Well I didn't have to replace the heater core as I fearded. I did a little digging on youtube and found this video on unclogging the core.


I took the lines off to the heater core, blew compressed are in the hose for the outlet and put in the inlet hose into a jug to catch all the crap.
I had at lease a quart of crap blow out of the core. Heat works like a charm!

Blackvan. Thanks of the tips but they were unneeded. I hope I don't have to ever pull that HVAC box out!.

 

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Only on Max AC setting does the vacuum close the shut off vavle to stop the coolant from circulating the heater core, the rest of the time it circulates the coolant.

Changing the coolant every two years or so and using either the 50/50 premix or mixing full strength with distilled water will go a long way in preventing cooling system problems.

 

True, plus on the "newer" models the temperature **** also has to be on one of the first 3 lines on the cool end of the scale. Once you go to the 4th line, the valve opens back up again.

 

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alright.....new radiator.....unclogged the heater core but...........my van temp gauge only goes about a 1/4 way up. This is great during the summer when running the A/C but I need my van to warm up.
Currently its warm but not hot and I have the common dodge issue of the core cooling of when idling as well.

Could/should I place some cardboard to block some of the radiator to heat the coolant up so I get HOT air?

 

Install a 195 degree thermostat.