Heater Matrix Changed & Coolant Flush/Expansion Head - Coolant brown again day after?!

[James7293]

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been asked before (i know the usual matrix symptoms have been posted thousands of times)

I recently purchased a less than desirable Seat Leon FR MK3. I have had the heater matrix replaced and then two days after (without more than 5 miles driving) i had a full coolant flush and expansion head changed without the dread bag inside. I have done 55 miles in the car today, checked the coolant level and noticed its brown again not pink?! Should I be concerned? I am assuming its just corrosion from the old system, I cant see oil in it or anything too concerning bar the colour.

Thanks, apologies if this sounds a stupid question, this is my first Seat.

 

[James_R]

Was it flushed with the genuine two stage Acid cleaner/neutraliser kit and following the proper instructions?

 

[James7293]

Was it flushed with the genuine two stage Acid cleaner/neutraliser kit and following the proper instructions?

Witbout asking the garage, I can't give a difinitive answer. But the invoice states full coolant flush and expansion head replacement. The coolant was pink yesterday, I have done probably 55 miles in it today and its brown again. I am wondering if it potential residue from before the matrix was replaced.

 

[James_R]

If the process isn't followed exactly then the system can become contaminated again very quickly.

 

[James7293]

If the process isn't followed exactly then the system can become contaminated again very quickly.

Is this likely to cause any serious damage? Or can it wait until next service? Sorry for my lack of knowledge, I had never even heard of heater matrix failure until a month ago (never owned a vw or vag before). Just trying to sum up the next steps, could do with the car lasting me 12 months. Thanks

 

[James_R]

Worst case scenario it could re-block the matrix.

 

[cuthound]

Witbout asking the garage, I can't give a difinitive answer. But the invoice states full coolant flush and expansion head replacement. The coolant was pink yesterday, I have done probably 55 miles in it today and its brown again. I am wondering if it potential residue from before the matrix was replaced.

Just take it back to the garage, show them the colour of the coolant and tell them it is unacceptable and to redo the job properly.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Just take it back to the garage, show them the colour of the coolant and tell them it is unacceptable and to redo the job properly.

Exactly this

 

[Compo1]

Was it flushed with the genuine two stage Acid cleaner/neutraliser kit and following the proper instructions?

Do you have certificates of Analysis on the G 052 525 a3 set ?

 

[James_R]

Do you have certificates of Analysis on the G 052 525 a3 set ?

I don't have them, but there is a dedicated website that VWG runs. It contains the test and conformity details of every substance they use/sell.

 

[Compo1]

I don't have them, but there is a dedicated website that VWG runs. It contains the test and conformity details of every substance they use/sell.

Any chance you can give me a link ?

Pm if needed.

By trade im an industrial Chemist . I'd love to see the C Of A's for the flush set.

 

[James_R]

It's an open and public domain so I'm happy to share it here:

VW PSD On-Demand

psddb.vwgroup.com

 

[SuperV8]

Just take it back to the garage, show them the colour of the coolant and tell them it is unacceptable and to redo the job properly.

Agreed, if it was flushed properly it should not be brown shortly afterwards.

To add, to official flush procedure (for TDI) is rather complicated, as there are 3 coolant circuits with multiple one way valves. Each circuit needs isolating, and then flushing, and this whole procedure is repeated twice from memory. Then the whole lot needs vacuum filling.

Also you would want to do this BEFORE fitting your new matrix - as there could be a risk of your nice new matrix 'catching' all the detritus you are hoping to flush out!