Heater Matrix Replacement

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
I don't want to sound overly negative but in the case of my car the ac drain and pollen filter were clogged but the heater matrix had also failed so I'd still check in the footwell and behind the dash via the panel the covers the transmission tunnel for signs of coolant ingreas

I know this one well, a small job usually end up with everything found sh@gged then needs a total rebuild! Not just my maserati either...
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
Just going through the many invoices for my GS and when the main dealer replaced the heater matrix in 2013 they actually replaced the complete evaporator set!

67707800: COMPLETE EVAPORATOR SET £1421.60

Is that normal? For a main dealer maybe it is. What is actually included in the complete evaporator set?

Note this work was carried out less than one month after they had the car in for service and reported that the cause of the soaked footwells was 'loose coolant pipes' for which they stripped the dash and re-tightened at great expense. So they did the same labour work twice and charged for it twice in less than 4 weeks! How could they not spot the heater matrix first time round especially since it was a known weak point? You couldn't make it up!

Actually you could - same garage changed thrust bearing 4K miles after changing clutch!
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
Just going through the many invoices for my GS and when the main dealer replaced the heater matrix in 2013 they actually replaced the complete evaporator set!

67707800: COMPLETE EVAPORATOR SET £1421.60

Is that normal? For a main dealer maybe it is. What is actually included in the complete evaporator set?

Note this work was carried out less than one month after they had the car in for service and reported that the cause of the soaked footwells was 'loose coolant pipes' for which they stripped the dash and re-tightened at great expense. So they did the same labour work twice and charged for it twice in less than 4 weeks! How could they not spot the heater matrix first time round especially since it was a known weak point? You couldn't make it up!

Actually you could - same garage changed thrust bearing 4K miles after changing clutch!

That's crazy, stuff like this gives the Maserati brand a bad name and pub bores ammo.

Must have been a huge bill!
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
Hence the reason I would never use a MD as they know zilch on cars more than five years old.
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
It was 4 huge bills

1st - clutch replacement

2nd - 4 months/4k miles later - thrust bearing

3rd - dash removal refit coolant hoses

4th - 4 weeks later - dash removal replace heater matrix (but with the complete £1500 assy)!

Obviously I am only looking at bits of paper but there is no sense on any of the invoices of 'sorry we missed that before please have a discount since we are unnecessarily doing the same work twice due to our ineptitude or previous poor advice'

Well over £8K total but the car did get a 'free visual health check' on each visit :)

Oh and to add insult to injury the clutch fitted had the tang pressure plate failure when only 22% worn so add another £2K!
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
Well it is all history now and the first owner footed the bills (and I have no other background or insight to conversations around those 4 visits - I know what I would have been saying!). Just thought it was interesting observations and nice to have such a comprehensive paper trail with the car but as suggested above you can see where the bad rep comes from. It would help if Maserati installed fit for purpose components in the first place of course.
 

Robbe

Junior Member
Messages
87
Back to the job of fitting a new matrix,
when you put everything back together after re-installing the matrix and the complete black plastic unit where it sits in, don't try to be smart by bolting in the yellow underdash construction first, or the leather clad dash top first for that matter. :battered:
One will Always be in the way of the other when installed seperately.
You need to re-install them at the same time.
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
The great re-fit is underway! Cleaned up the fan unit and refitted, new Samco silicone hoses and heavy duty stainless steel clamps, new heater matrix in and the HVAC unit resealed and is now plumbed in and fitted back in the car.
Not too shabby for a few hours on a dull Saturday.
Running total is about 11 hours so far.
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mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
Is there any way to start the car before putting the dash back to check for leaks/retighten the hose clamps after a few heat cycles?
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
I have considered that, however I think I would have to disconnect the airbag ecu otherwise I will get a warning light, but I'm still not sure if I should risk it. I have made every effort to ensure the new pipes and matrix are in tightly but who knows !


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mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
Also, is it possible to add any shielding over sensitive ecu's so if there is a leak, the electronics are protected from above? Even slipping them in a plastic bag maybe!!
I would give everything a good spray with ACF50 too.
Again just a thought.
 

davidhowson

Junior Member
Messages
474
Finished off yesterday by refilling the cooling system with fresh coolant, obviously can't start up yet but released the two breathers on the cylinder heads and had a fair amount of air bubble out before tightening up again. Going to leave it until Saturday now and see if there's any sign of moisture on the new parts and if the level drops in the header tank.
Replaced the dash top air distribution channels and next will be to start putting the dashboard back in.
I recon on another two weekends of rebuilding and I should be ready to run again.



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