Calling all and any ZX owners! URGENT!

[Chlorate]

Careful, that flow really doesn't want to be cut off. From what I can tell coolant flows from the radiator, pumped through the engine, comes out of the back of the cylinder head and through the heater matrix and then returns to the thermostat where it either recirculates or passes through the 'stat and into the rad.

The pressure in the system is probably forcing the water past those kinks but it's not ideal. From memory 90 degrees is a bit hot (although not worryingly so) for a 1.9td ZX - the 'stat in mine opened at 83 and unless it was really hot out and I was pushing it the temperature usually stuck around 85.

[Rhothgar]

Chlorate et al.

Should be good for the journey home then. Only a 1003 miles!

[Rhothgar]

Spoke to Sylv today and she says it is running at between 90deg and the next mark. Cannot remember if that is 105 it 100deg.

Any ideas? Seems a bit high but she hasn't checked water again.

I can see a breakdown in the middle of Germany with 500 miles to go either way!

She's had 3 days to test the hose temp repair a s the car has just sat in the drive.

Am considering sending those clamps owe when. I get them.

Thinking about it. Clamping the hoses off entirely is equal to the matrix being blocked anyway.

[oscar]

Hi not really as the matrix has a sort of bypass like when you have used bars etc and bunged it up it sort of runs in and across and out with alot of the water going across the matrix so even when you think blocked well not much heat theres still channels open to get through.
But why not make the bypass at the block end rather than as they have done as im sure they could get a length of hose that would fit from outlet to inlet even if they removed one pipe(in) from matrix (down to plumbing shop 90 right angle) then connect a piece to that back to where it norm gets fed back. as that temp could end up being very expensive trip

[Chlorate]

That is slightly worrying, and likely due to the reduced coolant flow because of the kinks in that hose...

It'll probably be fine if you straighten it out. If memory serves there should be enough room back there to move it around a little, if not I think it's pretty weakly clipped to the bulkhead in places and can be pulled free.

[Rhothgar]

Hi not really as the matrix has a sort of bypass like when you have used bars etc and bunged it up it sort of runs in and across and out with alot of the water going across the matrix so even when you think blocked well not much heat theres still channels open to get through.
But why not make the bypass at the block end rather than as they have done as im sure they could get a length of hose that would fit from outlet to inlet even if they removed one pipe(in) from matrix (down to plumbing shop 90 right angle) then connect a piece to that back to where it norm gets fed back. as that temp could end up being very expensive trip

Thanks for the idea Oscar.

Of course I cannot see it so cannot explain what to do to them.

Are you suggesting cutting one side of the actual rubber going into the matrix? If so, that pipe to/from the matrix is NFP? I am not keen in trying to source one of those.

Like you say there will be a way of bypassing it properly.

[oscar]

Hi can undo one pipe where it goes to matrix/bulkhead pref inlet then put something that fits inside it then to another piece of pipe to where other pipe goes back to engine then nothing cut/butchered then when get new matrix just remove pipe connect old one back and away you go as not going to live there forever but safer than over heating engine.
you can buy pipe/tube by the meter non de-script rubber tubing and a couple of jubilee clips then can remove both ends from block and connect both ends of new tubing which is even better as bypassing heater and keeping flow going even if you have to sleeve it to allow for different size pipes on engine (piece of copper pipe sliced down middle so can squeeze up)
Can't be much different to zanty engine so il look later where they go think inlet side is round block down back and return goes near thermostat housing.

And im sure in the mean time someone will know maybe with a ZX? Quite a nice car Pug's nicked all the glory in them day's but Citroen got it back with xsara etc