Stream coming out of my heater vents in my Vauxhall Astra

I have a Vauxhall Astra 1.7TD LS 1998 (Diesel) and driving to work stream started to come out of the heater vents. I have checked the radiator explanation tank and I seem to be losing about a centimetre of water per trip. I am guessing but I think I have a small leak in my heater matrix.

Does anyone agree and can anyone tell me how easy it is to change a heater matrix in an Astra?

Ian F Bath, April 2009

Thanks’ Victor

Do you know if there are anything like an on-line Haynes Manual?

Ian, May 2009

I'd go for heater matrix too.
Nothing terribly technical about changing it (if it's the model I think it is!).

Drain coolant
Remove hoses to matrix (in engine bay)
Remove centre console
Remove heater ducting
Undo matrix cover and matrix
Wiggle it out through the gap
Remember there will be water in the matrix, you might want to cover the seats etc.

Best to buy the Haynes manual to be on the safe side!!

You could just join the two hoses from the engine to the matrix together with a bit of pipe and a couple of jubilee clips as a short term fix but you will, obviously, have no heater.

victor, April 2009