A3 8V No Heat Diagnosis

[Sid2020]

If your not getting high engine temps and the system is getting hot I would think your pump is working

[cliffcoggin]

Chris.

If you manage to get the heater unblocked, or if you have to replace it, consider what caused it to become blocked initially. It's possible there is a burst bag of silica gel that will give you another blockage.

See this for an explanation of a problem that I only recently became aware of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39ngHGvMzEg

 

[Chris777]

Hi Cliff

Thanks for your input

I came across the burst /leaking silica bag suggestion. Only some 8V got them apparently and if was present says on side of header tank. Thankfully looks like mine never had one. It is a copart rebuild front damage, the coolant temp sensor had somehow dislodged and all coolant out when I got it. Not sure if impact somehow dislodged but can find no other leak or damage to why the coolant came out. I have read the matrix can gum up if left sitting without coolant for a while (money was maybe 6 weeks max) hoping it's just a flush. Looking at the coolant carefully that came out couple tiny bits of plastic in it so also slight concern where from and if more stuck anywhere

[Sid2020]

Finding out what VAG cars got the bag is  almost impossible, I’ve never came across any service document that states what vin numbers they were introduced from which also means we don’t know what vehicles were affected. The logic behind the bags makes sense from a VAG  standpoint, they have to allow for all regions of the world  where maybe service procedures are not followed so a few blocked heater matrix’s is better then engines failing  due to corroded engine internals. A pain in the !Removed! but still better then skimming engine heads and blocks

[Chris777]

Hi Matt.

It says 'Mit Silikat' on side of header tank if has one apparently. Mine doesn't have this so presuming it didn't have in first place.

[Sid2020]

Unfortunately it wasnt printed on every reservoir that it was fitted in but this may be year dependent. Shining a torch thru the empty reservoir bottle while looking inside is a good way of checking for one also if in doubt. 
below photo is from a T6 with nothing on bottle as a idea where to look 

[Chris777]

What am I looking at in the pic sorry?

 

[Sid2020]

8 minutes ago, Chris777 said:

What am I looking at in the pic sorry?

 

Thats a bag circled. That’s where the bags are sometimes found on bottles without mit silikat printed on them 

[Chris777]

Got you, I've had a good look and can't see one or the remnants of one