Front heater

[rhenry]

Hi

only had my bongo in the summer so far but now its getting cold I have noticed the front heater taek ages to really start pumping out proper heat. Is this just an age thing (1998) or coul there be something wrong with the heater motor or something ?


thanks

[Velocette]

Hi

only had my bongo in the summer so far but now its getting cold I have noticed the front heater taek ages to really start pumping out proper heat. Is this just an age thing (1998) or coul there be something wrong with the heater motor or something ?


thanks

First thing is to check that there are no broken or disconnected linkages that operate the diverter flaps in the heater box. These are accessible from the footwells. there are a few threads with pictues. check that the heater matrix is getting hot and is not airlocked. doubtful if it has been running like this for an extended time as the heaters are an integral part of the cooling circuit and air in them is very bad Ju Ju. You should be able to see the right hand one stepping when you press the mode or screen button. I'm not sur how to test the one on the other side I believe it is the heat control so probably varying the set temp should make it move. I take it you have the digital control?

[Northern Bongolow]

go under the bonnet and check the flow and return pipes to the front heater matrix, they are under the fan unit. the flow comes in from the driverside and can be seen at the side of the starter battery (low down). the return goes out back to the stat housing near to the leisure battery (low down).
they should with no fans on be equally hot. if not it could be the matrix is blocked with the jap flies holding hands across the matrix and blocking the airflow through.

[mikeonb4c]

If you're sure it is linked to the cold weather, then have you noticed anything else like - for example - that the engine temp gauge is slower to come up to operating temp. Or maybe the heater is least effective when on the move. Anything like this might suggest a thermostat problem of some sort (stuck or even missing).

If airflow through the matrix is blocked with flies, I'd expect disappointing airflow even when fan on setting 4 (and assuming fan is rotating freely, another easy one to check) but anyway neither of these would suddenly appear with a change of season I think, and nor would a blocked water matrix.

But I'm no techie so maybe someone else could comment.

[jaylee]

If airflow through the matrix is blocked with flies, I'd expect disappointing airflow even when fan on setting 4 (and assuming fan is rotating freely, another easy one to check) but anyway neither of these would suddenly appear with a change of season I think, and nor would a blocked water matrix.

But I'm no techie so maybe someone else could comment.

Well...? I know for a fact there are no flies on Ady..! The front AC evaporator, i would have thought have taken much of the bug influx.....??

[Northern Bongolow]

cheers mate but mike does raise a good point if the motor hasnt warmed up the forward motion ramming cold air through the top of the rad does affect the speed of the heaters warming up, especially if you set off quickly and then go straight onto the faster speed roads.

ps i thought you were the lord of the flies jamie, i recall an impressive picture you once posted of jap beast you found in yours sometime ago still got it ???

[mikeonb4c]

cheers mate but mike does raise a good point if the motor hasnt warmed up the forward motion ramming cold air through the top of the rad does affect the speed of the heaters warming up, especially if you set off quickly and then go straight onto the faster speed roads.

ps i thought you were the lord of the flies jamie, i recall an impressive picture you once posted of jap beast you found in yours sometime ago still got it ???

Nearly right. He's The King of Blag - they're related through King Richard the Turd whose throne Blag built and the Lord and his family visit frequently ha ha.