Shooting the temp with a laser I am seeing 125 to 130 degreesF. Very little heat from the ducts. I changed the thermostat 180* and still get the same temperatures.
I've gone all through the blend door and damper motors.... and all is working as it should so I suspect the engine temp is causing the heater issue.
Should I got a 195* stat? Why am I only seeing 130* with a 180* stat?
Thanks,
Fred V

 

Rather than playing 20 questions - More information is needed .....
.And in general .....

HINT/TIP: Put your -complete- vehicle information (year, model, cab, trim, engine, wheelbase, _x4 drive, mileage, modifications, etc., etc.) in your signature -OR- provide it in your posting(s).
.

 

Thanks for the reply Joe.
2000, F150, 150,000 miles. Temps measured on top hose, thermostat housing, cylinder head and block. Heater hose in is about 120 going in and out about 100 coming out so may be some blockage in the heater core but I do have flow through it. 180 stat is what was in it when I opened it up so I replaced it with the same. Further reading said It should be 195 but that tells me the top rad hose how will then be 145*. I hope I'm wrong about that.
Fred

 

What does your temp guage in the cluster show once warmed up?

 

1st I would change your stat to 192/195 that would be what that engine calls for....I also would flush & back flush your heater core a few times!!
I don't know what actual temp readings should be on the components you listed......But the readings sound low!!
So I would question how reliable your tester is??
Having said that when engine is up to temp you should be able to momentarily touch your heater & rad hoses & they should be very hot so don't grip them....(barely touch them.....& you should get the feeling do not touch again or tooo much....Both heater hoses should also be very hot to the touch...again do not grip them!!

Heater core could also have an air lock in it so you might have to run engine @ a considerable fast idle for a length of time to clear etc.....
If after running for a while & both heater hoses are hot; you should have decent heater in the cab!!
Low coolant level in the resevoir will cause low heater temps!! Especially @ idle!!....
If heater seems to be working after above also try this @ an idle....... heater & fan on, hold your hand over the dash vents & then rev the engine a little....
It should take a few seconds then you should be able to feel a definite increase in heater temperature....This tells you you have heat & circulation!!

 

Thanks guys. The temp gauge is in the middle and has always been there (maybe a tad below middle). I can grab hold of the top rad hose and heater hoses and hold them all day long.
I believe my laser temp gauge is reasonably accurate and I tried one from a friend and got similar readings.
I'll change the stat and see what that does.
Fred

 

I'm real surprised your not having more problems running a 180 stat. Specially in a gen 10 engine.

You shouldn't ever see 1/2 on the gauge...3/8 yes.

 

I bought the truck in 2002 and it has been a great truck except for electrical stuff going out (door locks, outside mirrors, ABS, cruise control). The heater used to almost burn my hand but last winter it stopped putting out; just dismal amount of heat. The gauge works as it has always worked; takes about 5 miles of driving to reach normal temp. I pull trailers with no problems. I get 18 MPG running light and about 10 with a trailer. That seems to be low.
Fred

 

Could your heater core be plugged up?

 

I was in error about the thermostat. I put in a 195* unit. The removed one was a 192*. So, it must not be even opening at all.

It is possible the heater core is plugged up but I think the bigger problem is lack of engine heat. This just doesn't make any sense.
Fred