Piaggio 493930 Passenger Compartment Heater Radiator – Porter Multitech, Maxxi, Up-Date, D120 and Quargo (2007-2020)

The Piaggio 493930 cabin heater radiator, what everyone calls the heater matrix, is the heat exchanger of the heating system: hot engine coolant passes through it, the fan blows air over it, and from there, warmth enters the cabin and the windshield defogs. It has an aluminum radiant core with plastic parts, and is the original spare part for the entire Piaggio Porter family – Multitech, Maxxi, Up-Date and Diesel D120 – and for the Quargo.

✓ Strengths

• Original Piaggio spare part – OEM code 493930, not an aftermarket equivalent
• Aluminum radiant core – the material that exchanges heat best and does not corrode like the copper-brass of old radiators
• Very wide coverage – one code for Porter gasoline, LPG, methane and diesel, Standard and Maxxi, plus Quargo
• Covers three regulations – from Euro 4 in 2010 to Euro 6 until 2020, including Entry Level and Up-Date
• Original fittings and dimensions – mounts in place of the old one without adapters or dashboard modifications
• Resolves the root problem – when the heater matrix is clogged or leaking, no bleeding will fix it: it needs to be replaced

Technical specifications

Vehicle compatibility

Compatibility from the official Piaggio spare parts catalog. If your vehicle is an older generation Porter (1.0 / 1.3 up to 2009) or a Porter NP6 from 2021 onwards, the radiator has a different code: send us the chassis number and we will confirm the correct spare part.

Recommended products

• Piaggio 1E001000 heater valve – the other part of the same system: if you open the circuit for the radiator, it's worth considering them together
• Porter Multitech heater water hoses (codes B005263 and 645553) – the hoses connecting the valve and radiator: they harden and seep with the age of the vehicle
• Coolant and clamps – still needed for bleeding and reassembly, not included

Who it's perfect for

This is the spare part for those who work with the Porter and start early in winter. When the heater matrix gets clogged – which happens on a vehicle with ten or fifteen years of unchanged fluid – the cabin stops getting warm and, worse, the windshield no longer defogs: a safety issue, not a comfort one. The other classic symptom is a leaking radiator: you find moisture or fluid on the passenger side floor mat, a sweet smell in the cabin, and a greasy film on the glass that won't go away. In both cases, no bleeding or additive will help, the part needs to be changed – and it's best to do it with the original one, because getting behind the dashboard is the bulk of the work, and nobody wants to do it again after a year.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the heater matrix needs changing?
Two typical symptoms. If it's clogged: the dashboard control works, but the air remains lukewarm or cold, and the windshield struggles to defog. If it's leaking: you find moisture or fluid on the passenger side floor mat, a sweet smell in the cabin, and a greasy film on the glass. In both cases, the part needs to be replaced.

What material is it made of?
The radiant core is aluminum – the material that exchanges heat best and resists corrosion – with plastic parts. This is the standard construction of modern heater matrices, lighter and more efficient than old copper-brass ones.

What's the difference between this and the 1E001000 valve?
The valve opens and closes the hot fluid flow; the radiator is the exchanger that transfers that heat to the air. If the dashboard control moves but the temperature never changes, the valve is suspected; if heat comes through but is weak, or if there's a leak, the radiator is suspected.

Is it suitable for both gasoline and diesel Porter?
Yes. The same code covers Multitech gasoline, LPG, and methane (Standard, Maxxi, and Entry Level), 2009-2010 Up-Dates, D120 Diesel Standard and Maxxi, and the Quargo.

Is it suitable for my new Porter NP6?
No. This code is for the Porter Multitech / Up-Date / D120 generation, up to 2020. The Porter NP6 from 2021 onwards is a different vehicle with different codes: please send us the chassis number.

Do I need to bleed the system after installation?
Yes, it is mandatory. Replacing the radiator drains the cooling circuit: afterwards, the coolant level must be restored and air removed. An air bubble can cause the engine to overheat even with the new part perfectly installed.

Is this a job I can do myself?
The heater matrix is located behind the dashboard: it requires disassembling part of the dashboard and then bleeding the circuit. If you have the tools and experience, it's doable; otherwise, it's a job for a workshop.