Heater not warming

[72step]

I recently got my 65 C10 running. Long story short, I installed the original 230 on there after being rebuilt with all new parts. New water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator etc. I drove it yesterday to make a dump run and the heater would just not heat right. It was about 10 degrees outside but I warmed up the truck for a while and everything. It should of heated. The blower motor works great, just only luke warm at best warmth. Any ideas?

[Big Fenders]

If you installed a 180 degree or higher thermostat you should have heat.
Make sure your heater [water] lines are unrestructed with a blower you said works..
These heater are very basic so you should be able to see the problem..
Bob

[rs74]

Are the both hoses to the heater core very warm. May need to flush out the heater core. Even though it is a new thermostat, you might want to make sure it is opening.

[72step]

Thanks for the ideas. It could be the core could be full of crud as the truck did sit for about 15 years. All the heater and radiator hoses are brand new and un restricted as far as I know. Unless I installed the thermostat upside down if that is even possible? The spring goes down right?

[rs74]

Originally Posted by 72step

Thanks for the ideas. It could be the core could be full of crud as the truck did sit for about 15 years. All the heater and radiator hoses are brand new and un restricted as far as I know. Unless I installed the thermostat upside down if that is even possible? The spring goes down right?

Lol! Yeah spring down. With it sitting that long and if the heater core ends were not closed off with tape or something it is a good chance that bees or something has crawled in there and made a nest.

Take both heater hoses off the engine and flush the core out both ways real good. I usually take my garden hose sprayer that has a tapered end on it and hold it tight against the core nipple and let it rip. You can just run water through it but it might not dislodge some stuff as good as a little pressure would. Just my thoughts anyway.

[72step]

I'll try that out as soon as we get a day at least a few degrees above freezing lol. Thanks!

[KJSR]

It was real cold here the other day (15 or so) and I had the same issue (would not heat). Ended up it was just not warm enough. Did you drive it or give up when you didn't get heat?

[dracko]

It gets down to -40F here and my heater gets plenty hot. I also run a 190 thermostat though. Cardboard over the radiator will help the truck heat up a little faster, cut a circle out in the center for some air movement and just keep an eye on your temp gauge.

Both in/out heater hoses should be equally hot.

[72step]

Well, I warmed it up for like 15 minutes then I drove the 6 miles one way to the trash station and back. It never did warm up much. I tried with the heater control both all the way in and all the way out. I also have a drivers side vent that I have to hold with my foot to keep closed so that didn't make matters any better. How could I fix that vent to stay closed?

[donthekawguy]

Make sure the fresh air vent is closed also. It's the one in the heater box that brings in fresh air from the cowl. The cable might be broken and the vent could be open letting too much cold air in. A quick fix for the vent by your foot would be cut a piece of cardboard out that you can cover the hole with. If you can't get it to stay in the hole you could duct tape it to the wall until spring. It aint pretty buy it keeps the cold air off your leg.

[72step]

Originally Posted by donthekawguy

Make sure the fresh air vent is closed also. It's the one in the heater box that brings in fresh air from the cowl. The cable might be broken and the vent could be open letting too much cold air in. A quick fix for the vent by your foot would be cut a piece of cardboard out that you can cover the hole with. If you can't get it to stay in the hole you could duct tape it to the wall until spring. It aint pretty buy it keeps the cold air off your leg.

Thanks but is there a more permanent fix?
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[tincan1966]

What was the engine temp when you were driving? If the engine wasn't at a normal operating temp, you won't have much heat.

[72step]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

What was the engine temp when you were driving? If the engine wasn't at a normal operating temp, you won't have much heat.

I dont know. I
My temp gauge isnt working. I think i need a new sensor asall my other gauges work.
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[tincan1966]

That will be the key to the heater working.

Flushing the heater core would be a good plan, anyway, since you have all the other components new, you can keep the crud out of them.

I would try putting a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, as mentioned and drive it, if the heat is better, then the engine isn't warming up- not a big problem, actually very common on these trucks.

BUT a prioity is to fix the temp gauge- especially with a new engine.

[72step]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

That will be the key to the heater working.

Flushing the heater core would be a good plan, anyway, since you have all the other components new, you can keep the crud out of them.

I would try putting a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, as mentioned and drive it, if the heat is better, then the engine isn't warming up- not a big problem, actually very common on these trucks.

BUT a prioity is to fix the temp gauge- especially with a new engine.

I agree. I plan on starting by replacing the sensor on the thermostat. Is there any other thing it could be? Everything used to work on this truck before.

[ChevyFreak60]

Hey brotha I see you got you truck running!! Hows everything?

[72step]

Originally Posted by ChevyFreak60

Hey brotha I see you got you truck running!! Hows everything?

Doing good, trying to stay outta the cold. Yeah got it running. Just trying to work out a few minor things. How are your projects coming along?

[1963c-10]

For the manual vents...try adjusting the bracket that the handle goes through. If you slide the bracket (2 bolts) up a hair, it should put a little friction on the handle keeping it closed or opened in summer. Also...not uncommon for the gaskets to wear out on the vents causing them to become looser. Id try the bracket adjustment 1st though as the gaskets are a PITA to replace.

[72step]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

For the manual vents...try adjusting the bracket that the handle goes through. If you slide the bracket (2 bolts) up a hair, it should put a little friction on the handle keeping it closed or opened in summer. Also...not uncommon for the gaskets to wear out on the vents causing them to become looser. Id try the bracket adjustment 1st though as the gaskets are a PITA to replace.

Hey thanks, it appears that a little friction is what it needs more than anything else. The Vent loop handle is not making any contact with the other part it goes through. I will try that. Thanks!

[ChevyFreak60]

Theyre doing good bro, I drive my blue 65 almost everyday to work and the stepside just chills at home lol. Good luck with getting your heater going.

[72step]

Originally Posted by ChevyFreak60

Theyre doing good bro, I drive my blue 65 almost everyday to work and the stepside just chills at home lol. Good luck with getting your heater going.

Blue 65 huh? I'm thinking and I can't remember seeing it on the road. Is it dark or light? I drive through your neighborhood into Santa Fe every day.

[ChevyFreak60]

Originally Posted by 72step

Blue 65 huh? I'm thinking and I can't remember seeing it on the road. Is it dark or light? I drive through your neighborhood into Santa Fe every day.

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[72step]

Originally Posted by ChevyFreak60

Attachment 1033758
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Posted via Mobile Device

Man that's a nice rig! Original 4x4? I sure can't really say I remember seeing that on the road. 60-66 4x4's are pretty rare actually.

[Hx16457]

Man;
I like the rig, right down to the All American Gun Rack in the rear window! Only thing missing from that Pic is a 30-06!
Love it!

[ChevyFreak60]

LOL thanks guys!! OG 4x4 isn't working right now I'm thinking maybe its some bad hubs.