heating problem!?!?!? HELP!! (i know there are similar threads but dont think same problem)

[bean5]

I have an audi a4 1.8t
My Heaters won't blow warm, had same problem this time last year when we had snow. apparently Audi fitted them with plastic splines in the water pump, but the new design is apparently much more durable so had a new pump, n stuff and had Cambelt done at same time as was nearly due. the car has now done 75k.

So yesterday morning was ok, but in the afternoon just wouldn't blow hot even when temp was half way! if i accelerate a little warmth comes from heaters but as soon as i stop or slow down it goes cold again.


Any ideas?

[mikeybutch]

Has the thermostat been replaced?

[bean5]

not that i am aware of, would th garage have done that when they repaired it last year do you know, is it the sort of thing they would do whilst replacing the water pump.

[trioptics130]

look on the reciept from the garage, they should itemise all parts replaced at time of repair

[bean5]

lol, that'd be a great idea...if i knew where i put it. i am normally very good at keeping reciepts anything to do with my car as i know it all helps a sale, but its not where it should be, im gonna ring em tomorrow to see what they think so ill ask em then., hopfully will be safe to drive for a day or two till i can get it booked in.

[portovechios]

You'd still get heat with a knackered stat, even if its wide open

[bean5]

ryt , ok what else might it be?

[portovechios]

Stat may well be knackered but sounds more like the heater matrix. The fact that it gets to 90 nice and quick indicates that all is ok with the cooling but i'd say the Heater matrix has a problem/blockage, never done one and dont know how to check it out.... Sorry

[Crasher]

It is likely to be the matrix and as you have an 8E you are in luck as like a Golf 1 you can take the matrix without without removing the bodyshell, well OK the dash but it feels worse! It is not an easy job as the pedal box gets in the way by about 5-mm but it is just possible to disconnect the clamps and slide the matrix out.

[bean5]

Ok so if I is that, I take it it wouldnt be made worse by driving?

[Crasher]

No, you will just get cold and I hate that.

[bean5]

quik update, i spoke to the garage today, there having it in tomorrow to have a look, however on the way to and from work today everything seemed to be as normal?
i dont understand, hcih of the possible problems may cause intermitant symptims?
so it could be...;
thermostat?
heater matrix?
water pump?
or an air pocket in the system?

btw thanks again for all your help, i appriciate it.

[mikeybutch]

Does it get to 90 quickly?if not I would still hope that its only the stat if there no sign of it being replaced

[bean5]

i would say a normal time to get from cold to "90" will hopfully get the garage to try that first lol

[bean5]

hi chaps, just n update of what was wrong with my car...was the waterpump again, 12months and 2 weeks after having it done, but thankfully the garage sorted me out with a warrenty claim, had a guenuine pump fitted this time and it was cheaper than the naji one the put on last time that i didnt know about!! oh well £28 later all sorted, not as bad as i thought it ws gonna be! cheers for all your help, have a good xmas and a happy new year.

[Crasher]

A water pump over cooling..! err I don't think so. The pump can shift as much water as it likes but the thermostat controls what happens to the water.

[bean5]

It wasn't "over cooling" apparently the plastic impellers on the water pump had shattered

[portovechios]

Crasher, who said it was overcooling?

The pump was found to be broken so the coolant wasn't getting to the matrix heater.

[Crasher]

I have no idea, I don't even remember making the post but I did have a very sore head this morning-C&R Christmas party...

[portovechios]

ouch