Heater matrix blocked

[ken]

The Heater matrix on my Cabriolet is blocked and as you know it is buried deep behind the dash and will therefore be a major job to rectify. I wonder if anyone has any experience of the product on this website http://liquidintelligence115.co.uk/p...m-cleaning-kit . Alternatively do you have any ideas foe a simple fix? Thanks Ken.

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Heater matrix blocked

I have had some success with standard rad flush products in the past. It may help to connect a hose to the heater pipe - try the outlet first and alternate until the gunge comes out. Fernox do a really good one which i have used in central heating systems to good effect.
Ofcourse the old wives remedy is to pour a load of white vinegar into it!

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Heater matrix blocked

I've used baking soda in the past. Disconnect pipes, plug one of the connections to matrix, pour in a solution and plug and leave to do its work. Flush both ways. Worked for me.

[ken]

Re: Heater matrix blocked

Thanks for the replies. What quantities are needed for vinegar and baking soda? Will vinegar attack solder?

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Heater matrix blocked

with the vinegar, i wouldnt trust it in an alloy engine (or radiator) as it can be quite corrosive, baking soda may be more gentle - but in terms of quantities of each its probably as cheap to get a bottle of rad flush as it is a few pints of vinegar - make sure its suitable for the material your system is made from. Lead in solder is pretty innert and the vinegar would have to be in a long time to do any damage to it Im guessing. vinegar will dissolve sediment from hard water but if its full of rust then i wouldnt mess about - get some radflush or similar.