Hi guys I have a polo x reg (2000) I've flushed the coolant, put a new thermostat and hose piped the pipes (if that makes sense) to clean the crap from the matrix and still nothing...I am thinking to change the matrix itself but it is a labour heavy job...any other ideas of what it can be or do I have to pay the price....?

Thanks in advance...

Hi guys I have a polo x reg (2000) I've flushed the coolant, put a new thermostat and hose piped the pipes (if that makes sense) to clean the crap from the matrix and still nothing...I am thinking to change the matrix itself but it is a labour heavy job...any other ideas of what it can be or do I have to pay the price....?

Thanks in advance...

What exactly is the problem with the heater? If you have changed the thermostat and messed with the coolant then I guess then engine is overheating or not heating at all. If it's overheating have you checked the thermostat housing? If the hole where the thermostat pin sits has punched all the way through then replace the housing (and thermostat again). Are you sure the it's the engine and not your heater, is the heater element clogged up? can you run water through it?

What's not working? The heat or the fan?

If the fan's working but the heat isn't, it might just need bleeding. With the engine off and cold, take the header tank cap off, stick the hot/cold all the way to hot, start the engine and run it up to temperature until there's no more bubbles appearing in the tank). Make sure your car is somewhere where it'll actually get hot (not easy this time of year, you might need to put it's nose in a hedge and shut the bonnet). Also make sure you keep the coolant opped up while it's bleeding.

Also make sure a pikey former keeper hasn't bypassed a leaky heater matrix.

sorry I havnt been very clear its blowing cold air and it will only get warm if i recirculate the air. The engine temp sits bang on 90 (in the middle) all pipes are getting hot as they should...it sometimes does loose coolant too...abit worried it might be the head gasket...but no cream on the oil lid and no smoke is produced...