7 replies to this topic

[b_sdaddy]

Just completed HG swap & everything's running beautifully - thanks for all your help!

 

One possible 'knock-on' effect is that there's a few drops, now and then from the heater?

 

I havn't had the heater on yet, and prior to the HG swap, no such problems..

 

 

Surely there must be a link?

 

Don't really want to shell out £60 for a new matrix, so if you have any ideas of this 'coincidence', shoot away,

 

 

thanks

[Richie83]

There's surely more pressure in the cooling system now (seeing as there was a hole in the HG before). Maybe this has highlighted a leak in the matrix? Might be worth taking it out and having a look (seal the ends with cling film and dunk it in a container of water to check for air bubble leaks). That's what I'd do

[robminibcy]

I would check first if it is definitely coolant and and not just a bit of condensation. The only reason that changing a head gasket could affect the heater would be if a bit of dirt was blocking a hole in the matrix and changing the coolant has dislodged it.

[b_sdaddy]

both of your answers are sound. something has been disslogged and/or improved pressure is highlighting a hole - love your method for testing. something to do this weekend,

 

 

cheers to both

[firstforward]

There's surely more pressure in the cooling system now (seeing as there was a hole in the HG before). Maybe this has highlighted a leak in the matrix? Might be worth taking it out and having a look (seal the ends with cling film and dunk it in a container of water to check for air bubble leaks). That's what I'd do

 

That is not necessarily true, a blown head gasket can pressurise a system depending on where the head gasket failure was.

[b_sdaddy]

Good Point.

 

FYI, cannot say for certain which 'hole', but upon taking off the head and sending it off to be skimmed, a hole was completed blocked with 'crud'. it was at the end of the head, perhaps the heater end? (can't remember & didn't think about it then)

 

Anyway, everything was cleaned/skimmed and it purrs nicely now.

 

Knowing that there is a huge likelyhood that the blocked hole on the head was in fact the heater take off, would this help diagnosis.?

 

Going to have too take it off anyway, but correct diagnosis may help me prevent further problems - although it has to be connected to a blocked hole on the head.?

[Ben_O]

If it was the heater valve blocked then i suppose it is possible that the matrix might be corroded and weak and the new found water pressure has blown the weak point and caused it to start leaking?

[b_sdaddy]

Ben O, I think you've nailed it:

 

The 'crud' in one of the holes needed a damn good wack with a small screwdriver to free up. If this was indeed the heater, then that would suggest the heater to be open to a shock when up against a fresh new dose of coolant:

 

 

will remove matrix & have a good old look,

 

 

cheers all.