|
|
|
04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
|
|
| |
|
|
peaceablegarden
User
Sep 10, 2011, 9:15 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2485 views)
|
|
04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
Sign In
|
|
We're stumped. My very well kept 2004 Scion xa with 70,000mi started having heating problems late last spring. It stopped working, then worked some, then just conked out completely (only blows cool air). Didn't worry too much about it until now. My friend who is also my mechanic and I looked it over yesterday. He did much of the basic troubleshooting for the quick to look at stuff like switches. When he popped the radiator cap off to check coolant, we found what looks like a waxy sustance around the just inside the radiator at the top. We're just stumped. We have no idea if the waxy substance is related to the heat not working (maybe there's a blockage somewhere) or if it is another problem or it's not a problem at all. Frankly he and his other car buddy have never seen this waxy stuff before. I've done some basic google searches only to find potential issues ranging from no worries at all to a blown head gasket to tranny fluid mixing with the antifreeze. There does not seem to be any other problems. I have had no over heating (my heat has been gone since late last spring) and no other issues. He also did an oil change so we had a look at the oil and we removed about a quart of antifreeze and saw nothing unusual. I would welcome any other thoughts. Thank you.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2011, 9:19 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2482 views)
|
|
Re: 04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
Sign In
|
|
Can you take a picture of the waxy stuff and post it in here?
With the engine warmed up feel the heater hoses. Are they both hot?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
|
|
| |
|
|
peaceablegarden
User
Sep 10, 2011, 9:32 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2479 views)
|
|
Re: 04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
Sign In
|
|
Sorry, we cleaned the waxy stuff off. Waiting to see if it builds back up. If it does will take a photo. Yes, they feel hot but perhaps not as hot as they should be.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2011, 9:55 AM
Post #4 of 6
(2463 views)
|
|
Re: 04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
Sign In
|
|
How about the upper and lower radiator hoses? Are they both hot after the vehicle is driven or has been idling for a period of time? With the ac turned off, does the electrical cooling fan kick on and go off after the vehicle has been driven and the engine is idling.
The thermostat uses a wax pellet (hint) to open and close the thermostat's valve. Maybe removing the thermostat and flushing the system out including the heater core is in order. While you have the thermostat out you can test its operation.
If the thermostat is hanging open the coolant temperature will be too low while driving and will affect the operation of the heater core's output.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2011, 10:35 AM
Post #6 of 6
(2451 views)
|
|
Re: 04 scion xa waxy radiator no heat
|
Sign In
|
|
Let us know how it turn out. 
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
Annoying shaking during deceleration
Having trouble at freeway speeds
p119f22 ‘Deterioration of the engine oil’ - 2017 Peugeot Boxer Euro 6 2.0 Blue HDi
Misfire on coil E
