quick specs on the Dakota. 172K, AC, 5sp, 4wd, 318 magnum.
Finally time to get some work done on it.

It has a heater/heating issue. It does not get very warm, according to the gauge and what is coming out of the air ducts, not even 1/3 on the gauge. It has a newer radiator and I just installed a new thermostat. When I haul a load it will over heat. Going uphill the air turns cool and no matter what setting the controls are on it puts it on the floor vents, as soon as it levels out it goes back to the proper setting. Also, the heater control unit does not work 100%, it will not go to just face level, it has to be on floor/face. I have also noticed a slight hesitation when accelerating. It also has a small and unknown water leak. I do not smell anti freeze when I turn the heater on.

Could it be two separate issues or one? I am going to be putting on a new serpentine belt so I will check the water pump for issues, maybe just replace it anyway.

Does anyone have any ideas for another possible item that could be bad. This is a pickup that I drive in the winter for work, and the heater works so badly that it barely defrosts with windows.

Thanks.

 

how about a heatercore flush do it backwords tho or replace

 

I thought about that, I just REALLY don't want it to be the heater core. Will get it flushed out but flow doesn't seem to be the issue.

 

is your return line of your heater core hot or cold?

 

Backflush the heater core, core the rad, water pump, t-stat and check your fan clutch.

 

my return line is hot, both lines are about the same temp, hot, but still able to be held. this was after driving 15 miles at 60 with the heat on.
Changed my serp belt, everything spun smoothly, that does not mean my water pump is not bad.
I think I am going to spend the money and have it checked out. Change the heater/ac control unit and backflush the system.

and who's brilliant freaking idea was it to have an allen and a bolt to remove the front brakes? That is just stupid.

I love this pickup.

 

It is not that bad. My 93 2wd had a 10mm pin. My 94 4wd had the 5 or 6 mm Allen head pin. With the socket Allen heads it is not bad at all. I got the 10mm ones from a junkyard a while back. Once my brakes were sticking, I bought new pins with the Allen head.

 

So what happened? Did you get the heater fixed?

 

yeah, it was the water pump. guess the previous owner didn't change it

 

Thanks man for the quick reply.