No heat in Vauxhall Astra

[Robert G]

My dad's 10 year old, low mileage, Astra has developed a strange fault. When revving or driving away, a very noticeable sloshing sound is heard from beyond the dashboard. And no heat now comes through into the car, even once the engine has reached normal running temperature. I suspect the sloshing sound comes from water, and that the cooling system is at fault somewhere. The level of coolant in the reservoir is normal - it never seems to need topping up. Maybe a valve controlling the circulation has failed somehow? I'd greatly appreciate any helpful suggestions, please.

[TheWinner]

Hi, When I took my car into our local garage and complained that the heater wasn't working in my car, the first thing they said, was that it sounded like the head gasket had gone, and that is exactly what is was. Take it to your garage and let them have a look. Good luck.

[Robert G]

Thanks but that doesn't sound right to me. I've had head gaskets go, over the years, and I've not noticed any of the familiar signs (like watery oil, or oily water, steam in the exhaust, and a certain smell). I'll keep your answer in mind, though. Thanks again.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

it sounds like your heater mattrix could be leaking and the water is gathering in a area where its staying if you know what i mean.ie moving around in a bowl.

[woodchopper]

If you can hear the water sloshing about there is air in the sytem - either through a leak or a blown head gasket - ( a common enough fault in old vauxhalls ).
Mine went in my Corsa ( same engine as Astra ) and didn't give oily water - it just pi$$ed down the back of the block.