According to the Haynes manual, only cars built up to October 2004 had the two piece heater matrix pipes.

That seems far too early to be correct with how common the leaking o-ring failure is. Should it have actually said 2005, if it is even correct at all?

According to Wikipedia, the Mk2 was launched on 25th September 2004 at the Paris motor show.

The manual shows an image of cutting through the pipes with a hacksaw. This is to replace a failed matrix on later models with one piece pipes.

I can't recall seeing one-piece pipes on any Mk2 or Mk2.5.

There look to be quite a few on ebay. This one for example.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204618770639

Images of both types attached for reference. Information for anyone who searches for this problem in the future.

The type with the black plastic clips half way along the silver metal pipes is the type known for leaking. The black rubber pipes are on the engine bay side of the bulkhead.

 

 

I had a good look at the pipes on mine with a torch and mirror. Thankfully they are the one piece type.

I have been looking into this as someone I know has a relative with a Mk2 that has coolant leaking into the footwell.

They haven't had chance to check yet, but it seems like that one will be the two piece type.

12 hours ago, AntonovAN12 said:

I had a good look at the pipes on mine with a torch and mirror. Thankfully they are the one piece type.

I have been looking into this as someone I know has a relative with a Mk2 that has coolant leaking into the footwell.

They haven't had chance to check yet, but it seems like that one will be the two piece type.

That is very strange.  I've definitely seen 2 piece pipes in early Mk3's as well.  I suppose it is possible that the ones I've seen with 2-peice pipes had already been cut to replace the matrix in the past.

I found an old post on here saying that Ford went back to two piece pipes on the early Mk3s.

This ebay seller lists used Mk3 units with one piece pipes and mentions this in the description with photos.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276700162563

 

 

That explains that then.  

Though it does beg the question - why would Ford think 2 piece pipes in Mk3s would be any more reliable than the 2 piece pipes they moved away from in Mk2's?