Heater not working

[1972nail]

Sorry for suggesting such a simple thing but could you have fitted the thermostat upside down? The spring bit goes to the bottom. Most motor factors will have a suitable thermostat.

Yes the thermostat should open in boiling water but it usually takes a minute of too.

[vauxhallbitz]

No problem, thermostat is fitted the correct way.

I fitted a new one today (82 degrees), still not totally happy, I have lukewarm water in the bottom hose but nowhere near as hot as all the other hoses, the temperature gauge stay right in the middle and the heater blows hot air, perhaps it is meant to be that way.......

[droopsnoot]

I have lukewarm water in the bottom hose but nowhere near as hot as all the other hoses

Isn't that because the water in the bottom hose has come through the radiator, where it's been cooled down? I can't remember the layout of the OHV water system, but you'd expect one end of the radiator would be cooler than the other.

[vauxhallbitz]

Yes I would imagine that is the case, I just wasn't sure how cool it should be. The pump must be working as the heat is now circulating around the system.
I will see how it performs when it goes for it's MOT on Tuesday.

[vauxhallbitz]

Still having problems with the cooling system, after fixing my electrical fault I thought everything was going to be OK.

I could not get warm air out if the heater so I started to bleed the system and eventually managed, however when it is sitting idling it starts to drop coolant out of the radiator overflow pipe and the temperature rises.

There seemed to be no pressure in the system when I removed the radiator cap so I replaced it but it made no difference.

The water is crystal clear and the oil is also clean so does that rule out the head gasket????

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[1972nail]

The rad overflow pipe will drip a bit until the water level settles to what the system needs, usually about 3/4 inch above the core. Pressure only builds up when the system is thoroughly hot and the level has settled and is correct.

[vauxhallbitz]

It loses quite a bit of water probably about a litre, it's a steady flow and seems to pulse a bit.

I think it must still have air in it or could it be the pump as the bottom hose is still only lukewarm.

[vauxhallbitz]

Think I might have beaten it tonight, there was an airlock between the thermostat and the radiator, I put water in it and so far, no problems, heater working, all hoses hot so fingers crossed, I am going for a test run tomorrow night......

[vauxhallbitz]

Back to my old problem again, I had drained the system over the winter and decided to fill with anti freeze this time.

Initially could not get hot air in the heater so took it for a run and the heater started working, problem solved or so I thought.

Took it to work the next day and my clutch cable snapped so I coaxed the car home and when I lifted the bonnet there was water everywhere, probably about half a radiator had been thrown out.. The temperature gauge was normal so it didn't seem to be overheating, any thoughts?????

[1972nail]

An air lock in the heater circuit. The air expands a lot and forces out the water. When filling the radiator make sure the controls are set to hot and slip off the hose to the heater valve. Pour water in the hose end until water comes out of the valve......no more air locks.