Disco 300tdi Heater Core/Matrix

I was contacted today by Disco_Kin who's just down the road from me in Annecy, apparently his heater has just dumped in the footwell as he was coming over from the UK.

We're going to have a look at it on saturday, no aircon to worry about (phew) but from what I've been reading it's an arse of a job that entails entire dash removal.

I've also seen vague references to a short-cut through the fuse box, but no specifics.

As I understand it, the problem is the ally pipes that fit to the matrix block it's removal & it's impossible to tighten the clamps in situ, but I've not stuck my head in yet to look.

Any tips?

I was thinking about maybe cutting the alloy pipes & either rejoining them or simply extending the hoses down to the stubs on the matrix & using good old hose clamps.

What do you all reckon?

you wont get it out without removing the dash and heater box i done the job myself a

couple of weeks ago on my disco the dash isnt too bad to remove really...as for cutting

the pipes an rejoinig them with rubber hose and a jubilee clip there isnt a whole lot of room on the matrix for a jubilee clip and its wouldnt sit right on it anyway

Done a few heater matrixes on Disco 300s, complete dash out is the only way i know as to change the matrix itself you have to split the heater box in half. Last couple i did Landrover were supplying it as a complete heater box assy but if you're using an aftermarket matrix you'll have to split the box. Allow a full day to do it and mark or note where wiring routes and connects, it'll be much easier to rebuild. Have fun!