Hi All

 

My Z has been pretty well bulletproof for the past 7 years but I went to use it yesterday and as I started it, I noticed about half a cup of water on the passenger side mat (fresh cuz it was sat on top and hadn't started to soak in). Hoping it might be a screen wash pipe disconnected or something, I decided to look later. Drove a couple of miles to the shops where on restarting the engine, it dumped another half a cupful of water on the mat. Smelled radiator like this time. Drove home and checked - tiny amount of radiatior water loss but also, the radiator wasn't pressurised like it would normally be.

 

Does anyone have any idea what the most likely problem is and how to get at it? I'm guessing it's behind the dash - OMG!!! Also, what it maight cost and where to take it in Wiltshire? Local Nissan is obvious but I don't think they see (m)any 300ZXs and I guess will cost a bomb.

 

All ideas gratefully received.

 

PS It's a NA vert.

 

Cheers

Paul

Edited November 20, 201114 yr by PaulZ

Heater matrix behind the dash, it's high enough that after some of the water has come out of the engine you won't notice as much missing from your engine and would also de-pressurise the system.

yeah mate.. common fault... heater matrix and or the pipes to it...

 

crap job to do... i think there are a number of threads on here about it...

 

you could disconnect it or replace it, the replacement units are for a different model of Nissan and aren't too expensive... around £40 if i remember correctly (and you mat also have to get new hoses).

 

either way its a pain to do..... so a search in the FAQ section .....

Lol.... :p

have a look hear as well.... guide on an Oz forum....

 

http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.341

Nice one medallion man, I'm replacing the heater matrix in the grey one with the one from the yellow one today, although the dash is out on both right now, so much easier ;)

i thought mine had gone... but it is still OK (for now) dreading the event..lol...

 

 

Paul....

 

this is a post about the replacement one.... but the price looks like around the £70

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=119753&referrerid=16305

 

i think Jeff at Zedworld also does them.... ring them or send him a PM...

Mmm ....... been reading around. The leak being down the side of the centre console and the smell seems to be a common factor and points to the heater matrix (or pipes). Sod it ......

 

Thanks guys

before you jump to the worst, the air con drain pipe is on the passanger side and it was that on mine. Also check the targa drain pipe is flowing ok.

before you jump to the worst, the air con drain pipe is on the passanger side and it was that on mine. Also check the targa drain pipe is flowing ok.

 

Thanks Vijay, but aircon not gassed for many years and its a convertible ..... nice thought though.

 

Ta

Paul

Zedworld prices range from £310-£360 if their website prices are up to date

 

The parts needing removed are picured below (from zedworld website) and as stated by others, its a bit of a bugger!

 

Zedworld prices range from £310-£360 if their website prices are up to date

 

The parts needing removed are picured below (from zedworld website) and as stated by others, its a bit of a bugger!

 

 

Just to advise: the above is using a Genuine Nissan matrix unit which comes with new copper pipes, foam insulator and water valve, using non Nissan part is less expensive.

 

Jeff TT

i did it without removing the steering wheel but removing the seat instead, allowed me to lay in the footwell for better access

Jeff replaced the matrix for me earlier in the week - top job.

 

Thanks

Top convertable you have there, was a pleasure to work on.

 

Jeff

Hi

I have water in the passenger footwell but no drop in the radiator any ideas guys

Paul

Hi

I have water in the passenger footwell but no drop in the radiator any ideas guys

Paul

 

Sounds like it's your pass side targa drain plug. It may be blocked or come out of the wing holder. Have a look in the FAQ section, there's a write up in there that tells you how to sort it.

HTH

Hi Thanks

Sorry bit of a noob on here

Hi Thanks

Sorry bit of a noob on here

 

Your welcome mate. Had this problem on mine, so was one of the first jobs I did.