Heater not working

[vauxhallbitz]

The heater in my Viva E is blowing cold air, the pipe leading to the heater valve gets hot eventually but the one coming out of the matrix is still cold after running. Is it possible to flush out the heater matrix in situ and is this a common problem on these cars? Could it be air in the system?

[viva les vegas]

Fiddly, but yes, you should be able to flush it out without removing it. Take the hoses off from the block end rather than the matrix end. If yours has a valve in the pipe, set it to hot (mine doesn't have the valve) and use a hose on not too high a pressure. Try it both ways. I might be tempted to back flush first.

[hbpeter]

Could have an airlock if the system has been refilled recently, or the level of water has dropped. Always fill the system with the heater in the Hot postion. If it has a valve make sure this is opening when you operate the controls.

Peter

[ian24ian]

is the valve working, or the cable come detached?

[vauxhallbitz]

Thanks guys, the cable was missing the clamp so I have put on a cable tie and it is working fine, the hot water seems to get past the valve eventually so I can only presume it is working, is there a test for it?

Am I correct in thinking that you fill the system with the engine running and the radiator cap off or do you fill it at the highest point which is at the heater valve, never had to do this before apologies for my ignorance!!

[hbpeter]

Engine off, rad cap off, I fill by disconnecting the heater hose from the top of the head and filling through the heater till you get water/antifreeze in the rad head tank. Dont forget to have the heater in the Hot postion. Fill it slow to avoid air locks. Fit rad cap, run engine upto temp, let it cool, remove rad cap and top up if needed.

Peter

[vauxhallbitz]

Hello Peter,

Worked a treat it was an air lock in the system.

I did discover that the perspex panel on the dash showing the red and blue triangles must have been fitted upside down which was confusing! What I thought was hot was cold and vice versa, got it sorted now though thanks for your help.

[hbpeter]

Another happy customer

Peter

[vauxhallbitz]

Just finished replacing the heater Bowden cable on my Viva, also fitted a new rubber grommet at the same time, that was interesting!!

Heater then stopped working so I did the same as the last time and eventually got hot water coming out of the matrix, however the bottom radiator hose is stone cold as is the bottom of the radiator.
The pipe coming out of the matrix is hot all the way down to where it meets the bottom hose where it remains cold, any ideas???

[1972nail]

Pump not working? Thermostat stuck not allowing full circulation?