i just replaced my heater core, AC evap core and accumulator/dryer. just got it all back together and cranked up the truck to test. i let it idle until normal running temp and then turned on the heat. it never got above luke warm / room temp. all the controls work in terms of defrost, vent, floor. while it was running with the heat on, the engine started running hotter. i didn't drive the truck - i was just idling.

i didn't see any leaks where the heater hoses meet the heater core at the firewall. when i turned the engine off, i noticed that the coolant in my reservoir was high. hm, it just occurred to me as i'm typing that i didn't burp the coolant system. i wonder if that would help?

any other ideas would surely be appreciated. i really, really don't want to have to pull that box out again!

thanks!

kevin

 

2 more things:

i didn't fully drain the coolant system, just put a pan under the heater hoses and drained them when i pulled them.

i also haven't recharged the a/c system but i don't see how that would matter since i'm running heat and not the a/c.

 

Do a search for burping coolant system. I bet you have some air locked up in the system. Gotta get it all out so coolant can flow freely.

Tstat could be stuck closed as well. It will let engine get hot and not let coolant circulate, which would keep heater from functioning.

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nt-system.html

One addition to this DIY. Raise the front of the truck as high as you can get it.

 

success!

gdstock and zman, thank you! parked it out front on a hill and burped the radiator. heat started flowing immediately after.

the new heater core, a/c evap core and a/c accumulator are all in. the truck is all back together and i have no extra screws or parts left over. what an adventure! i hope to never, ever do it again.

now it's time for a new dash cover.

 

I am lucky. My driveway is on an incline. The heater core is below the fill line in the radiator when in my driveway.

I had full heat in a matter of minutes. YOu become a pro at burping coolant pretty quick.

ALso, I was too lazy to get the ramps out. I guess I can always burp with the ramps if I want to be extra sure, or I need to hide from the wife for an hour.