I recently purchased a beautiful 1993 black, dodge dakota, 318 v8, ext. cab., in EXCELLENT condition and with only 106,000 miles. The previous owner was my neigbor of 20 years, so I know this truck was taken care of. I'm a new member and I'm a very excited dodge owner. I've owned atleast 20 trucks in my life and this is by far the nicest, I love this truck.

Anyhow, I have a problem.. The only problem with this truck is the heater, it won't heat up quickly enough. I changed the thermostat but this didn't help. I changed it with the stock thermostat 195 degree, I actually would like to use a 180 degree thrmostat. However, I'm sure this would make matters worse? Anyhow here's what it does.. It takes about 45 minutes until the heater is fairly warm and it just warm enough to satisfy, but not warm enough!! If it's not the thermostat what else could it be? Is it something I could check or change?

I would appreciate the help and I'll be talking to you guys allot because I love this truck. This is the first dodge I've owned and I'm COMPLETELY hooked. I love this thing... The only probelm is my wife believes I bought it for her? SHe has a 2000 explorer and I can't keep her out of this truck..

 

A 180 will not help the heating problem. Your heater core might be clogged. Consider flushing it. Probably a good idea to flush the entire system, especially if it has never been done before.

 

Let the motor warm up and feel both hoses. If one is not hot then you got a clog somewhere.

 

What does the engine temp gauge read?

 

I'll try this, thanks for the help...

 

I have flushed my whole system and it did not help. I have heard that backflushing the heater core only can help. I will try it tomorrow and get back hopefully.

 

check your rad coolent aswell