P Reg Laguna 1.8 - I'm completely car innocent and am trying to work out what problem is as can't get hot air in the car. Seen lots of questions about heater matrixes and resistors etc - is that what my problem is? Airflow out of ducts is good and even but not hot - I would say max is luke-warm. Also temperature guage doesn't get above 1/4 - don't they normally sit around half-way?? Just bought car so don't know how old problem is .... I do know it has just had cylinder head gasket repaced....???
Thanks all...
Kg

Kg, February 2005

thanx for the advice. my temp gauge also sits around the quarter mark and i have poor heat output from the heater, giving the impression that the thermostats up the shoot, when it probably isnt. Ill go with the easy option of flushing the matrix first, then put a new stat in after.
Ill let you know how i get on.

Cheers

Ian Roberts, February 2005

I've been very lucky! The guys at the garage repeatedly flushed out the hoses with boiling hot water and that's done the trick. Their explanation for the problem is that before the head gasket was replaced, it's poor workings will have released bits of oil particles and mess into the water which will have gone round the system settling into the nooks and crannies of the matrix etc. Even though they have flushed it through, not all these bits and pieces will have come out and will be running round the system. They suggested that every so often - when the water has cooled, I empty the tank (you can see the bits settling on the top of the water) and hopefully it will lessen the likelihood of it happening again. Phew phew phew...

Kg, February 2005

no probs wont be back till monday but if i can help gimmee a shout

Paul McGill, February 2005

Thanks Paul.... I spoke to the guy this morning (before I saw your post) that I bought it from and he's arranging for a local garage to change the hoses on Thursday afternoon so hopefully that will sort it out. The garage said they'd changed the thermostat last time they'd had the car in so that could explain the low temp level... will update on Thursday once I know the answer. Really grateful for your response... these forums are such a help!

Kg, February 2005

i had the same problem last winter, the heater matrix was blocked, if you look on the bulk head you will find the 2 hoses that connect to it, You can try and remove these and fluch through with a hose as they are bad with filling up with silt, if this fails then its time for a new matrix, i paid 65 pounds for mine and it took bout 3 hours time to install. the matrix itself is located behind the glovebox in the car to give you an idea of where the hoses are in the engine bay, they are only held on with a spring clip type thing, push the lever in and carefully pull backwards.

Paul McGill, February 2005