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Old 02-28-2012, 07:01 PM   #1
nrb's70gmc
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A not so warm heater

hay guys my truck's heater is not very warm (blows luke warm) and the defrost works some what ok.

i figured on these old trucks it cant be to hard to get the heater working good again.

i dont know if it matters but my truck has the factory harrison ac unit (non working right now).

what should i look at or check to get the heater working good again?

at 28 degrees last night and a frozen windshild (i thought) thank god im not driving my truck tonight.
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Old 02-28-2012, 07:23 PM   #2
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Re: A not so warm heater

one of the most common causes is the air phlenum by the blower motor and heater core is jam full of 40years of crap and does not allow any air to circulate properly over the heater core
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Old 02-28-2012, 08:15 PM   #3
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Re: A not so warm heater

A good thermostat (190 - 195) helps a lot. And the radiator should be full of coolant (big air pockets can't transfer heat very well).
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Old 02-28-2012, 08:21 PM   #4
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Re: A not so warm heater

+1 on what cdowns said. Every one I have taken apart has had leaves, mouse nests, junk, etc. Since it is an AC equipped truck, make sure that the water valve on the inner fender is letting coolant through to the heater core. Make sure you have a 180 or 195 stat, and insure that you don't have any holes in the firewall (missing grommets etc.). If you end up taking it apart, replace the heater core. It is only $30 or so and it is not a job you want to do twice.
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Old 02-28-2012, 10:34 PM   #5
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Re: A not so warm heater

is takeing the heater core out/cleaning a big project? or is it fairly simple?

how do i make sure the valve mounted on the fender well is allowing flow?
are there any (HOW TO) theads dealing with the heater components?

thanks for all ther replys.
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Old 02-28-2012, 10:42 PM   #6
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Re: A not so warm heater

There are threads on it.Use the search bar at the top of the page or look thru the "FAQ's" truck related.
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Old 02-28-2012, 11:54 PM   #7
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Re: A not so warm heater

I think to get the heater core out the inner fender will have to be removed. If it has the valve in the line to the heater core you can tell if it is open if the hose is the same temperature on both sides of the valve.

None a/c trucks do not have a valve in the heater water hoses.
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Old 02-29-2012, 09:01 AM   #8
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Re: A not so warm heater

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shyguy View Post
I think to get the heater core out the inner fender will have to be removed. If it has the valve in the line to the heater core you can tell if it is open if the hose is the same temperature on both sides of the valve.

None a/c trucks do not have a valve in the heater water hoses.
That is how I test heater control valves. With the truck up to temp and running, heater on, grab the heater hose with one hand on one side of the valve, one on the other. If they are both warm, the valve is open.

I retro'ed a stock AC system on to my truck where it previously had the non-AC heater. When I had the AC parts on the shop floor I cleaned them out real good so I know my system is free of debris. When I'm plowing my driveway it is WAY too hot in there. I always start plowing with the windows rolled up but usually have them rolled down by the time I'm done.

1. Verify that shut-off valve isn't stuck off.
2. Verify that you have a heater core box free of debris. If you pull the box out to clean it, make sure you get all the crud out of the vanes in/on the heater core itself.
3. Verify that you don't have air in your radiator/coolant system. Engine off, engine cold, take off radiator cap. Start the truck. Let it warm up. When the truck is warm and thermostat open (verify by looking into open radiator and seeing constant coolant flow) fill the radiator until no more air comes out. This process is referred to as "burping" your radiator. NOTE that if you didn't install a catch can on the overflow tube you'll get some overflow for a few days when you park the truck hot.

I would do 1 and 3 first as they are way easier. If you still don't have heat do #2. After that you should have a situation where it is too hot in there with the heat on all the way.
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Old 02-29-2012, 05:50 PM   #9
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Re: A not so warm heater

You may also need to check and see if the passages inside the heater core are plugged. Rust scale from inside the engine block can accumulate in the passages. If both the upper and lower heater hose are the same temp, Its probably fine, but if one is cooler, its probably plugged.

I had this problem on my Stealth, I poured rust and iron remover thru it mixed with water. After letting it sit for about a half hour I flushed it with a garden hose.
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Old 03-03-2012, 12:29 PM   #10
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Re: A not so warm heater

Feed the core from the bottom and drain from the top...to keep air from accumulating in it.
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