My truck doesn't put out as much heat as it used to. I flushed the rad some time ago, had a leak and used stop leak to get me home.....flushed it right after. Since then it has not put out as much heat, if its cold out itsbarely warm on full. I have taken the heater core hoses off and used a hose to flush them out, they run clean with lots of flow. There is a gurgling noise coming from the heater core when I start it, I know its air but I can't seem to get it out.....its driving me crazy. Any great ideas would be really appreciated.


Chris

 

Sounds like you are losing water. That is why you are getting air in the system. Check for leaks around the water pump and hair line leaks around the entire cooling system. The water could be burning off before it hits the ground and you don't even know that you have a leak.

It could also be a head gasket leaking water socheck you oil and make sure there is no water in it.

 

It could be your heater core. I've been battling the problem of no heat and air in my system for almost a year. Pulled the heater core last weekend and found this: https://dodgeforum.com/fb.asp?m=1021685
Scroll down to post #18.

 

I have been all over the truck with a flash light, not a single leak, after washing the motor well there is absolutely no smell of anti freez burning off. This came about suddenly, after the flushing. Since then I have had air in the system, I have flushed the heater core with good flow going through it. I doesn't seem to have any obstruction in it. Both hoses leading to it are very hot but it still doesn't put out nearly as much heat as it used to. I haven't taken it apart yet but have ruled out the flapper door (controls the AC), I can see it turn from below and hear it as well. I first want to try to get the air out of the system....any ideas????

I refuse to take it to the dealer for this.......leaning against my truck slowly banging my head on the door.



Chris

 

Just because there is no apparant leak does not mean not to rule out the heater core. Mine wasn't leaking visibly, but after a while, the severe stench of coolant emanated when I turned on the heat. Mine also had good flow as I have been battling air in my system for nearly a year. Read the thread in my sigline about overheating.

 

I fear I have the same issue going on as well. My heat seems to be very hot, but it isn't flowing nearly as fast as it should. When I have it full blast it feels like it's on a medium setting, anyone know what that could be??

 

Several things are at issue here.
1. If you do not have the equipment/where-with-all to pressure test your entire cooling system, you are just guessing. Have it professionally tested.
This may not be the final word on the matter, however, as there may be miniscule leaks that won't show up under pressure, but may show up under vacuum, as the system cools down again (just like an a/c system). No radiator shop is going to babysit your car for this outcome.
2. Air in system may be due to the flushing and not getting all the air out at that time OR you may have a bad radiator cap. The cap wouldn't show up in a pressure test as the equip. replaces the cap (cap is not used).
3. May be in the HVAC box as mentioned. Check to make sure you have all vacuum actuators and motors working properly. Listen for doors to open and close. Remove the glove box and watch the blend door and get underneath and see if you can see and hear the mode door controls move.
4. You may just have a bad core like VW&D and as the system cools down it sucks in air.
5. When you flushed the core, did you get the heater hoses back on in the proper order?
6. Thermostat stuck open...broken spring...any engine codes?
I'll quit now
WC

 

Thanks for the help:

It has a new cap, and the system was pressure tested when I got it.
The heater hoses I unhooked were undone beside the engine not fire wall so its impossible to mix them up, although I have mixed up many things in life.
All the doors in the HVAC seem to work.
It doesn't seem a leak is my answer as I can never get the air out, not even for a minute. I have read another link by VWandDodge, I am going to try to get the air out by letting it run with the cap off and front raised. Maybe I'll hang it from my deck.


Thanks for all the help. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.


Chris