Heat question
#1
Heat question
My heater works but just barley. Is there anything I can do without replacing coils or fans to improve the output? Any help would be greatly appreciated 93 F150 5.0
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Str33tlegal (04-01-2013)
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Str33tlegal (04-01-2013)
#5
Mine takes some time to warm up, too...but heater works ok. You could have a few things going on, but all of them are related to circulation. First off, check your coolant level. Too low, and you won't get enough heated fluid pumping through the heater coil. If its full, then your thermostat might be worn out (or missing). That would cause coolant to circulate through the radiator non-stop, and it won't heat up enough to heat your cab.
A blockage in the system can cause a similar issue. The radiator might be clear, but a blockage in the smaller heater core could be causing it to not circulate much through the heat exchange system. A backflush would be recommended, in that case. A word of warning, though...a blockage is often caused by someone using "stop-leak", so be prepared to find a leak, if you suspect that may be the case.
If it hasn't been flushed recently, I would suggest replacing the thermostat, installing a Prestone flush & fill kit, backflushing the system, then refilling with proper coolant. If none of this works, then I would start looking at the water pump, but you would normally have a noticeable leak if that were the case. You can do all the steps I suggested for around $25 or so....maybe 1 or 2 hrs work. I flush my vehicles once a year, and the prestone kits really work well.
A blockage in the system can cause a similar issue. The radiator might be clear, but a blockage in the smaller heater core could be causing it to not circulate much through the heat exchange system. A backflush would be recommended, in that case. A word of warning, though...a blockage is often caused by someone using "stop-leak", so be prepared to find a leak, if you suspect that may be the case.
If it hasn't been flushed recently, I would suggest replacing the thermostat, installing a Prestone flush & fill kit, backflushing the system, then refilling with proper coolant. If none of this works, then I would start looking at the water pump, but you would normally have a noticeable leak if that were the case. You can do all the steps I suggested for around $25 or so....maybe 1 or 2 hrs work. I flush my vehicles once a year, and the prestone kits really work well.
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Str33tlegal (04-01-2013)
#6
Senior Member
Both you heater hoses should be hot to the touch, if they're both warm, look at the thermostat. If only one is hot, look at flushing out your heater core. If neither are hot, probably low on coolant, remember the heater needs to be on when you top off the system or you will not fill up the heater core cavity. Everything Bronco suggested are great tools to keep from having cooling system issues.
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Str33tlegal (04-01-2013)
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Str33tlegal (04-02-2013)
#10
I'd a bypassed that heater core! Heat didn't used to bother me that bad, but now I'm older and I spend summers working on top of heater barges...wearing thick fr clothes, boots, and a 2" thick foam life vest. I've seen Jesus. Now, on my off time, I freeze the gf out of the house.