can I flush the heater matrix from under bonnet?

[clive speaks]

Hi there, I have the traditional half blocked heater matrix in a ZT 160 V6. I have read all the threads on removing and then flushing and very informative they are too. The question i have (car in almost constant use so looking to save time)is can I flush from under the bonnet? I can see where the feed and return disappear through the bulkhead so is there any reason why a garden hose applied to the return wouldn't do the trick?

All the best

Clive

[T-Cut]

It's certainly worth a go. I've suggested this approach quite often, but nobody has reported back on the results. If you can figure it out, try to flush the matrix in a backwards direction compared with standard coolant flow. Set the interior controls to High to ensure any flow valves are fully open (I'm not sure the heating system uses flow valves, but it can't hurt.).

TC

[Cymrudragon]

Originally Posted by clive speaks

Hi there, I have the traditional half blocked heater matrix in a ZT 160 V6. I have read all the threads on removing and then flushing and very informative they are too. The question i have (car in almost constant use so looking to save time)is can I flush from under the bonnet? I can see where the feed and return disappear through the bulkhead so is there any reason why a garden hose applied to the return wouldn't do the trick?

All the best

Clive

Yes it is, is the short answer. disconect the top hose leading to the matrix , from the headertank , and remove the lower hose on the rad shove a hose up the pipe ( i have a twist and spray end on the hosepipe) and fitts snug. now flush it out untill it runs clear, and the same with the rad. replace collent with 50/50 A/freeze. and bleead the air out . if this fails to clear remove the matrix is the only option. remove the matrix (simple job) and check for cold spot ...edit back flushing , it may have a non return valve fitted as tc suggested

[Roverowner]

depends on how many beers you´ve had..........

[clive speaks]

Originally Posted by cwmrudragon

Yes it is, is the short answer. disconect the top hose leading to the matrix , from the headertank , and remove the lower hose on the rad shove a hose up the pipe ( i have a twist and spray end on the hosepipe) and fitts snug. now flush it out untill it runs clear, and the same with the rad. replace collent with 50/50 A/freeze. and bleead the air out . if this fails to clear remove the matrix is the only option. remove the matrix (simple job) and check for cold spot ...edit back flushing , it may have a non return valve fitted as tc suggested

Soo... if I've got this right, I reverse flush the whole system through the bottom hose? Is that correct or do you mean through the top hose ?

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by clive speaks

Soo... if I've got this right, I reverse flush the whole system through the bottom hose? Is that correct or do you mean through the top hose ?

I'm not that conversant with the V6 heater pipework, but logically the matrix hot input is the top one somewhere from the head that bypasses the thermostat. If that's so, I'd attach the hosepipe to the lower (outlet) pipe. That should flush the matrix out via the upper hose.

TC

[mikeysmarty]

i ve used a pressure washer in the past on different cars (mk3 astra and a laguna) worked on both occasions, it was like sticky sand on the laguna

[loz1971]

Did you try this, and if so, what was the outcome??

[brownie21]

Originally Posted by cwmrudragon

Yes it is, is the short answer. disconect the top hose leading to the matrix , from the headertank

Can you not just take off the header tank cap and flush it up and out of that?