Uno Heater Problem

[tumi1986]

Hi guys

It's winter this side of SA and I've started to look up on my 1100 heater it hasn't been working for the past years though it worked before, I recently fitted a new thermostat and a new water pump and the mech cleaned the hoses behind the engine and the radiator inside the dash, it was so rusty and seemed like it was blocked only mud came out. The heater started working fine as if new but after 2 weeks it stared to blow the Luke warm air, I took it back to the mech again ystdy he checked and find that the big long hose that goes from the big radiator to the heater at the back of the engine does not heat up he unscrewed them and blowed the hoses and there again came out rusty water and a bit of the one with the coolant, later we drove around n there it was perfect again but after some time it blewed the cold air again, he said something like the water does not have more enough pressure for the hot water to circulate. What could be the problem he said he suspect the radiator cap because even though the car heats up and the fan starts to kick when you open the cap it's like you opening a cold water tap, theres no boiling water the cap doesn't even pop up. The other week the water was leaking from the cap. Please help. And is it possible for the heater to blow only the air from the foot bay and the window?

 

[DaveMcT]

Almost certainly, you have a coolant leak. This stops coolant reaching the heater but more importantly will run the engine dry leading to a blown head gasket. If you cannot find the source of the leak its likely the head gasket has failed. You will need to check cylinder compressions etc.


The usual suspects are -
Water pump seals - drips from the cam belt cover.
Radiator leaks - look for coolant stains on the matrix.
Corroded steel pipe from back of water pump that runs under the exhaust manifold.

 

[tumi1986]

Thanks for the reply Dave, but when the f head gasket fails or its blown shouldn't it mix oil and water? Just asking I heard someone saying it. The car performance it's still fine recently serviced but there are drips of water coming from the steel pipe from the water pump that runs under the exhaust manifold and oil leaks from the cam belt cover. Was only gonna give those attention this month end though the car it's still performing well.

 

[DaveMcT]

Your head gasket may be ok. BUT the FIRE engins does not tolerate low coolant so keep the coolant level at full. Check it EVERY DAY and get that metal pipe changed as soon as possible. In UK they cost about £30. Corrosion on this pipe is common so its worth painting the new part before fitting.


This one has the classic rust. DO NOT BUY
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283464914396?ul_noapp=true


This is a new item. Check it is correct for your car.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIRTH-COOLANT-WATER-HOSE-PIPE-TUBE-REPLACEMENT-OE-QUALITY-REPLACE-51065/122046277423?epid=629730472&hash=item1c6a86672f:g:zOoAAOSwuMZZCuEe

 

[tumi1986]

Thanks will ask from the spares shop today, but I borrowed one of my friends radiator cap the other day the car seemed fine the heater was constantly warm,and the pressure was the on the radiator when I open the cap the water was even boiling of which it doesn't do with my cap, I am getting a new cap this weekend then I'll replace the hose I think I'll be sorted.seems like my radiator cap it's worn out its losing air so it can't give the necessary pressure to push the water around the heater hoses. Thank you