unit as a 3200/4200, the price quoted as £48.89 and if you Google them they have the dimensions of the unit on their site.

Rex B
Manual 3200

12/3/2012 18:04:49

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

Finished! Wooo I'd thought the skint knuckles pics idea was a joke but i have a few cuts and tore off some of my left thumb nail lol.

All done though, there were 2 leak points. One hose into the matrix had a loose jubilee clip and the actual core was also leaking. Replaced the core with a Hellas Alfa166 core. New stainless jubilee clips onto the hoses too.

Frustrating job with the cr4ppy quality of oem screws used and the original jubilee clips were actually too big and had been cut down, hence razor sharp edge that attacked my thumb. Just need a real good valet now to get rid of the coolant evaporate from all surfaces and a shampoo of the carpets.

With the money i've saved i've just ordered some Pirelli performance tyres to replace the budget ones the car came with. Jobs a goodun!!! Thanks to all who gave advice and input!

< Message edited by MonsterEnergy -- 27/3/2012 9:09:05 >

27/3/2012 9:08:30

MonsterEnergy

Posts: 14
Since: 21/8/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mjheathcote
Please post a picture of the failed heater matrix I am interested where it has failed. Cheers Mike

Old core inside matrix - you can see coolant residue:

Duff matrix - problem is on the join between metal and plastic - should probably have peeled off the foam to show better:

Coolant residue in bottom of matrix:

Ouch

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