another coolant query

[m4nesh]

Ello Ello Ello
Going to do a radiator flush and I dont think my coolant has been changed since it was new in 91.  Do you think this is why the my heater blows warm....I have read other posts about the by-pass valve but if i can escape buying it all the better.

regards

[Leejaydoob]

you shouln't have to buy the bypass valve if it hasn't been done already

[golfvr6]

If you don't get hot then it could be a clogged matrix, or you might need a new by-pass valve.

[Veedubgt18v]

could a stuck open thermostat mean the engine doesnt get properly warm?

[m4nesh]

thermostat is fine as engine heats up fine

gonna flush it today will let know what happens

[modulater]

Thermostats rarely get stuck open and unless you have fitted a failsafe one will always fail closed and lead to overheating.

The by pass vavle should have been fitted as a recall and VW would have notified all the owners of the affected cars. Open the bonnet and look just infront of where the coolant hoses enter the car for the matrix, if you see a valve then you have it.

A best bet is to take the rad off the car and invert it, then reverse flush it as if you have a blockage you're gonna flush more crap into it leaving it on the car.

[m4nesh]

Can you help? Here i

1. Can anyone tell me the capacity of the coolant system as the haynes says 6 litres and Ive only put in about 4 litres and its full?

2. Coz i thought the coolant system had a six litre capacity i put in 4 litres of coolant but then there was not enuf room for water.  Do I have to drain some of the coolant out and put water in or will it be ok with just 4 litres of concentrated coolant?

3. Still only getting luke warm air after flushing the system? Any suggestions?

4. Is there a internal heater setting on the heater unit?

5. The by pass valve seems to be working cause the hoses are hot either side of the valve. Do you reackon i should change it?

6. Anybody wanna have a stab in the dark and guess?

Responses much appreciated

[Blue MK2]

When you filled it up with coolant did you squeeze the radiator pipes to pump the coolant around the system?

[m4nesh]

When you filled it up with coolant did you squeeze the radiator pipes to pump the coolant around the system?

Yep I did that, what i did was release the bottom radiator pipe, then the top radiator pipe and flush it with a running hose pipe. Then I got the pipe connected to the cylinder head and by pass valve and drained that and flushed it with a hose up through the by pass valve. Squeezed the pipes and then hey presto 2 litres gone somewhere?

[m4nesh]

oh yeah and ran the engine until with the lid off till fan kicked in