23 replies to this topic

[S.Willson]

So I have put it all back together but still getting no heat. So I looked at other suggestions on the forum, drove the car a short distance, took the radiator cap off and let it idle, this didn’t change anything. The engine is off and the rad cap is now releasing pressure from the car and has been for some time, any advice?

[S.Willson]

Also the tubes in the engine get hot, but the tube leading to the valve is not hot at all doesn’t matter if the valve is in or out. The other tube next to the valve is hot.

[Twincam]

Have you checked the valve itself? Wonder if it's not actually opening even if its connected to it.

[S.Willson]

Have you checked the valve itself? Wonder if it's not actually opening even if its connected to it.

Definitely opening as I took it off and cleaned it. The expansion tank is releasing pressure and the level of coolant is reducing, I am going to let it cool down and top it up a little and take it out for a drive.

[Wiggy]

Are you quite sure the matrix was clear? Ideally you need to hook a hose upto it.

You can still do it from the pipes coming through the bulkhead, under the bonnet. I connect a small length of hose to one of the pipes so you don't soak the engine.

Could be an airlock too, I guess. But my MPi bled itself very easily. Give all the pipes a good squeeze with her running and the rad cap off.

[S.Willson]

Are you quite sure the matrix was clear? Ideally you need to hook a hose upto it.

You can still do it from the pipes coming through the bulkhead, under the bonnet. I connect a small length of hose to one of the pipes so you don't soak the engine.

Could be an airlock too, I guess. But my MPi bled itself very easily. Give all the pipes a good squeeze with her running and the rad cap off.

When cleaning the matrix I had water going through one tube and coming out of the other so not sure if it is the matrix. The issue seems to be that the tubes either side of the valve were not hot but the tubes under the bonnet going towards the heater are hot.

Will have to take another look at next weekend!

Edited by S.Willson, 22 September 2019 - 05:50 PM.

[Wiggy]

The pipes being cold at the heater would suggest that water isn't flowing. The cold water just sits there, staying cold. It was exactly the same when my matrix was blocked.

There must be blockage somewhere, or an airlock.

You did hook the cable back onto the valve?

I would get the hose pipe out to check the flow. Don't go mad with the water pressure though.

by the way, did you get much muck out of the matrix?

[cal844]

I strongly suggest getting an all metal matrix, less chances of leaks and a better fit than the plastic tanks on the original.

What I do when filling the matrix is to fill with pure coolant from the engine bay end of the hoses, once these are filled and refitted, fill the system and get the car running for a slow journey watch the temperature gauge when the gauge just starts to move get out the car and open the radiator cap very slowly (protect your hands just incase its hot) until there is no pressure hiss. Leave the motor running to see what the coolant level is at.

I usually neck my radiators what's not needed gets dumped so I put the expansion hose into an old drinks bottle.

Hope this helps

Cal

Edited by cal844, 22 September 2019 - 10:25 PM.

[S.Willson]

So I drove the car to work this morning with the valve open but no fan, about two miles into the journey I could feel a bit of heat around my feet... I've got heat! switched the fan on and the she was toasty within minutes. Something must have happen, airlock released or something.

 

I am very grateful for all the help and advice especially Wiggy, your breakdown of instructions was perfect.