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| Running too cold https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8020 |
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| Author: | Guest [ Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Running too cold |
I have a 1987 dodge cargo van with slant 6 (bare bones stock) and it is one of most reliable vehicles i ever had. There is one problem howewer, it runs too cold in the winter. I have changed the thermostat as i tought that the original one was probably stucked in the open position, but after swaping for a new one, there was no difference. I made sure that the new one is a "winter" thermostat, so it stays closed the longest before opening (195 degrees i think). Oh yeah, i tested the old thermostat by throwing it in the boiling water and it is working fine. So assuming that there was nothing wrong in that department, what else it could be? I have fastened a big piece of cardboard to the front grill, completely blocking it off.....no result whatsoever. I'm tired of freezing when i drive as the heater blows only slightly warm air after i been driving it for about 15 minutes. Anyone can give me any advice as for what to look for? |
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| Author: | NoMo-Par Bob [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 12:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
check to see if coolant is even getting to the heater box. if it is, then the heater box is probably in need of flushing or replacing. if it is not getting coolant, the heater valve (in the hose TO the heater) may be falty. if so, replace it. But then it could be just the cables or vacuum line operating the valve. |
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| Author: | 70valiant [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:31 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
touch both heater core hoses and see if they feel hot. there should be little difference between them temp wise. if one feels hot and the other cold then you heater core is plugged. also touch the top rad hose. if it isnt hot then you need more cardboard. |
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| Author: | Joug_Fin [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 7:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
What Your temperature gauge says. Is it getting as hot as summertime. I live here in finland and it's also very cold at this time of year and it usually takes about 15 minutes to at get engine fully warmed. Is your air cleaner getting heated air when engine is cold? And block heater is very useful at winter time, you save money and your skin. |
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| Author: | Guest [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 4:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanx to everyone for their reply's, i have just purchased a block heater and tonight i'm going to my friends garage to install it and check the heater-core for being plugged or faulty valve. |
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| Author: | golembieski [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 4:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I have been wondering about this too... I have a 81 D150 only option is power steering! And i was froze stiff last night on the way home! It only has a flat 4 blade fan so i didn't even bother with the winter front ( your cardboard) Can't wait to check the heater hoses when i get home tonight. Frank |
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| Author: | Reed [ Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Another vote for a clogged heater core. Reed |
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| Author: | golembieski [ Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:25 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yeah thats what i think too... I started the dodge at 1:00 am i checked it at 1:15 and 1:20 about 1:25 i started to think somthing was really wrong i had my hand on the rad after thinking the stant was stuck ( the inlet of the heater core was hot and the outlet was cold) and the rad got hot all of a sudden. (i got dummy lights no real gages) So i think i have to make a trip to the parts store to pick up some coolant before i flush the system. But can i flush the heater core? i mean i'm a good mech but how do i do it other then putting the hose up to the outlet and trying to back flush it with the heater hoses off? I like driving the slant... belive it or not it is a nice change to a 383 or a 318! Frank |
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| Author: | Charrlie_S [ Thu Jan 08, 2004 4:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
If you don't want to loose the coolant in the system, take a couple of vise grips, with tape around the jaws, and clamp the heater hoses. Then just disconnect the hoses from the heater core. Now you can flush the core with a hose. Just don't use air pressure, the core will not stand up to more then about 30 psi. |
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| Author: | Guest [ Thu Jan 08, 2004 3:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Ok, i'm proud to announce that when i left my friend's shop last night i didn't have to put on my winter jacket, gloves and a fluffy hat with ear-flaps  It was the thermostat, the reason i have eliminated it from the "suspect" list, was the fact that i have changed it last year. I have tested the heater hoses as someone here suggested and both are nice and hot, so i knew that i had to look elsewhere. Thanx again for all the tips. |
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| Author: | 70valiant [ Thu Jan 08, 2004 3:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Glad to hear you have heat now 
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| Author: | golembieski [ Sat Jan 10, 2004 12:55 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
flushing the heater core worked for me !! I think i could do it some more but my fingers were getting numb! Thanks guys i got HEAT. Frank P.S. The slant will warm up in about 8 min on fast idle |
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