Flooding!!

Ok, thanks chaps. Will have a look over the weekend and report back...

Not a pleasant diy!

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?127044-How-to-Swap-your-heater-matrix&highlight=Heater+Matrix

I don't think this is the type of thing I'd be comfortable attempting on my drive...

My money is on the heater Matrix, do what Scooter said , it's not your daily so you can fix it in the spring , it will still leak heater on or not . diy job or about 1k for someone else to do it.

£1K who are you using Dick Turpin

£1K who are you using $#@! Turpin

I don't know whether that's favourable or unfavourable? Lol

£1K who are you using Dick Turpin

The quotes for this have always been £1k Dunk, aslong as I can remember, and I know Littlenum would charge at least that if you contacted him today. I don't it's unfair price for all the work involved.

£1K who are you using $#@! Turpin

I don't use anyone , i do my own , that's the price i've seen quoted on here . i'm sure you would do it for half that price

It's a 3 hour job according to that DIY thread...

So that's £333.33/hr...

I guess it depends where you go, what the hourly rate is and how long they take

3 hours? to completely take out the dash and all the wiring that will have been hacked into these cars over the years?

3 hours? to completely take out the dash and all the wiring that will have been hacked into these cars over the years?

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=233767&stc=1&d=1572962582

That's what the OP on that DIY thread stated... how long do you reckon it would take?

Jezz had it nailed down, was experienced in the process has probably done more than pretty much anyone else when he's saying 3 hours and £250 cash to do it. Even then it's £250 labour, so you'd need to tack on the matrix and sundries (aircon regass, coolant etc)

The issue now is it's a long process for anyone less experienced, also I think some might decline or give a 'hassle' price, because frankly they can fill their time with as profitable jobs for far less hassle. There is a chance of collateral damage to dash pieces, wiring being disturbed and causing issues after the job is done, if ever a job said "major ball ache" it's this one.

Lovely!! I probably ought to give him a precautionary heads up, does Jezz have a garage or does he do this sort of thing as a hobby?

He used to, but not even logged into the forum for a year now............could try the email option (rather than PM) you never know.

This thread shows the difference in experience vs inexperienced.....

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?125466-Getting-there-I-think&highlight=matrix

Update:

The floormat I had removed from the passenger side footwell has a slightly sweet smell; however, having driven the car this afternoon, albeit without using the AC, I can confirm that there was absolutely no signs of a leak!! From my understanding then, this does cast some doubt over the theory that it may be the heater matrix as one would expect it to leak, whether or not the AC is in use?

Update:

 

The floormat I had removed from the passenger side footwell has a slightly sweet smell; however, having driven the car this afternoon, albeit without using the AC, I can confirm that there was absolutely no signs of a leak!! From my understanding then, this does cast some doubt over the theory that it may be the heater matrix as one would expect it to leak, whether or not the AC is in use?

If its got a sweet coolant smell/taste about it I can't think of anything else it could be I am afraid. Possibly a coolant leak elsewhere that's tracking down to the lowest point maybe. Soak a bit of white kitchen roll with it to give you an indication of the colour. I am not sure if 4 life coolant has the same sweet taste as normal anti freeze, but the simplest way normally is to wet your finger with it and have a taste. I know it sounds a little bizzare.

Pressure test the system might be a starting point and keep an eye on the coolant level

I would unclip the plastic from the door sill and at the front pop (push in the central button and it should just come out) the retainer to remove the whole plastic piece. Then you can fold back the carpet to access the ecu cover.

Then check the radiator is completely full, and the coolant expansion tank has some coolant in it. Then drive around for a time with the heaters on full, stop when up to temperature and carefully feel the in and out matrix rubber pipes in the engine bay, careful both should obviously be hot hence the caution. A noticeable temperature difference means the matrix is partially blocked/flow is restricted through it.

If after a long'ish drive, during which you were always getting nice full heat from your blowers, you suffer no noticeable coolant loss (compare when fully cooled) then it can't be leaking. Obviously leaving the carpet folded back will help spot anything, often the leak is enough to have steam/water noticeably enter the cabin.

I'd also take note of what radiator cap you have? Is it aftermarket and higher pressure?

Pressure test the system might be a starting point and keep an eye on the coolant level

Such a catch 22 situation with these original matrix units being so fragile though isn't it.

Such a catch 22 situation with these original matrix units being so fragile though isn't it.

For sure, amazes me some are still working, mine failed a long time ago.

I just did a search and it was changed before 2009

I would assume it is coolant. Its just a mini radiator. Maybe its the calm before the storm ie. Slight leak you noticed then shazam the floods will come. I think they go bad becuase of the lack of regular coolant changes. I had a 20 year old radiator go on me because of the plastic. But the core...dare i say was mint the fins were strong! No stains either. The heater core is full alloy so id imagine once the coolant system was free from degraded coolant and contaminents...in theory they could go on much longer...

I would assume it is coolant. Its just a mini radiator. Maybe its the calm before the storm ie. Slight leak you noticed then shazam the floods will come. I think they go bad becuase of the lack of regular coolant changes. I had a 20 year old radiator go on me because of the plastic. But the core...dare i say was mint the fins were strong! No stains either. The heater core is full alloy so id imagine once the coolant system was free from degraded coolant and contaminents...in theory they could go on much longer...

Mine was changed at the correct times so who knows, always had Toyotas coolant in it

Thanks for the advice chaps - I'll have a look and report back with some pictures this afternoon.

I am with DNK, pressure test the heater system and eliminate this most popular failure mode.

I had a wet carpet and i traced it to the door seal, it was very difficult to trace, as the water gets in, and can be no where near where it gets onto the floor pan carpet.

I have owned my car from new in 1995 and always used Toyota "Forlife", so this should avoid the cooling system failing/leaking.

Good luck. Herbie.