Coolant Problem

[oldginger]

Hi, My 2.8 crd runs well but my heater is not blowing hot air. It has recently had new belts including water pump but getting rid of air locks was a real chore. After a week I checked with the mechanic and he checked circulation and all seamed well. The heater is still only blowing tepid air.Stripped out fascia panels to check actuator units and all seems well. Its about 7 weeks since the full service and I have noticed over the last few days that the coolant system is not pressurising,the top hoses are not overly hot and the bottom hoses are tepid. With this sealed system and no radiator cap I cannot tell if the coolant is circulating properly and if the thermostat is stuck open. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 

[QinteQ]

Translucent header tank, pump action can be seen squirting into header.

Hoat 05 only, bleed through open header.

Heater must be full whack in order to bleed matrix of airlocks.

 

Stuck open stat, fit an 'inline stat' 10 minutes 15 quid.

Even as mild as it is now it takes 30 minutes to get hot.

 

2.8 runs cool. I use cheepo Screwfix 'microbore' lagging airdam in the winter.

 

Best of luck oldginger.

[oldginger]

Hi, thanks for the reply and I shall pop to the mechanic to see what coolant he used. I am still concerned about the low/little pressure in the system, but I will let you know how I get on  later.

         many thanks QinteQ.

[QinteQ]

He will deffo use $hite. $hite oil/water/hydroscopic brake fluid/etc

 

Comma 05 is £25 distilled water is £1

inline stat mod and screwfix microbore here

[oldginger]

Hi, the mechanic that did the work on my car is very good and keenly priced. I was introduced to him about 18 months ago when my heath took a turn for the worst. He like me is old school, but being in his late 30's / early 40's is young enough to have kept up with the new and not necessarily better b/s under the bonnet. He does exactly what I ask for. I supplied the oil (Castrol Magnatec 10/40 fully synthetic), all the parts,and he did the work. I never gave the antifreeze a thought. I took the car to him today and right there and then he went through it. Everything is ok. Whilst he checked the car over just inside his unit I suddenly noticed the temp gauge had moved to spot on half way and I put the adjusters on high and turned the blower to full. Hayho! nice warm air. what can I say after all my phaffing, um not a lot. It did cool down after a couple of minutes but it was around 22 degrees outside and quickly got warmer in the car. My mechanic friend then tried to explain the vagaries of climate control. He's got no chance, I am 71 next month and beyond repair mentally but I am still physically reasonably mobile. I have ordered some HOAT 05  and he will do the work when it arrives, and yes he uses a general OAT coolant. I will do the mods in time and once again many thanks for the help. Love this car ,but still prefer the simplicity and versatility of an Austin Maxi.(clutch renewal 35 minutes tops, head gasket under a hour etc, etc).One of most media maligned cars ever. All in my opinion of course. Once again Many thanks.

[QinteQ]

I drive a WAV @ 75. [sezit all] I've always supplied ALL parts and consumables. Old enough to REM the 2 year old extended +5/1/2" BMC I bought middle 60's, nice with a 5th gear. Take care ginger.