Sticky Gunge on the inside of the widscreen

[tsam19]

After driving the car for a while the inside of the windscreen becomes spattered with like an oily based substance when I've had the blower heater on.

Anyone know what this is & what causes it & possibly the cure ?

[Crasher]

Your heater matrix has failed and is blowing antifreeze out of the screen vents and it may burst at any time, blowing boiling coolant all over your feet and legs, even out of the vents and into your face-I have seen it happen a number of times when the engine overheats. This also means that you are inhaling antifreeze which may be harmful to your health.

[tsam19]

Heater matrix failure ?

What causes that to happen ?

Whats the cure, some sort of flushing fluid or a new matrix ?

I presume the only symptoms of the matrix failing is this sticky stuff on the inside of the windscreen ?

[Crasher]

The cause is age and occasionally excess cooling system pressure such as from overheating or head gasket failure.

The cure is a new matrix which is a hell of a job as the dashboard has to come out and is even worse if the car has air conditioning as this has to be degassed and re-gassed.

Other than the sticky deposits you may notice an odd curry like odour and misting.

[tsam19]

Yes the 'odd' curry smell is there

I presume that smell will disappear when the matrix is changed ?

Theres no air con though.

[Crasher]

Yes the smell will go. I strongly recommend you only buy a genuine VW dealer supplied matrix. These are horribly expensive at £116 plus you have to buy the foam strips separately BUT they are covered by a 2 year parts and labour warranty and aftermarket ones often fail again but they are only about £25. One very important point about smells though. Before installing a new matrix, no matter where it comes from, it must be washed own with brake cleaner to remove the oil that is on the fins or the stench inside will make your eyes and throat sore for weeks.

[tsam19]

So you wash the inside & the outside of the new matrix, even a second hand one with brake fluid or brake cleaner ?

So any matrixe items on Ebay are best left alone then ?

Theres a lot on there for about £20 like you mentioned, all claiming to be the best.

[tsam19]

I've come across some fluid on Ebay called INNOSTOP.

INNOSYSTEMS SEALING SYSTEM

The Best and Easiest Sealing Product on the Market Today

The motor trades best kept secert

A Product until recently only available to the trade

+ Don't replace it if it can be fixed with INNOSTOP.

+ Seals leaks instantly without clogging the system.

+ Contains lubrication additives.

+ Contains anti-corrosion additives.

This special formual additive specifically formulated to permanently seal most holes and cracks in the water system, Engine Blocks, Radiators, Cylinder Heads, Head Gaskets, Heater Matrix, Water Pumps, Core Plugs.


Has anyone heard of it or used it ?

If so I would like to know your opinion.

Thanks

[Crasher]

I do not use bodge chemicals in cooling systems and if you want to chance an impromptu 103 degree foot and face wash that is your decision, using a second hand matrix is shear stupidity. I only use genuine VAG matrix’s as I can’t take the risk of one exploding all over a customer again after it happened to me the last time about five years ago on a Golf 3 VR6. I have told you what it is and the way I fix it, what you do about it is up to you.

[tsam19]

I've never suggested you have used bodge chemicals.

I was merely posting for all to reply with their comments, upto now its only you who has answered.

The matrix for sale on Ebay are brand new & priced at £20 - £25.

The leak stoppers are plentiful in all garages & motor DIY outlets.

Obviously someone uses them as theres clearly a market for them & some tests must have been carried on these leak stoppers for it to be sold to the public.

As for whether I will go that route, thats my choice.