GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: vw_golf_nutter on 02 March 2015, 10:06
-
hi all, i just bought a 89 mk2 golf gti and the heater isnt working.. the blowers work but its just cold, the blowers smell a bit like burnt oil thought..
can anyone help with what is wrong? ive heard its a common thing so hoping its easy to fix. thanks
-
sounds like your heater matrix is toast
-
Heater Matrix for sure.
Common? Yes
Easy Fix? ... erm...
Its not difficult, but it is a PITA.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=68989.0
Good luck, and have fun! :grin:
-
Probably NOT the matrix at all, unless you have water in the interior footwells! (Check whether your coolant system does actually have sufficient water in it to start with!)
Most likely is that the "By pass valves" are playing up, and water is not circulating through the matrix.
If possible, check to see whether your car has had a new matrix fitted in the last 5 or so years.... most likely it has, so it will be safe to remove the By Pass valves, and return the car to how it left the factory.
By Pass valves were fitted by the dealer in the early days, because of a problem that was greatly exaggerated when a Matrix could burst, and dump hot water into the footwells
Later matrix were modified to be stronger under pressure, and eliminate the problem.
99% of cars don't run By Pass valves, because they're not needed, the Mk2 is no different
Thom
-
Funny, my car didn't have bypass valves, and when I took the matrix out it seemed to be the original (looked like it anyway, the sticker on it looked that way). Obviously nobody bothered to get them fitted to mine :laugh:
Regardless, replaced the matrix and now get nice hot air :)
-
Funny, my car didn't have bypass valves, and when I took the matrix out it seemed to be the original (looked like it anyway, the sticker on it looked that way). Obviously nobody bothered to get them fitted to mine :laugh:
Regardless, replaced the matrix and now get nice hot air :)
10 to 12 years is about what you'd get from a factory fitted Matrix so your car is possibly on its 2nd, My OE unit was replace about 7 years ago, it was a Valeo unit from factory, and they are still available today, and look identical.
Thom
-
Yeah the one I took out was a Valeo, which made me think of was original. My car has a checkered history at best. I know someone BOUGHT a matrix as I have the receipt, but the one they bought wasn't Valeo. The receipt shows the matrix being bought in 2009. But it wasn't fitted, because the one I took out didn't match the one in the receipt. Which leads me to think the matrix had been broken at least 5 years until I got my hands on it. It's all fun and games!
-
Yeah the one I took out was a Valeo, which made me think of was original. My car has a checkered history at best. I know someone BOUGHT a matrix as I have the receipt, but the one they bought wasn't Valeo. The receipt shows the matrix being bought in 2009. But it wasn't fitted, because the one I took out didn't match the one in the receipt. Which leads me to think the matrix had been broken at least 5 years until I got my hands on it. It's all fun and games!
The cheap versions leaked within a few weeks of installation! it's likely that your faulty unit was replaced FOC with the better quality Valeo unit, hence the paperwork not tying up with the brand fitted
Thom
-
By pass the valve and see if you get hot air. Heritiage do straight pipes if you decide to bin the by pass.
-
i am so confused lol.
ok so ive been through all of the service history with the car... there is a lot since it was new but i wouldnt say it was complete, still no sign of a heater matrix being replaced.
there is no water in the footwells and there is water in the coolant bottle...
how do i check for bypass valves? i dont really know where im supposed to look, not had to mess with the heating before
-
http://s199.photobucket.com/user/ians110/media/Image349.jpg.html
the first link above,shows the by pass valves arrowed
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x195/peyles/DSCN1530.jpg
this is how to do away with them using some pipe :smiley:
vw retro fitted the bypass valve as a fix for dodgy heater matrix, leaking hot water on peoples feet :rolleyes:
-
The heater hoses go through the bulkhead into the cabin near to the ignition coil. Find the two hoses that seem to disappear into the cabin and then trace their route back to the block. If you see a metal part with a small hose coming out of it before you get to the plastic flange on the side of the head or a metal pipe then you have a bypass valve. I will try and get a picture tomorrow if you need help.
I took our valve out and it got the heater working for a couple of years but the matrix gave way in the end making a proper mess. As a result if you want to keep the car for a while change the matrix when you remove the bypass valve. There are plenty of guides available on the web. All of the foam in the heater flaps will probably be a mess by now anyway which stops the screen clearing properly - have you been hit in the face with flakes of foam from the air vents? Clearing up antifreeze is really hard and it doesn't evaporate (my footwell is still a bit wet). Fixing the flaps makes the car much better to use in the winter.
-
If you losing coolant then replace the cap and check the plastic flanges (the side of the head and at the front) where the water pipes go. They warp with heat and start leaking.
-
Having seen your other thread, I'd say the heater was the least of your worries.
-
Having seen your other thread, I'd say the heater was the least of your worries.
Ditto
Thom