another heater question

[cheezthis]

90 Camry V6 LE...heat isn't so good.

Last winter, it worked, but it was barely warm. You could hear fluid somewhere in the dash when accelerating, so I figured the core was getting coolant in it.

This year, I can't tell if it's flowing as much. Regardless, heat is not warm at all. The temperature slider seems to be working because if shift it to cold, it's definitely cooler.

So...any thoughts? Once it snows (which it's supposed to tonight), I really can't drive it like this.

Thanks...I've been searching but haven't found the answer yet.

[Dave's]

Change your thermostat. (you could pull it and test it but they're cheap enough I'd just install a new one.)

[cheezthis]

Originally Posted by Dave's

Change your thermostat. (you could pull it and test it but they're cheap enough I'd just install a new one.)

Thermostat? Usually when a tstat goes bad, it's stuck open, and in turn overcools. However, I don't think that's the case here. The engine coolant temp is normal. It's the heater that's not.

I agree though, if pulled, replace anyway.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by cheezthis

Thermostat? Usually when a tstat goes bad, it's stuck open, and in turn overcools. However, I don't think that's the case here. The engine coolant temp is normal. It's the heater that's not.

I agree though, if pulled, replace anyway.

As your thermostat ages, the spring that opens it up gets weaker and weaker from all the heating and cooling cycles it has gone through. As a result, it opens up sooner and therefore doesn't let the engine get as hot as it should before allowing the coolant to be released from the block and be cooled by the radiator. The result is you don't get as much heat since the coolant isn't as hot as it should be. This will also effect gas mileage just a bit too. If the engine runs a bit cooler (or takes longer to really reach full operating temperature) your fuel/air mixture will be a bit richer during these periods, resulting in a slight waste of some fuel.

Do what has been suggested as a first step. Change your thermostat. It's cheap and easy. Also change the gasket with the thermostat. I just did this about 10 days ago on my 94 with only 75,000 miles. The car now warms up a bit faster and the heat is noticeably hotter. I would recommend a Toyota OEM thermostat and gasket.

If that doesn't do it, then look for other things, like problems with the heater control valve under the dash, a clogged heater core or the slide bar controls under the dash not opening or closing fully.

Mike

[cheezthis]

Maybe I'm not being clear here...the tstat is fine. The car water temp is normal, if not slightly above normal because it is old and the lines are not the cleanest anymore. I know what it does because I've had to change mine on the Integra before.

I'm suspecting a clogged heater core myself, but coolant is obviously flowing through it, so who knows. Everything else seems to be working fine.

[Dave's]

You could remove the heater return hose at the engine and start it up with heater running and hose in a clean bucket. Check flow and then return coolant to system. (May have to 'burb' system.) Try not to run too much coolant out. But seriously, I'd change the tstat first. (Be nice and let us know what you find out.)

[fredk]

make sure the water control valve on the heater hose is ok