Heater Problems - Need Help!
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Heater Problems - Need Help!
This is my first diesel truck, so I am not familiar with a lot that goes on with this type of engine. My problem is when driving the truck with the heater on, it blows warm air as long as I have my foot on the accelerator, when I let off, the air goes cold. I would not believe this to be normal. Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic can get cold in the early morning rush hour. This site has been great answering all my questions so far. I can use your help again.
Thanks
Kirk
2003 F-250 7.3L Diesel 4x4 Single Cab
Thanks
Kirk
2003 F-250 7.3L Diesel 4x4 Single Cab
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Welcome to FTE.
Two things come to mind.
Clogged heater core. (Not as hard a job as you might think on the PSD.)
Thermostat stuck open and not allowing the engine to heat up.
It doesn't take much of a crack for that to happen.
Two things come to mind.
Clogged heater core. (Not as hard a job as you might think on the PSD.)
Thermostat stuck open and not allowing the engine to heat up.
It doesn't take much of a crack for that to happen.
PSD Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
My truck actually had a t-stat that had a BUNCH of passage holes in it, from the manufacturer. Don't know who the manufacturer of the t-stat was but that darn truck was doing similar to what you describe. I'd start w/a 203 t-stat and don't forget a new housing. Made a HUGE difference in my truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by thundertex
Thanks for the information, I will go check these things out. I'll let you know what I find out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
I have the same problem just noticed it yesterday, now I know the reason why. I believe my T-stat might be my problem
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 227
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From: St. Clair, MO
Originally Posted by Markadeck
This is so dumb I am almost reluctant to point it out. Being low on coolant can also cause this problem.
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PSD Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 731
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From: Michigan
"I havn't changed to the 203 yet, because I'm not sure what the benefit would be."
Check out diesel site, they have wuite a good explanation of the 203 t-stat. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, my truck runs better, but my truck went from extremes, from never warming up, to the 203. When I bought the truck it had that crap t-sat in it that did not let the motor warm up, so I don't know what it would've run like with a 195 in it. But I can say that if I were to replace a 195, it would be with the 203.
Check out diesel site, they have wuite a good explanation of the 203 t-stat. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, my truck runs better, but my truck went from extremes, from never warming up, to the 203. When I bought the truck it had that crap t-sat in it that did not let the motor warm up, so I don't know what it would've run like with a 195 in it. But I can say that if I were to replace a 195, it would be with the 203.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by Markadeck
This is so dumb I am almost reluctant to point it out. Being low on coolant can also cause this problem.
.
On the 203 'stat. I'm still on the fence on whether I want one myself. When I tow the trailer, the engine is working pretty hard and I would rather have a little extra cooling for the engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
.
On the 203 'stat. I'm still on the fence on whether I want one myself. When I tow the trailer, the engine is working pretty hard and I would rather have a little extra cooling for the engine.
On the 203 'stat. I'm still on the fence on whether I want one myself. When I tow the trailer, the engine is working pretty hard and I would rather have a little extra cooling for the engine.
I have always had more dificulty keeping an engine cool enough than warm enough,with the heat of the south I've found it quite easy to run temps 10 deg hotter than T-stat settings
PSD Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Kwik, My experiance with t-stats and cooling systems has been that the t-stat does not dictate how hot the truck runs, it controls minimum temp, but has no influence on max temp. ANother words, if your truck is running too hot, the temp of t-stat has no affect on that, there is another issue at hand. A 195 T-stat will open at 195, it's up to your cooling system to keep the truck down to 195.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by TurtleRacing
Kwik, My experiance with t-stats and cooling systems has been that the t-stat does not dictate how hot the truck runs, it controls minimum temp, but has no influence on max temp. ANother words, if your truck is running too hot, the temp of t-stat has no affect on that, there is another issue at hand. A 195 T-stat will open at 195, it's up to your cooling system to keep the truck down to 195.
But you should hear my radiator fan roar when I am pulling the trailer. The engine is definately getting hotter than 195!
I am more comforatable with that extra margin of cooling in the summer months.
For my VW Rabbit, I run the hottest thermostat available: 92c. Factory is 87c.
I would run the 203 in the truck if the trailer wasn't as big as it is