Sierra expert?

Leaking heater matrix?

In news:1Kr9f.14005$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe2-win.ntli.net, Rich decided to enlighten our sheltered souls with a rant as follows

Probably the heater matrix, not bad to do, much easier than the Haynes book of lies suggests. IIRC four screws, two jubbly clips, depress clutch pedal, remove matrix, insert new matrix. "removal is etc"

Mercury switch in the bootlid itself. Rather good actually.

No sorry not htr matrix it's been out and all ok anyway engine water does not go down. It's getting in from outside somewhere, I thought there might be someone who has had this and could suggest a cure..

Rich

I put up with a flooded footwell in my Volvo 740 for months ( in fact I took out a drainage bung to get rid of the literally, gallons of the stuff ) because I just couldn't find the source. Come MOT time it failed on small rust-hole in floorpan, nitpicking I know, but they did me a favour as it's been dry ever since this was welded up.

Leaking windscreen seal? The water can leak in there and emerge in a variety of places, I've discovered. Try smearing a little vaseline along the bottom of the seal to see if that's where it's coming from - it's good as a temporary fix.

As Pete says, it's probably a mercury switch. My Volvo's got one in the boot and when I discovered it, it was like trying to watch the fridge light go out when you were a kid :)

Si

The message from "Rich" contains these words:

Gnomes. They bought a bushel as surplus stock when Smeg went over to mercury tilt switches in their fridge doors. Which doesn't work unless your fridge is on the slant.

Ah ok if you say so !!!

Rich

Have you checked the air inlet for the heater drain seals? (under the bonnet on the rear bulkhead high up, sort of triangular ish thing with a little flap 2 of) Other common fault is the battery tray rots through and lets water in, likewise edge of screen opening. Heater matrix, check by feeling bottom edge of heater unit, if wet, it leaks.

mrcheerful

I had this happen on mine too, no sign of water coming in through the heater, or the sunroof tubes, or anywhere else. It turned out that rain was getting past the window seal, dropping off the window, down the plastic sheet seal, hitting the loudspeaker in the door, surface tension was pulling it "inside" and it was causing a huge puddle (and a vile smell) in the footwell.

As to the luggage compartment light: Yes, it's a mercury switch and if you park your car on a slope it can come on when you park up and flatten your battrery overnight.

Mike

Ah battery tray is a bit rusty will have a look at that, thanks for the useful tips

Rich

Thanks will take a look at the door panels and window seals I have the vile smell got the sound proofing out to dry out..

Rich