The Curious Case of Baffling Heating

[drc1]

Firstly in advance, this is my first post but I have been a long time reader, going back to my decision to buy my MK4 FR diesel back in 04. So thank you for your help.

I've been quite cold recently as the heater pretty much packed up for the whole winter. This first happened a year ago, dealer cleared out some debris and flushed the system and the heat grudgingly came back. They couldn't find any real faults. It then stopped again this winter, the air-con still works fine.

Recently taken to an independant i'm now using who flushed water through the system 3 times, coming out very dirty, with some oil and almost sand like substance . Now the heating is revived (just as its getting warmer) but he is obviously worried with oil in the system, but with nothing major seemingly wrong (and 20000 covered since first appeared) its a bit of head scratcher. The car has never gone through a lot of oil or ever needed water topping up between services.

So any ideas out ther would be appreciated, i'm taking it back in this week for more investigating, so anything before then would be appreciated, if not, I will report back with hopefully some added knowledge

Generally the 60000 is just coming up with no other issues apart from the 4 times 'fix' of the rear screen washer, it's been a great car which I recommend to everyone!

 

[Nath.]

possible head gasket failure. They will pressure test the cooling/heating system and then maybe do a compression test on the cylinders too.

If the head gasket has failed it'll cost you a monkey to replace it I reckon.

 

[silver surfer]

heater

I'd be looking at the oil cooler leaking oil into the water system for your fault mate

 

[beezanick]

I'd be looking at the oil cooler leaking oil into the water system for your fault mate

Ive heard thats a common problem with VAG cars. Produses a grey slugdge in the coolent.

 

[Nath.]

I'd be looking at the oil cooler leaking oil into the water system for your fault mate

Good call, I reckon thats top of the list TBH

 

[drc1]

Thanks for the replys guys, I think thats what the guy said could be a possible, the water filter fits onto oil cooler, could be something in that link. I'll point him that direction and will hopefully get fixed on Thursday, i'll let you know how it goes.

 

[drc1]

Thanks again for the advice, sorry about late reply. Had new oil cooler fitted a few weeks back, coolant pretty clear now and heating still working although that was hard to tell the last few weeks. Mechanic left a bit of detergent in coolant to wash all the pipes through so just skimming a bit off the top of the coolant bottle. So hopefully all fixed and we won't have to endure another cold winter.