Flushing Heater Matrix

[uktigger]

I'm planning to flush my heater matrix on my 2.2 Petrol Omega.
I've got all the stuff suggested, ie hoses etc
I've read the articles in the maintanance section, but notice that after looking at numerous how to vids on youtube, they all suggest using 5/8" hose - (granted, they are all US vids).
The only hoses I have come across over here are 1/2" which i have 2 of.
Will this fit onto the connections to the matrix?
I don't want to start this and then find my hose won't fit.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Steve

[Nick W]

I find it much easier to leave the hose connected to the heater matrix, and fit the flushing hoses to the other end with some adapters:





They are 1/2" for the garden hose, and about 21mm for the heater hose. The bung is to blank off the return hose.



But, having done a the job a number of times, I don't think it's particularly worthwhile. All it did on mine was 'improve' the heater output from is it on? to that's sightly warmer than ambient. When I finally replaced the matrix(seven years after buying the car ), 9 out of the 12 tubes were so packed with silt that I couldn't poke some thin stiff wire down them. The new matrix gives out hot air in less than a mile.

[uktigger]

Just need to try anything to get SOME heat. Not having a heater in the past 3 weeks has not been fun :-)

The matrix is the only thing left to try, so want to try flushing it before butchering the car to replace.

[mandula]

With some cutting and gluing, it is two hours job to replace heater matrix (first time). If I needed to do it again, it would be one hour job.
I think there is guide how to do it easy way.

[Andy B]

With some cutting and gluing, it is two hours job to replace heater matrix (first time). If I needed to do it again, it would be one hour job.
I think there is guide how to do it easy way.

Bear in mind that the pedals are in the way on our cars 

[mandula]

With some cutting and gluing, it is two hours job to replace heater matrix (first time). If I needed to do it again, it would be one hour job.
I think there is guide how to do it easy way.

Bear in mind that the pedals are in the way on our cars 

Oops, then there might be something more to disassemble than glove box 

Anyways, there's the guide for wrong side drivers   

[Doctor Gollum]

Have you ruled out the control mechanism?

[Sir Tigger KC]

Remove the push fit hoses on the matrix and use ordinary garden hose secured with jubilee clips.  Switch them over a few times so you flush both ways and then refit the pushfits, making sure they are on properly! 

It's an easy job that dosn't need over thinking or any sort of special tools or adaptors. 

[uktigger]

Remove the push fit hoses on the matrix

Not as easy as it sounds :-(

Managed to get the clip released, but the pipe is not for coming off! :-(

[Doctor Gollum]

Try harder... They do stick a bit.

Just don't bend/snap the pipe in the process

[uktigger]

Try harder... They do stick a bit.

Just don't bend/snap the pipe in the process

Always a good idea :-)

[Nick W]

Remove the push fit hoses on the matrix

Not as easy as it sounds :-(

Managed to get the clip released, but the pipe is not for coming off! :-(

I spent less time making the adapters than I did trying(unsuccessfully) to get the first hose off. With them it's just a case of undoing the Jubilee clip that holds the hose to the HBV, inserting the adapter complete with garden hose attached, and securing it in place with the same clip.


Using a short length of hose on each adapter you can put a standard Hozelock connector on the other end, and easily swap your flushing/drain hose.

[TheBoy]

undoing the Jubilee clip that holds the hose to the HBV

Oh dear

[Nick W]

undoing the Jubilee clip that holds the hose to the HBV

Oh dear

They might be stainless steel Ideal ones on mine.

[tunnie]

Flushing matrix can help, did it on 3.2 many years ago now. Noticeable improvement 

Again I stuck end of hose pipe in cup of hot water, to soften it. Then went on heater matrix connector no probs. Flushed and reverse flushed.