Hey guys I live in Buffalo, New York. Why does it take my truck so long to warm up. Could my heater core be going? Thanks guys!!

 

Because you live in Buffalo!

 

Hehehehe, true that. But this seems to be a rather common situation on the forum these days. Gurgling heater cores, forever to warm up, erratic idle/performance during cold weather... all are symptoms of a cooling system that has lost enough fluid that it doesn't siphon from and to the reservoir and the resulting air trapped in the system is wreaking havoc on the ECT sensor, the flow of heat into the cabin (since the heater core is typically the "highest point" in the cooling system and air is usually lighter than coolant), and what seems to be a long time in reaching operating temperature (hard to get op. temp. when air and coolant don't carry the same amount of heat).

I'd suggest you check the coolant level at the radiator (with the engine cold if you please). I am going to bet it's pretty low. Top it off at the radiator. Start the truck and leave the radiator cap off. Keep an eye on it 'til the thermostat opens, the level should drop again. Top it off again and put the cap back on. Be sure to top off the reservoir too. Run the truck with the heat on for a while. The heat problem should be better. If not, you might check for leaks while things are still hot. A leaking heater core will let you know pretty quickly by the smell of coolant in the cabin. Other leaks are best sought while the system is hot and under pressure.

 

Here is some cold for you :

 

Oh I knew I would get a Buffalo joke!! Thank you! I will try that now! We just got blasted with snow the other day. Nw it is 40 out and it is crappy slush!!

 

Jim Ford, another thing to look at, thermostat :is it opened and not closing?Certainly a system with out a thermostat it takes forever to get warm air in the cab. I have had thermostats stay open . Good luck TR

 

Thanks for the tip. I just replaced my thermostat, but still have the same problem of the water trickle sound behind the dash, and little/no heat.

 

Have you tried disconnecting the heater hoses from the core and lightly holding a garden hose to it to see if water flows through the core? Replacing the core is not difficult...just one challenging screw out of about six. While at it be sure the heat door is adjusted correctly for your heat control **** and no debris is blocking the door. Even after replacing the core in mine the heater is weak for all the space inside a Bronco...and we seldom see snow.

 

I have a similar problem in my '96 Bronco. We flushed cooling system, replaced radiator, thermostat ( twice), new water pump( tube degraded), blew all gunk out of crossover tube to throttle body. We think someone put stop leak in it before we bought it 8 years ago. It is now slow to reach operating temp. and poor heat from vents. Can the heater core be clogged? If so can it be flushed or just easier to replace? I live in Arkansas so no sub-zero temps here, but there are days when more than lukewarm heat would be appreciated. Coolant level in the radiator is fine.
Thanks

 

Certainly the core can get clogged. B4hntn's suggestion about the garden hose is well taken here. If the fluid level in the system IS indeed acceptable and the problem persists the next logical course of action is to look for crushed hoses or scale-filled heater cores and radiators.

 

I'll add to this if I may? I have a 93 XLT 5.8 L...Similar issue... temp guage never get higher than just below half. and I do get heat enough to be comfortable in my drive but never really "warm" in the cabin.

No idea how old the radiator is or if it might be clogged. I have replaced the heater core and the T-stat. Both tube from the core feel hot to the touch, and when I had the core out I double checked the air mix door and it seems to operate correctly and close fully in the "full hot" position, so I don't think I'm getting a cool air mix.

Could Scale in the hose be preventing enough flow to adequately heat, and fooling me by seeming hot?

Did find my coolant low, filled it up, no difference in heat.

still love to boost the heat just a little if I could. I know the first few winters I had it it cranked out heat just fine.

What am I missing?

 

Thanks guys!I just bought a new thermostat. It is 10 degrees here today. I need to put it on soon though!

 

I had the same problem with my heater the first winter I had the truck(91 Bronco)take forever to heat up,low air out put.Long story made short,i pulled the blower motor out of it's housing toke a flashlight and looked in to the housing, the a/c evaporator core was 3/4 plugged up with dirt,leaves and pine straw!I pulled the heater core cover so I could get a long tube spray bottle with soapy water and wet the mess good and used a air nozzle with a long bendable tube (brake line brazed to nozzle) and blew the mess out from the back side toward the blower housing.Did this from both sides of the evaporator core until the core was clear .Cleaned the heater core and ducts put her back together.I start getting heat in three miles of driving now!
Pull your blower motor out of it's housing and look at the evaporator core and see if it is plugged.Air can't get tru it if it is plugged...........no air no heat!

Kenny

Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.

 

Is the blower motor under the pass side dash right? Behind the glove box? I will check that also. Just need one decent day 30 degrees would be nice!!

 

Jim the blower motor is under the hood ,passenger side on the fire wall,three screws,electrical plug and motor cooling tube holding it in.
On the heater core, pull your glove box (the swing out portion)and you can get to the screws that hold the cover on.
Good Luck


Kenny

Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.