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[autobob]

Hi,

I noticed that I was losing coolant. Then the heater would not heat up - just blows cold - even when coolant level was topped up. I had the leak repaired - it was the top hose going in to the heater ( from engine compartment view). However, the mechanic could still not get the heater to work. He suggested it might be the Climate Control and I should get a specialist to look at it. The Climate Control really blows cold when set to 'LOW'. The fan slows to normal when the temperature selector is turned to, say, 26.

I don't mind paying for a specialist to look at it but does what the mechanic said sound right? I can't really afford to waste the money if not.

Would appreciate any advise.

Rob

[Entwood]

It's possibly one of several things, but this might be worth a quick try ... at the back of the engine is the HBV - Heater Bypass Valve - looks like the starship enterprise , has 3 thick water pipes going to it, and a thin vaccum pipe to the top.

Disconnect the vac pipe and blank the end with a small bolt, leaving the HBV open to atmosphere. See if you now get hot air ..

If you do then you have choices .. leave as it is .. working nicely .. or track down the vac fault !!

[RobG]

Pic of the HBV

[2woody]

if your HBV is connected to vacuum from the engine, you will get no hot coolant to the heater matrix.

the HBV switches off the coolant supply to the heater, but only when both sides of the climate control are set to "lo" - in all other circumstances, the vacuum to the HBV is interrupted by the climate control. It's a very common mistake for the vacuum pipes to be connected wrongly and for you to have vacuum at the HBV permanently.

You can feel the coolant temperature entering the matrix - the pipes are behind the clutch pedal (or where it sused to be if you have the fun-free transmission). These pipes should be hot all of the time (apart from the LO-LO situation mentioned above)

[autobob]

Thanks guys, really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I will try your suggestions and let you know how I get on.

Cheers,

Bob

[autobob]

I tried Entwood's idea of disconecting the vacuum tube as instructed but to no avail unfortunately. Thanks for the picture RobG - that was a great help in locating the HBV.

Any other suggestions please?. It all seemed to go wrong after I had noticed losing coolant - or is that just coincidence?

Anyway, I am grateful for your help and hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

Rob.

[Brikhead]

...and hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

Check you have two hot pipes at the matrix, as per the post by '2woody'...

You can feel the coolant temperature entering the matrix - the pipes are behind the clutch pedal (or where it sused to be if you have the fun-free transmission). These pipes should be hot all of the time (apart from the LO-LO situation mentioned above)

[Andy H]

I tried Entwood's idea of disconecting the vacuum tube as instructed but to no avail unfortunately. Thanks for the picture RobG - that was a great help in locating the HBV.

Any other suggestions please?. It all seemed to go wrong after I had noticed losing coolant - or is that just coincidence?

Anyway, I am grateful for your help and hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

Rob.

Coincidences can happen....

The climate system uses the outside air temperature in it's calculations. Does your TID/MID/CID (computer display) give a plausible temperature reading?

[Andy B]

....
The climate system uses the outside air temperature in it's calculations.  .....

It does on a facelift car, but not on autobob's 97 Elite 

[autobob]

Unfortunately, I have had to let her go Other things started to go wrong so thought I'd put the repair money towards another Omega. So I've been out and bought a beautiful 2.2i cdx (2002) with genuine low mileage and in lovely condition.

I hope my new baby will be as reliable and dependable as my old 1997 Elite. Goodbye old friend.

And thanks a million to you guys for all your help.


Regards,


Bob