i have a 97 1500 with a 5.2 318..i have replaced the water pump flushed heater core changed thermostat and i dont get very good heat when it gets below 30 degrees..now i have put a few aftermarket thermostats in truck since i have owned it carquest brand which is made by stant...i put the 195 in everytime..is there another brand of thermostat i should be usng? i seee guys in here are putting the 180 thermostat in....any help would be appreciated..thanks guys

 

Probably have an air pocket in the heater core. Couple ways to get rid of it.

Park the truck at as extreme and angle as you dare, with the passenger side front at the highest point. Burp whatever air you can out of the cooling system. (this can take up to 30 minutes or so, depending on how cold it is out.) Top it off, see if it helped.

Other method is to backflush the heater core. Flow water thru it backwards till it runs nice and clean, then, put the hoses back on, trying to lose as little fluid as possible. Top off cooling system with straight anti-freeze.