I would to know exactly the route(s) the coolant flows through my 1.6 n/a engine-radiator-heater core. I believe it goes out the front port on the head and down to the water pump housing when the themostat is closed; and out the front port on the head, into the top of the radiator, out the bottom of the rad, into the water pump housing when the thermostat is open. When the heat is turned on, I think it goes out the left (drivers side) port on the head, through the heater core, and down to the water pump housing. This is all based on just what seems logical from looking at the cooling set up. Am I right, or can someone straighten me out? Thanks.
Well, you're pretty close. The . There's a valve in one of the heater lines that blocks this entire circuit when the heater is turned off. So with the heater/vent controls in the "cold" position (and assuming a working valve), no water flows through the heater or the heater return hose. n.
Most Rabbits have a permanant flow to the heater. Hot/Cold air is controlled by fart flaps.
Quote from: "Mark(The Miser)UK"Most Rabbits have a permanant flow to the heater. Hot/Cold air is controlled by fart flaps.Incorrect. All Rabbits (which europeans know as MK1 Golfs) have heat controlled by a coolant flow valve.
There's also a big hose with the thermostat in it going back from the bottom of the radiator to the water pump.
Thanks for the explanations. I was wondering for a couple of reasons. First, I recently installed a temperature sensor that feeds an analog guage. The only place that seemed feasible for tapping into (it's a big sensor) was the upper radiator hose as close to the engine as possible. I just wanted to make sure I was getting an accurate reading. Also I may want to do an SVO conversion to this vehicle soon, so I'd like to know the best place to tap into. I'm thinking the heater hose that comes off the drivers side end of the head so I get flow immediately upon startup.Thanks again