Hi to all in Dodge land. I'm a owner of a 2000 Dakota, 3.9L, Automatic with an issue of no heat. I've replaced the thermostat w/ a 180(factory was 196), replaced probably half of my coolant and still no heat. Temp gauge in truck actually went down after replacing thermostat; it's above 130 but not even to the halfway mark of 210). After reading all the posts lately, I have a question: Is there a technique or procedure that could use a 'dental floss' approach to cleaning out the core. Are the passages big enough that a rifle bore cleaning snake could be somehow pulled through the passage and give it a good scrubing? Or is the core not build on the principle of a continuous pipe w/ fins? Or would it probably be simpler to use vinager and some water pressure? And is the truck an issue or is it the antifreeze clogging the system up? Is there one that wont let this happen again?

 

have you flushed the core both ways until the water came out clear?

 

Try backflushing the core. I can't see how a rifle bore snake would get through the passages.

Lack of maintenance OR using hard water is the most common cause of a clogged core. Hard water contains minerals which can build up and clog the core. Antifreeze contains chemicals to help prevent that but it only lasts so long.

A 180 degree thermostat WILL cause your engine to run colder. If you want heat the OEM 195 thermostat is the one you want.

 

Well, after doing a back flush w/ low water pressure(I read the threads suggesting not blowing out the core w/ excessive pressure), blowing out the water, filling up with vinager and letting it sit for 20 minutes and flushing back out, got much better heat; still not blast furnace, but much better than before. I will try possibly reversing hose connections and running it for a day to check how this works.

 

Try this...

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...radiator+flush

 

First if your truck isnt getting up to temp that you arent gonna get good heat out of it. Now feel your heater core lines after the truck has ran awhile and see if the both hoses are warm. If they arent about the same temp then your core is clogged. Hot water flushed though it both ways helps. They are a few other methods that can be used also but they are more of a last resort(clorox or easy off oven cleaner)