Heater Air Lock

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TurboJo - 22 Aug 2003 19:51 GMT

My heater was leaking from the matrix after I fixed it by replacing the 2
rubber O rings where the inlets bolt on. Now I can not get any heat through.
The pipes do not appear to be getting any water through as if there is an
air lock. What is the best way of getting rid of the air lock in the heater
pipes?

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-AD- - 23 Aug 2003 00:09 GMT

And TurboJo was sitting next to Elvis in the spaceship, which I thought
was kinda strange, but then they turned to me and said:

> My heater was leaking from the matrix after I fixed it by replacing the 2
> rubber O rings where the inlets bolt on. Now I can not get any heat through.
> The pipes do not appear to be getting any water through as if there is an
> air lock. What is the best way of getting rid of the air lock in the heater
> pipes?

Split the joint where the heater return hose joins the bottom hose, plug
the stub on the bottom hose and attach a temporary extension hose about 6"
long to the heater hose. Remove the radiator cap and point the end of the
extension hose into the radiator filler. Start the engine and set it at a
fast idle with the choke. Run it until no more bubbles are coming out of
the end of the extension hose. Reconnect the heater hose to the bottom
hose, taking care not to loose too much coolant or admit too much air.

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(-AD-) <uniqueid 'at' lineone.net>
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taffy_turner - 24 Aug 2003 17:03 GMT

Or you could just try making sure the heater valve tap is set to allow water
to run around the heater matrix (tap on the dash is in on early models about
pre 1988 or out on post 1988 Mini's) Then start the engine and carefully
squeeze the hose that runs down the back of the right hand side of the
engine, making sure you keep your hands and clothes away from the fan.

You could also leave the radiator cap off for a few minutes until the water
starts bubbling over.

I've done this method after changing a heater matrix and removing the
radiator to back flush and I've not had any problems with air locks.

The other problem could be the thermostat is knackered?

Taffy

> And TurboJo was sitting next to Elvis in the spaceship, which I thought
> was kinda strange, but then they turned to me and said:
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> the end of the extension hose. Reconnect the heater hose to the bottom
> hose, taking care not to loose too much coolant or admit too much air.

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