Steamy windows!

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:18 am

Hi

I'm trying to work out if the matrix on my heater is leaking and if so, if there is anything I can put in the system to block any holes without doing any damage elsewhere.

Even when switched off, at the heater, the inside of the windscreen mists up.

It seems to leave a 'film' where it's hard to clear the glass with a clean cotton cloth or loo roll! It eventually clears.

Perhaps a coincedence but I'm getting sore dry eyes lately especially when driving.

Could it be the antifreeze evaporating through a leak in the matrix causing the 'film' and sore eyes? There are no obvious drips under the heater.

It's heats up beautifully.

Any help welcome.

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:45 pm

Chrissie, you are more than welcome to try the heater from my splitty.to see if it cures the problem. You can even change it in a warm workshop if you bring some cakes

Post by **dalebrignall** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:19 pm

that sounds like a good deal

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:55 pm

If the matrix was leaking then I suspect that you would be able to find a damp patch somewhere, possibly a wet parcel shelf. Switching the heater fan off would not make any difference to the leaking as the fan just blows air through the matrix. Turning off the tap on the back of the engine might make a difference.
You are more likely to have the windscreen misting up with the heater switched off.
The Series MM heater does a feeble job of clearing the windscreen. Mine just about manages when I am on my own in the car but any more and it is out with the cloth. In the photo of my car at Cowley in Minor Matters you could not see me and I could hardly see where I was going because there were three people in the car and we were continually wiping the windows.
Working on the car in a nice warm garage sounds like a good idea, especially if cakes are involved.
Best of luck and are you coming to the Series MM rally?

Post by **Judge** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:00 pm

mike.perry wrote:Working on the car in a nice warm garage sounds like a good idea, especially if cakes are involved.

Bit different to the last time we worked on it

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:01 pm

If we had never put the heater kit in then Chrissie would have nothing to complain about.

Post by **Judge** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:40 pm

Bet it's nothing to do with the heater, her hot water bottle has probably sprung a leak

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:45 pm

jonathon wrote:Chrissie, you are more than welcome to try the heater from my splitty.to see if it cures the problem. You can even change it in a warm workshop if you bring some cakes

Oh that sounds wonderful. THANK YOU!

It would be fun to catch up with the JLH gang.

Will 'Belly' be there?

Is your heater definately healthy then?

See you soon........I'm on the way.......joke

Will call you.

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:46 pm

dalebrignall wrote:that sounds like a good deal

Hang on a moment........

He might be after a years supply of cakes.....

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:58 pm

Mike P wrote-Squiggs replied in bold:

mike.perry wrote:If the matrix was leaking then I suspect that you would be able to find a damp patch somewhere, possibly a wet parcel shelf.

Parcel shelf is virtually absent in the middle from a previous leak!

Switching the heater fan off would not make any difference to the leaking as the fan just blows air through the matrix.

I wondered if it could it be blowing damp air from the leak? I will have to look up the anatomy

What I didn't explain is, there is only one hose to vent attached ie on pasenger side and it is only this side that gets really misted up. So, damp air is getting 'guided' from the heater.

Turning off the tap on the back of the engine might make a difference.
You are more likely to have the windscreen misting up with the heater switched off.
The Series MM heater does a feeble job of clearing the windscreen.

The bakelite strip demister works a treat.

Mine just about manages when I am on my own in the car but any more and it is out with the cloth. In the photo of my car at Cowley in Minor Matters you could not see me and I could hardly see where I was going because there were three people in the car and we were continually wiping the windows.
Working on the car in a nice warm garage sounds like a good idea, especially if cakes are involved.
Best of luck and are you coming to the Series MM rally?

Not sure at moment. Thanks for asking and were you hoping to have another MM heater workshop?

PS So am I inhaling diluted antifreeze/steam and what if I end up over the limit!? hic

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:59 pm

Judge wrote:
mike.perry wrote:Working on the car in a nice warm garage sounds like a good idea, especially if cakes are involved.
Bit different to the last time we worked on it

I'm still in great debt

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:04 pm

mike.perry wrote:If we had never put the heater kit in then Chrissie would have nothing to complain about.

Oh am I complaining?

Hmmmm...actually....

Maybe I should and take it back to those who fitted it and complain.....

And get a full refund

Seriously, each time I use it I remember the work needed to fit it and the patient team. Would have been easier with the right parts being supplied too. Lovely to remember such support and friendship.

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:16 pm

Judge wrote:Bet it's nothing to do with the heater, her hot water bottle has probably sprung a leak

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:50 pm

What condition was the heater in when it was fitted. I can't remember if we fitted the heater or just the water pump. It is probably worth getting it out and having a look. I imagine that you can get them pressure tested.
While it is out you can connect the other demister hose. The air is still blowing out of the top of the heater but going nowhere as there is no hose to direct it. You can also check the condition of the water hoses.
Are you sure you haven't got anything a bit stronger in your hot water bottle?

Sat Jan 31, 2009 6:33 am

I am dissapointed, I thought this was going to be a question about the Tina Turner song...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=L9rptVFplpg