Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: amba on 01 February 2012, 16:26:27

Title: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 01 February 2012, 16:26:27
Spent most of the day,in the warm however,trying to source a replacement heater matrix radiator to replace mine which decided it had come to the end of its life.The differences in costs are quite staggering and I would appreciate veiws on what suppliers other have used and is it really just the name that is inflating these costs:

Genuine from main dealer with all trade etc discounts..............approx £125 ,2 days from VX and I will need to collect 8 miles away
Autovaux...brand given as Hella/Behr....................................£77 again approx 2 days but will be delivered to door
Uk car cooling on line.................Brand unknown ...£45 and next day delivery
Autokool....................Again brand unknown ..£40 and next day delivery.

Still wondering if second hand is an option as its not really the money,but I don,t like being fleeced.
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 16:36:41
personally I wouldnt try second hand as the job is a pig to do even on the shortest route.. 
 
any picture would help to choose but if none I would try second..
 
 
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 01 February 2012, 16:45:44
Cem...agree its a bit of a swine to get at but once all the bits are cut away don,t think it will be too much grief to unbolt and re-plumb.

Trawlling over thye last 4 years of posts it does seem to be a re ocurring topic and had just wondered what makes and suppliers others who had done this job had gone with.

To be honest common sense does say no to second hand,and in truth with a 12 month warranty on all,perhaps its just go with the cheapest and spend the difference on extra plasters ;D
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: The Red Baron on 01 February 2012, 16:52:02
once youve cut away its a pretty easy job tbh. if your a bit strapped go for a known good flushed out 2nd hand one. have a word with Elitepete.  :y
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 16:53:15
as someone said, "I'm not too rich to buy cheap" :-\
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 01 February 2012, 17:51:25
Would be gratefull for some accurate pictures or details regarding the cutting method as whilst it doesnt faze me I would like to be sure where to " go in " and how far across to cut.

Think I will go with the new option ,as agree it would almost seem false economy possibly putting in a part which works under extremes and having no history or warranty.

Didn,t want to spend more than necessary but equally didn,t want to buy a poor quality item just a few £,s less than a better .
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 18:22:09
here you go :y
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90621.0 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90621.0)
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 01 February 2012, 18:43:22
Big thanks Cem  :y :y :y

Knew I had seen some more detailed pictures than " how to guide " had so really helpfull.Will see if I can get onto that tomorrow ,if its not too cold outside...although it won,t be much warmer in car at moment with no heating :'(
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 20:04:58
Big thanks Cem  :y :y :y

Knew I had seen some more detailed pictures than " how to guide " had so really helpfull.Will see if I can get onto that tomorrow ,if its not too cold outside...although it won,t be much warmer in car at moment with no heating :'(

I have seen also.. will try to find  :y :-\
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 20:09:53
here is another :y
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=64619.0 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=64619.0)
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 01 February 2012, 20:52:06
Top man Cem  :y :y :y

Just I remebered several years ago a OP called ?? JonARGraig ??? who was a genius with a camera did some shots of where he cut and detailed the positions very accuratley.I just wanted to be sure where I needed to cut as it looks like most,if not all the damage is then hidedn by the closed fuse baord flap.

Some pictures seem to show an excessive amount removed for the actual position of the matrix and its size to remove.

Think I will mask off the area that is still visible with the fuse board flap back in its position and avoid going beyond that point so the  "patch up" will be less visible.......just need to find a suitable implement to do the cutting..has been suggested a hacksaw blade with a taped handle and possibly a scapel.
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 01 February 2012, 20:54:46
imo, use something as sharp as possible .. and use a ruler to to make straight cut, as much as possible.. :y 
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 02 February 2012, 18:14:56
Can anybody give me a definitive answer to this question please. :)

Are Heater Matrix radiators the same across the entire year/model range.....Would that from a Facelift be suitable to fit a M/Facelift..or are there some size/design /shape differences  :y
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: henryd on 02 February 2012, 18:20:13
Looking at this it would seem that they are the same for pre/post facelift

http://www.aaronradiator.co.uk/catalog/Vauxhall_Omega_Heater_Matrix-666-1.html
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 02 February 2012, 18:27:35
Agree with that companies advert,but numerous other suppiers have a date spread up to 1999 and the another for beyond :-\

Now looking at most pictures I have found they all appear to be similar ?? but just wanted the advise of the forum to be quite sure :y
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: RobG on 02 February 2012, 18:33:25
Agree with that companies advert,but numerous other suppiers have a date spread up to 1999 and the another for beyond :-\

Now looking at most pictures I have found they all appear to be similar ?? but just wanted the advise of the forum to be quite sure :y
Same across the range, and about £15 + vat from buypartsbuy
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 02 February 2012, 18:35:10
yep.. all must be same
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225)
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: RobG on 02 February 2012, 18:37:05
yep.. all must be same
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225)
FFS that`s dear secondhand :o
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: RobG on 02 February 2012, 18:39:32
"Heat exchanger"

http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/radiators-final.php?year=1997&Submit=Next&make=Vauxhall&model=Omega&sub=&eng=2.5000
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 02 February 2012, 19:07:08
yep.. all must be same
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-B-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-110-/320606917225)
FFS that`s dear secondhand :o

seems someone watching us  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Heater Matrix Replacing
Post by: amba on 02 February 2012, 23:14:05
Blimey guys ...thats very cheap :D  for a new unit ,and agree very pricey >:( for second hand.

Can,t put up with no heat in car for much longer :'( as nearly had hypothermia when got back tonight.

Thanks for further info