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[Andy B]

..... but is there some chemical that will 'dilute' any sludge in it, that could be poured down a pipe via a funnel, left to soak, then hosed out.
TIA

Tony

My Dad used a dissolved dish washer tablet with limited success on his Granada ..... but in the end replaced the matrix -an easier task on a MKII Granny as it seems Ford didn't build the car around the matrix like GM did with the Omega heater matrix

[Nick W]

..... but is there some chemical that will 'dilute' any sludge in it, that could be poured down a pipe via a funnel, left to soak, then hosed out.
TIA

Tony

My Dad used a dissolved dish washer tablet with limited success on his Granada ..... but in the end replaced the matrix -an easier task on a MKII Granny as it seems Ford didn't build the car around the matrix like GM did with the Omega heater matrix

If I remember correctly, it's in a box on the passenger inner wing - you undo a few self tapping screws and two hose-clamps then the matrix falls out. Takes longer to drink your coffee than to do the job.

[amba]

Quicker to grow the coffee than do it correctly on an Omega.

Cut,n,shut is the way forward on an Omega and almost quicker than messing about trying to unblock a matrix that probably will never be restored to a full flow either and only around £40 for a new one...the 2 O rings are a different story though and GM supply only

[Andy B]

..... but is there some chemical that will 'dilute' any sludge in it, that could be poured down a pipe via a funnel, left to soak, then hosed out.
TIA

Tony

My Dad used a dissolved dish washer tablet with limited success on his Granada ..... but in the end replaced the matrix -an easier task on a MKII Granny as it seems Ford didn't build the car around the matrix like GM did with the Omega heater matrix

If I remember correctly, it's in a box on the passenger inner wing - you undo a few self tapping screws and two hose-clamps then the matrix falls out. Takes longer to drink your coffee than to do the job.

I just saw the hoses going into the engine bay .... though I think they were on the driver's side. My MKIII Cortina's matrix was a you described though (as was my Cavalier Coupe's  )

[dbug]

Quicker to grow the coffee than do it correctly on an Omega.

Cut,n,shut is the way forward on an Omega and almost quicker than messing about trying to unblock a matrix that probably will never be restored to a full flow either and only around £40 for a new one...the 2 O rings are a different story though and GM supply only

Replaced one on my old Elite a few years back - cost at the time for a good new pattern was around £20 delivered, and it came complete with two new o-rings.  Easy enough job cut 'n shut, and all ok when fitted.

Remember just after I fitted mine MarkDTM was recommending a pattern one that cost £14.

[powerslinky]

Terbs . . .has this low heat issue just started ?  or has it always been low ? 

[Terbs]

Thats a bit difficult to answer, Al, daft as it seems. We are talking the blue 2.5 estate. I did have the problem before, which after flushing, bleeding, etc, the heater was working. However, due to having a choice of vehicles, and each at some point standing idle for a month or so, I can't say when it last worked, as it has not been used during cold weather. Its last major usage was June for a month daily until July, then again all of September. Not been used since. Been away all of November using the green 2.6. Went to Brackley last weekend and used it then, and nearly froze our bits off !!!!! Swmbo was not impressed 
Replacing is not an issue, regards cost, if that what it turns out to be needing. Its a case of I don't trust myself to do it !!!!! Me and water do not mix!!!

[amba]

Given the very small pipework in the Heater Matrix and the likelihood that even with good service through its life it has picked up some much or crud which is restricting the potential flow.

Lots of flushes may loosen or improve the situation,however if you intend keeping the car long term my best advise would be to replace the entire matrix,nice clean coolant mix and forget about it ,especially if you have given things a good flush back/forth at pressure.

When I replaced mine on old Elite you could pour water in 1 pipe and it would come out the other almost as quickly so clean evidence it wasn't circulating through the thin pipework of the matrix.You may improve things slightly or to an acceptable level with chemicals however for the 2 hours and £40 for a almost certain fix that would be where my advise would be.

[Terbs]

Thanks Andrew....I am gonna have a good flushing and see what happens...may try the dishwasher tablet soak. However, I am going to gen up on how to replace it, but I am not of the build or age (also back problems) to access areas requiring a double jointed acrobat to reach !!!
If it looks easy, thats the route I'll go.
I intend to keep my Omegas, until they literally rust and/or fall to pieces. This is of course, all subject to keeping swmbo at bay

[powerslinky]

Thanks Andrew....I am gonna have a good flushing and see what happens...may try the dishwasher tablet soak. However, I am going to gen up on how to replace it, but I am not of the build or age (also back problems) to access areas requiring a double jointed acrobat to reach !!!
If it looks easy, thats the route I'll go.
I intend to keep my Omegas, until they literally rust and/or fall to pieces. This is of course, all subject to keeping swmbo at bay

Terbs, the dishwasher tab method may shift some build up  . . . but that method is more suited to oil cooler failure where oily emulsion has to be cleaned from the cooling system. But no harm in trying.

Nick W advised me a while ago when I was having low heat trouble, and this was when heating was first required after summer had gone, that it can take a while ( as in a few trips in the said  car ) to get heating going properly, when it has not been on for quite a while . As my flush out did not bring instant results , I suppose this is possible.

[Terbs]

Thanks for the responses, Al. etc. Haven't had chance to do it today, but tomorrow it will get the full bore until the Water Board twig where all their water is going. Will report results

[amba]

Fingers crossed some water pressure gets any crud dislodged although I personally would avoid chemicals as being aluminium you could end up with a split or leak which is not great to dry out this time of year.

The cut,n,shut method for the matrix replacement does require a certain amount of dexterity and working in a very ackward space  so maybe a job left for A another and warmer days,although should take no more than 2 hours taking it gently as the less that's cut the easier it is to hide afterwards. 

[Terbs]

Getting there...flushed and flushed and flushed. Used an airline, with gentle pressure. Result...passenger side red hot, driver side, mildly tepid. Did use a Wynns flush as recommended for all types of metal.
Now to suss why drivers side not red hot.

[powerslinky]

Getting there...flushed and flushed and flushed. Used an airline, with gentle pressure. Result...passenger side red hot, driver side, mildly tepid. Did use a Wynns flush as recommended for all types of metal.
Now to suss why drivers side not red hot.

SWMBO's happy then 

[Doctor Gollum]

Probably a sticky temp servo on the drivers side... the actuator arm can become loose/disconnected leaving partial or no control. Equally, if you've been prodding and poking that end of the matrix, the carpet or trim might be fouling it