Flushing heater matrix and frosty nights

[cmm303]

I want to flush out the front and rear heater matrix. This will leave ordinary water behind and it is going to be a while before the cooling system is back in working order with antifreeze. Do they drain sufficiently to avoid frost damage or am I going to have to delay this job until I'm about to refill the cooling system?

[wonkanoby]

you will loose most of the coolant and have to refill

[al & chris]

Not sure why you want to leave empty. Be aware plastic pipes in and out of matrix if they are original do get very brittle with age. We have replaced both front and rear heater matrix alter both failing. Luckily front whist stationary at a petrol station a few hundred meters from our local garage and rear whilst stationary going through a gated track so no overheating problems. We got replacements from demisterman good quality good service. Front has been on for about 3 years now rear for about 2?

[Northern Bongolow]

rear heater shouldnt be a problem as the inlet and exit is at the bottom so it will drain.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... no=.html#4.

the front one is mounted on an angle but is basically bottom entry exit so should be fine.

http://www.mazdabongo.com/catalog/cooli ... all-models.


i dont think its going to be that cold from now on, especially as your in southern softie land. if your that bothered just get a bit of pipe and put some antifreeze mix in there.

[cmm303]

i dont think its going to be that cold from now on, especially as your in southern softie land. if your that bothered just get a bit of pipe and put some antifreeze mix in there.

ho ho ho, my avatar was taken late March 2013. Good idea though thanks.

[cmm303]

Not sure why you want to leave empty. Be aware plastic pipes in and out of matrix if they are original do get very brittle with age. We have replaced both front and rear heater matrix alter both failing. Luckily front whist stationary at a petrol station a few hundred meters from our local garage and rear whilst stationary going through a gated track so no overheating problems. We got replacements from demisterman good quality good service. Front has been on for about 3 years now rear for about 2?

Don't want to compkete the cooling system until I've finished the exhaust manifolld work.
Thanks for the warning about plastic pipes. New hoses now on front. Hopefully reachj the back by the end of today.