Heating Problem

[et19560]

Hi,

I have a galaxy 1.9tdi 02 plate. The heater was working fine until christmas, then stopped supplying hot air, mechanic noticed there was pressure build up in the expansion tank, he changed the thermostat and topped up, it now produces hot air although not has hot as previously even when on hi,there is still a build up of air in the expansion tank, although engine never overheats either on long or short journeys.

Yesterday, when turning the ignition switch but not starting the engine, I noticed that the needle on the temp gauge rises to max, stays there for 3 or 4 seconds then returns to cold and then continues to work normally reading 90 when the engine has warmed up and does this every time the ignition is switched on even when the engine is started.

 

Anyone any ideas?

 

Eric

[bhbobhill]

Hi,

I have a galaxy 1.9tdi 02 plate. The heater was working fine until christmas, then stopped supplying hot air, mechanic noticed there was pressure build up in the expansion tank, he changed the thermostat and topped up, it now produces hot air although not has hot as previously even when on hi,there is still a build up of air in the expansion tank, although engine never overheats either on long or short journeys.

Yesterday, when turning the ignition switch but not starting the engine, I noticed that the needle on the temp gauge rises to max, stays there for 3 or 4 seconds then returns to cold and then continues to work normally reading 90 when the engine has warmed up and does this every time the ignition is switched on even when the engine is started.

 

Anyone any ideas?

 

Eric

[bhbobhill]

Hi

I had a similar problem some time ago on the same model. This proved to be the water pump, the impeller becomes detached from its shaft.

When I rectified the pump I replaced the timing belt

which seems prudent.

Hope this helps

Bob Hill

[daddyfixit]

like he said, it sounds like water pump has fallen to bits ?

 

very common on vag engines,plastic impellor falls off; and do replace the timing belt kit while the pump is off as well---my pump started leaking AFTER the genuine ford belt kit was fitted !!!

its normal practice to replace everything connected to the belt nowadays anyway, so you can fit parts once and forget till next due replacement.

 

so i replaced pump,belt kit and antifreeze 5 years ago and its getting done again in the next few weeks.

[et19560]

Thanks everyone for your help and advise, the mechanic seemed to think it pointed to the head gasket but I was a bit unsure because like I said it has never overheated, it's just the pressure build up in the expansion tank.

 

Would this also explain the movement of the temp gauge rising to max when ignition turned on even when the engine is cold?

 

One other odd thing that has happened in the last few days is that when the heater is on there is sometimes a stong smell, of pepper and spices, very strange...could anyone suggest a cause of this?

 

In the next week I'll get it to the garage to have the water pump and timing belt changed, has anyone got a rough idea of the cost for this to be done?

 

Eric