18 replies to this topic

[Kieranlee999]

Hi Everyone, Just wondered if anyone has swapped out the normal heater for an electric one? I've got a 1989 mini with a heater than never gets warm and want to swap out for an electric one :) 

[Arthy]

I had this problem, turns out I had a blocked heater matrix! Mine never really has a problem getting warm now, even near freezing point. 

 

I'm sure one of the guys on here though have fitted an electric one. 

[Ethel]

You've got free heat from the cooling system, a surprising amount of it that your alternator isn't going to be able to match in supplying.

[Kieranlee999]

I might look at swapping the matrix radiator then when the engine comes out this year then :) 

[Quinlan minor]

Might be worth trying to flush it.

[Arthy]

Might be worth trying to flush it.

 

+1 for this, but I don't think they're expensive for a new one if I remember correctly! 

[roblightbody]

If everything's working properly, a mini's heater should give out roasting hot air. Speaking as someone who had a 1989 mini brand new back in the day!

The only issue is the relatively low volume of air compared to a normal car, but it's enough to heat the interior even on the coldest of days.

Edited by roblightbody, 26 January 2022 - 10:00 PM.

[Indigo]

I had a similar problem - heater not working.

Swapped the thermostat from 72 degrees to 84 and it made a world of differance.

[coopertaz]

get new matrix and flush all system then change thermostat at same time. easy job and relatively cheap, as if matrix is blocked will more than likely leak after flushing.

[Ethel]

Could be the thermostat, but flushing is free & worth a go before buying bits.

 

I'd agree about leaks if it was an all tin matrix, but the later type with plastic ends are more robust. Guess it depends if you can manage without the car, or heater, for a wee while.

[Kieranlee999]

Heater matrix's are on offer at P and L minis so may go up and get one on a day off :)

[maccers]

I dont use my car that much, but I have the heater matrix constantly running with coolant, ie there is no water valve to turn it off. Its very toasty indeed, sunroof open when too hot in the winter / or window, and in the summer it provides extra cooling. Like I say I dont use it often (enough!). Plenty of heat

[Tornado99]

My '88 mini has about the most effective heater i've had in any car. It gets the heat into the interior quite rapidly and after ten minutes I find I need to turn it off as things get too hot. This is likely more to do with small interior volume compared to other cars. I guess having the two side vents permanently sealed off is also a factor.

[mini-mad-mark]

I have a similar problem with my kit car - the hoses are hot, indicating hot water into and out of the matrix (I think - see bottom point).

 

However the heater only feels lukewarm and as soon as I turn the fan on the blown air goes cold after a few seconds (even though the hoses are still hot) was a new matrix when I rebuilt the car so no blockage.

 

Could it be an airlock?  - I haven't tried to bleed the system -  by releasing the return from the heater to the bottom hose I think might do that?

 

Any thoughts?

[PoolGuy]

Check the temps of each pipe, the out pipe will be slightly cooler if the matrix has water flowing through.