Classic Mini Workshop - Project Sprout Pt.10 Heater Fan & Matrix

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Here it is, the new project Mini. Found on E-bay but I lost the auction only to later find the higher bidder messed the seller around so it was offered to the next highest bidder...... Me. The Mini is a 1997 Rover Cooper MPI and has been off the road in a garage since 2007! It's what some might call a barn find.
In this update I replace the heater box and matrix. The heater box had the housing cut for a Custom Consoles center console so once removed and returned to standard meant the heater fan would not direct the air flow correctly. I also had an issue that the heater matrix was leaking so I bought a complete second hand heater box on e-bay. Although the replacement heater box was good the resistor that enables 2 speed motor operation had failed so I swapped with the old unit. Once installed I cleaned out the header tank and filled with fresh coolant / antifreeze after a good system flush

[@DBMiniDIY]

That matrix looks new, good find

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Love a project sprout update 😬 that old matrix was minging aha

[@psementalist]

Excellent good video mate bravo smashingly amazing

[@ClassicCarCave]

Keith, The heater matrix was so clean it must be brand new, I bought a new matrix and it didn't come with new O rings
in ther kit which seems a bit stupid, Like the way your doing a bit at a time like a rolling resto lol. Cheers Dave

[@paulastanmoore1413]

Very nice mini canvas on the wall lol.Rate your going your,ll be done by winter 😀

[@jacobdrummond3013]

Good job finding a heater box in such good condition. I need one myself, but all I can find from breakers are a bit rusty or have been bashed about.

[@markdraper7]

Great videos! I've got some of that closed cell foam which i put on Bolts roof before we put the Carbon Fibre roof on.

[@thedjse]

Ok ok ok calm down showing off with your 2 speed fan haha

[@classicminiworkshop]

LMAO

[@AceHardy]

✔️

[@TornadoCAN99]

Is there an outside air intake for the MPI heater box or does it just recirculate cabin air? I'm about to get my first Mini, a carb'd '91 from Japan so it has AC.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Yes, it has a pipe under the O/S/F wing

[@emiengazza]

Adverts!!!

[@ryanharriss7950]

I might have missed it but what did you clean the heater tank with?

[@classicminiworkshop]

I used Gunk then a bottle cleaner to get down inside

[@grahamwoodier5066]

Hi Keith. Do you happen to know the value (in ohms) of the resistor for the 2-speed fan? I want to modify my SPi as the on/off arrangement is very frustrating on long trips in winter.

[@classicminiworkshop]

I will have a look mate

[@grahamwoodier5066]

Thanks for checking out that resistor value.

[@Kieren.5]

My collant after I flushed with hose and added coolant to it went sludgy and brown rusty after just 3 months

[@classicminiworkshop]

Yes, even after a few runs I notice the coolant getting darker in colour even though it had a very good flush.

[@Kieren.5]

@@classicminiworkshop might used waterless coolant someone told me it stops engine rusting inside and Ebay selling quite cheap

[@classicminiworkshop]

@@Kieren.5 I literally have 5 litres of waterless coolant and prep fluid being delivered today for my other MPI mini. I will see what it is like and potentially use on this Mini

[@Kieren.5]

@@classicminiworkshop let me know as currently got engine out stripped it to paint so everything is dry for it if needed just thinking of using to stop inside rusting. Which might also prolong the headgasket since never changed as seems ok

[@midgelambert3880]

Hi Keith, how did you get the header tank so nice and clean inside? That heater you got on e-bay looked to be like new. As usual enjoyed your video clip. Cheers, Midge

[@classicminiworkshop]

I used Gunk and a bottle cleaner to get down inside, worked a treat

[@franklinleung4253]

do you have any video / instruction on how to remove and re-install the heater box from the mini? thanks

[@classicminiworkshop]

I'm afraid not, its a pretty simple job to remove though. It varies a bit over the years but most have a couple of self tapping screws at the front which go up into the lower dash rail and then there is a nut on either side at the back where it mounts to the bulkhead.

[@franklinleung4253]

@@classicminiworkshop thanks, where might I find a diagram or video? I have a 1978 British Leyland mini 1000.

[@gerryc751]

Hi Keith, I have a 1997 Mini Equinox, the heater is only blowing cold air into the car and no hot air. Would you have any idea on how to fix it please?

[@classicminiworkshop]

Hi, the heater works like a radiator in a house so has an inlet and outlet, on the inlet side is a valve to regulate the water flow through the heater, it should be on the right hand side of the engine by the inlet manifold as you look under the bonnet. The first thing to do is make sure the valve is working and water is flowing through the heater. The pipe should be hot on both sides of the heater when it is set to hot. If water is not flowing through the heater it could be that the heater radiator/matrix is blocked.

[@gerryc751]

@@classicminiworkshop thanks very much for your reply, we will have a look at that and see if we can solve it