Heater matrix flushing

[Freddie328]

Hi all
Can anyone recommend a good flushing compound for partially blocked heater matrix's?
This one's in a 1989 Range Rover - a pig to remove, so I'm hoping flushing may revive it.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[BrownBottle]

I've always found the best way to unblock them is to disconnect the hoses that attach to the matrix at the bulkhead, not where they attach to the matrix but the opposite end if that makes sense. Then blast down the hoses with a pressure washer, working the water through the matrix in both directions.

[Steve_D]

I rather suspect a 1989 matrix would end up all over the back window if you hit it with a pressure washer.
If flushing backwards and forwards with a garden hose will not shift it then a rad flush product may help.

Steve

[BrownBottle]

The only way it would leak is if it was badly corroded and on borrowed time anyway. I always did it in pulses to begin with to reduce the chance of it bursting. Once I got a decent flow through it I'd go for constant trigger.

[Fastpedeller]

I guess the difficulty of filling it varies (as to whether it's still in situ or not!). Years ago I removed the matrix from a Reliant Kitten and cleaned it using kettle descaler - It worked a treat and I removed lots of black gunge (by shaking it around). Changed the car from a fridge to a roast/toasty car!
I guess it's important to know if the plastic or metal of the matrix won't be damaged by the chemical, but if it works ok in a kettle it may not be too viscious.

[paintman]

As it's still in situ the obvious question is why do you think it's blocked/partially blocked?

Is the stat a) present and b) working correctly?
Over the years I've had a number of stat failures on various cars incl my RRC. Usual symptom is heating system not producing the goods most unpleasant was a 2.8 Granada & a freezing trip from Milton Keynes to Leicester many winters ago & most recent was my Sprinter which was much the same.
Easiest way to check is to start the engine from cold & with the bonnet open keep checking the radiator top hose (V8). It should suddenly get hot as the stat opens. If it warms up slowly at the same rate as the heater hoses then your stats had it. If a V8 don't forget that the hole with the jiggle pin MUST be at the 12 o'clock position when fitting.

[Yuxi]

Hose pipe have always worked for me, flush forward and backwards until it runs clear in both directions

[E-bmw]

Fastpedeller said:

it may not be too viscious.

What is viscious?

Is that a combination of viscous & vicious?

[Fastpedeller]

E-bmw said:

Fastpedeller said:

it may not be too viscious.

What is viscious?

Is that a combination of viscous & vicious?

Yes - Or a result of too much Chrismas wine - HIC!