Good morning all,

Has anyone managed to do a heater matrix flush on a 2011 4.4tdv8 L322?
I've been looking all over for a guide or pictures, but no luck so far.

I've had the HCV changed as it was fubarred and the other valve is operational, but still no heat but at least hot water is now getting as far as the bulk head.

A combination of a failed oil cooler gasket (now fixed) and incorrect coolant (thanks so called specialist!) have conspired it seems, to plug up the heater matrix.

I'm not adverse to spending money on keeping her on the road having spent £3.5k in the last 6 months on needed and preventative maintenance, but I find myself balking at another £1000 to replace a heater matrix that is just plugged up!

Before I spend that much, I at least want to try and flush the matrix first as other manufacturers vehicles matrices seem able to be done ok.

I would be grateful if anyone could advise or even recommend a indy that has successfully done this before (distance not an issue, I'm sodding freezing!)

Fingers crossed.

Cheers
Pete

Is it not just a case of disconnecting both heater hoses and connecting one of them to a mains pressure garden hose. Doesn’t sound too difficult.

I'm hoping so, but just in case there is something I could break, a heads up, dont do this kind of warning would be very much appreciated if you see what I mean.

But maybe I'm just being too cautious

Bear in mind the heater matrix is simply aluminium fins set onto a copper or aluminium tube (s) which will be able to withstand pressure significantly in excess of mains pressure especially when one end would be open. To be honest l would be very surprised the tubes would be blocked but you never know.

Absolutely why I want to try the flush before undertaking a £1000 repair that may not fix the issue.
Thanks for your replies [i]


This post has been edited by the site administration team
theres no need to quote if you are having a conversation

Name and shame the specialist who put the wrong coolant in!  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Just noticed there are three pipes connected to the heater matrix, two flows in and one return out. The heater matrix is split into to chambers left and right. If you do decide to use a hose you may need to do each pipe in turn just to be sure.

How could anyone put the wrong coolant in on a modern car - it's like filling a diesel car with petrol or vice versa. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

It is as simple as shoving a garden hose into each inlet 1 at a time and turning the hose on have the outlet connected up to another hose going into a big bucket so you can see what comes out.

Unfortunately, I'm a short arse, and can't reach!

I'm hoping if I can remove the plastic engine cover I might be able to identify where/which hoses are the ones I need to get at.

If anyone has come across a decent picture, that would be very helpful.

I've noticed a bit of oil in the coolant again, and heard the odd gurgling sound from behind the dash so I suspect the chances of a successful flush are promissing. I would be happy to drive to someone who has done the flush successfully before, distance is not an issue, I just want to get this sorted correctly.

I'm in Warrington, but as I said, happy to travel. Any recommendations on a decent mechanic, not a fitter please?

Thank you.in advance if anyone knows someone

Did your flush work in the end? I'm about to do the same on my system too as I suspect I have an air-locked matrix after changing the oil cooler and the changeover valve and losing a fair amount of coolant in the process. My attempts at bleeding the system have been useless, so this is next on the to-do list. Thanks! -------------------------
2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
2001 Audi A2 1.4 16V
2019 Skoda Kodiaq (don't ask...)

Just had mine flushed after oil cooler failed. The guy I got to do it swapped the flow on to the return and said he a lot a c**p out. I now have a piping hot matrix but the temp controls have stopped working. He had to get his hand up behind the dash and manually operate the heat control solenoid to full hot but if you turn the temp down on the control panel it won’t go hot again very frustrating 😬