Noticed the needle creeping up again when stuck in a queue. I've noticed recently that my heating has been working intermittently. When I press the Auto button I sometimes get a 'ping' noise from the driver's footwell. Sounds like the spring that opens the heater core valve doesn't always work. Checked under my mat and my footwell is all wet. I changed the matrix myself back in november but have a feeling that this one is on the way out too. Would a 'sticking' valve cause it to leak or could it be the matrix has broken again. Any ideas what would cause this after 6 months? I will get it replaced under warranty from Nissan but fear something could be causing them to pop!!!

 

Any advise??

Sounds just like the matrix has gone - your heater not working is because the water level has dropped too low - it is also probably why you are overheating as well....

I thought as much! Any ideas why it has only lasted 6 months? Dodgy part or something causing it?

Check for earth leaks. Think that they are know to be a "heather matrix killer".

Yep, if the matrix has blown in 6 months then you have an earth fault...

OK. I'm not a mechanic. Should I take it somewhere or buy a meter and start checking. Where should I start? I have noticed that I have no earth (black) wire in my loom. Is this normal for a Jap Spec?

Put in a search for "Heater Matrix Article" on this forum and you will get a few hits for posts related to the problem. There is an article (attached to the posts) in a few of them that will explain what is going on.

That's a great article. Many thanks for your help on this Hans. One more worrying question though........Nissan told me I had a small leak at the head gasket last year but I did nothing about it. Since replacing my last matrix I have been suffering alot from air locks and also intermittent leaks from under the bonnet but I have never had oil in my water or water in my oil!! Could my head gasket be faulty for almost a year and not actually break? Hoses popping and air gurgling noises seem common on my car but never amount to anything 'major' apart from of course these matrix problems. Can I get the a head gasket repaired without the expence of a replacement?

Noticed the needle creeping up again when stuck in a queue. I've noticed recently that my heating has been working intermittently. When I press the Auto button I sometimes get a 'ping' noise from the driver's footwell. Sounds like the spring that opens the heater core valve doesn't always work. Checked under my mat and my footwell is all wet. I changed the matrix myself back in november but have a feeling that this one is on the way out too. Would a 'sticking' valve cause it to leak or could it be the matrix has broken again. Any ideas what would cause this after 6 months? I will get it replaced under warranty from Nissan but fear something could be causing them to pop!!!

 

Any advise??

 

99% certain to be earth leaks. I went through 3 matrixes in 8 months due to a bad earth leak.

 

Good luck trying to get it replaced under warantee by Nissan. They replaced the first two as faulty since they came from the same batch, but when the third, from a different batch went then became less helpful and had the knackered matrix examined by an expert. They found the signes of electrolytic corrosion and then claimed that because I hadn't used genuine Nissan anti freeze that the warrantee was void. They did take some pity on me though and supply the next one at cost thus saving about 20%.

I am not sure how long a "faulty gasket" could last before it really gives way. Guess that it may depend on how much and how you are driving, but also how "lucky" you are. But if it is going, it is just a matter of time. I think that the gasket can leak without mixing the fluids, it would depend on where the leak is. To get it sorted you will need to replace the gasket, you cannot repair a faulty gasket other then replacing it. There are different ways of determing if the gasket is gone. A compression test could give you an idea to start with. Garages (and maybe Nissan did this for you) can do a "cylinder leakage test" that I think is the best way of determining if it is gone. Another thing you can do is to take the radiator cap off (with a cold engine), start the engine and look for "small bubbles" in the coolant. If you get a stream of small bubbles, one of the garkets are leeking.

LOL Nissan always tell you the head gasket is leaking. Certainly not the first time I've heard of this :rolleyes: I think the last case was a faulty rad cap - bit cheaper than engine rebuild eh.... I'd steer well clear of Nissan main dealers if I were you... All IMO of course ;)

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Well I've just completed the electro test on the coolant to get a reading of 0.02. I don't think this is the problem. I suspect it may well be air getting into the system. Just took her for a hard run, not overheating but engine sounds like I boiling kettle afterwards and a small leak into the footwell. I'm gonna get the heater by-passed on Wednesday and I'll get a compression test done to. I think whatever the outcome, I'm gonna get shot of her......I may be without a Zed by the end of next week but have to consider the fact I have a family to support and no money left!!

Well I've just completed the electro test on the coolant to get a reading of 0.02. I don't think this is the problem. I suspect it may well be air getting into the system. Just took her for a hard run, not overheating but engine sounds like I boiling kettle afterwards and a small leak into the footwell. I'm gonna get the heater by-passed on Wednesday and I'll get a compression test done to. I think whatever the outcome, I'm gonna get shot of her......I may be without a Zed by the end of next week but have to consider the fact I have a family to support and no money left!!

 

Did you do the electro test while someone was cranking the the starter motor? This tends to highlight the most severe problems

Had the engine running and put the - on the battery - and the + down the filler bottle to the expansion tank. Should I put it in the RAD and then start her up and see what the reading is then?

I seriously wouldn't take it for any more hard runs until you have got to the bottom of this! If it is the gasket and it lets go completely whilst you're out in it you could be in all sorts of trouble... and even if it's some minor coolant leak, you're probably already getting hotspots and what have you which will weaken the gasket anyway.

 

If you do need a new HG it's not really the gasket that costs (although not cheap admittedly) - it taking the entire top off the head (ie most of the engine) - getting the block reskimmed if required so the new gasket sits flush - and then putting it all back together. Obviously, this takes a bloody long time (technical term :) )

 

On the plus side - if your pass. footwell is wet, it's the matrix again (or a pipe going to it).

 

I'd suggest getting one of Pete Shrimp's earthing kits (not expensive) to make sure you have a good earth, then fixing the matrix, then bleeding system regularly and keeping a careful eye on coolant. If you are still losing coolant, then you have a problem AS WELL AS the matrix, but you've got to fix the matrix first before you can ever hope to find out what!

Thanks for that. Bypass done and no more leaks!! Car is running well now. I still have my doubts about the head gasket but it's going back in the garage next week to have the earthing checked and hopefully sorted!! Until then...