Heater matrix gone? Pic included

Is this a sign of a heater matrix that needs replacing?


Car is a 1600cc carb '85 convertible.

The fan works and seems to get hot fine, but after use theres a puddle that appears in the passenger footwell.
It seems to be a slimy water, doesn't smell and wasn't hot when I checked it after an hours or so drive yesterday.

Is this the sign of a heater matrix failure?
If so, is there anything else worth changing at the same time whilst I have the dash out?

Check and see if it smells and or taste like coolant .

 if it doesnt it could just be that water is coming in through the fan and that the drains are blocked on the bulk head.

I would start there.

Cheers, the bulk head drains seem fine.

The liquid is sticky so I think it's coolant.
Time for a new matrix me thinks!

Found one for ?20 plus I want to change the pipes that run through the bulkhead as their showing signs of wear!
Is it worth replacing anything else at the same time?

Do I need to take the dash out to get to it?

Double check the two pipes which attached to the matrix, it could be that they are leaking and matrix is fine. If you don't mind spending the ?20 though I guess a new one could make a difference.

When I worked on mine, I had the dash out anyway. I think it would be too tight to do with the dash in from memory.

you dont need to but look at 4 hours  of hell…

Thanks, new matrix ordered from ebay and pipes from VW so i'll let you know how I get on  8O