Heater Matrix Blockage?

  1. Newbie Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 2
    #1
    Hello

    Just got a 1.1 saxo a couple of weeks ago.Bit of background, had a couple of problems fixed

    - Power steering pump wasn't working (turned out to be something electric not the pump)

    - center console didn't light up / fans didn't switch on (was too something electrical)

    Anyway both problems were sorted and it didn't cost me much to buy the car get the repairs done anyway (sub £300).

    Anyway all was well but noticed that the heaters were blowing cold and the temperature gauge was always over halfway after only driving a short distance. Then the temp light came on when I was driving down a dual carriageway, turns out there was f*ck all water in it so topped it up and the general temperature seemed to be ok that said my internal cabin fans are still blowing cold...

    So I took the thermostat out boiled a kettle and lobbed it and the hot water into a washing up bowl and noticed that the valve still remained closed (f**ked). Got some coolant and a empty four pinter and bled the system I could see coolant coming out the top and bottom rad bleed points but just shitty water coming out the one at the back (the one with the dust cap type cover). e.g. coolant is not flowing round the full system.

    Does this mean there's a blockage in the heater matrix? Since doing all this I notice that the fan temperature is more tepid now (imagine you had the heater gauge temp in the middle - in a working car!) which is better than freezing cold.

    Had to drive a fair old distance today (100 miles) which was unavoidable, so decided just to leave the knackered thermostat out and put the hose back on. Didn't have any overheating problems temp gauge needle rarely went anywhere near halfway.

    Thoughts please?
  2. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #2
    Have you flushed the system with a hose, in one way then swap it round?
    Use the header tank method to bleed, theres plenty of info on this on the forum if you use the search.
  3. Established Member Joined: Dec 2011 Derby Posts: 1021 Posi saxo, flatty, Peugeot bipper, Vauxhall vectra
    #3
    You can flush the heater matrix. Flush both ways and the dirt should come out
  4. Newbie Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 2
    #4
    I did use a header tank method when I bled the system but I used a 4 pint milk carton and some PVC tape (worked fine).

    I have ordered a new thermostat, but will try

    - Jacking up the drivers side so the rear bleed valve (dust cap one) is the highest point.

    - I did flush it with a hose but only through the header tank not the other way so this is a good idea.

    I will buy some proper rad flush too give that a whirl.

    Thanks for all your suggestions so far.