Heat not very good at Idle

[nicker]

Ok I got my winter beater out, 1997 Ford Taurus. The heat is not really all that hot/warm. But when I am driving going on average 50 to 60 klms hour the heat is good, but when I come to a stop/idle the heat is reduced again and not hot.

Any ideas? Could it be the thermostat??

Thanks

[SilentJay]

If you're getting heat at some point, and your car isn't overheating, I wouldn't think its the thermostat. Hmm... Maybe a blockage in the coolant lines somewhere? Blockage in the heater core?

Now when you say the heat is not hot, do you mean the velocity of the air isn't sufficient?

[nicker]

the air flow is good its just not that hot. I have found out more about the issue. I guess its a common issue on Fords of 97 to 99 with the 3.0 V6.

The issue seems to be in the heater core. I read on a post else where that the guy took the lines that feed into the core off and out of the core off and flushed it out with their hose. So I may try that but not till spring, I can live with it for now unless it gets bad.

[SilentJay]

Or if you wanna give it a try, you can go get your rad flushed with places that offer a closed-system flush. When I worked at Mr. Lube many moons ago, they offered the service for $45.

They run your car during the service, and you can turn on the heat at full blast during this process, that might knock it out?

[nicker]

that may be a good idea, I play on doing a flush in the summer anyway. I just don't feel like getting all wet and cold this time of year.

[b3GS]

a flush could reveal a leak in the system as well though.. be ready for that possibility

[nicker]

I can't see that its leaking as I am not loosing any coolant. Under the car is always dry, oil is clean.

[SilentJay]

Booyah :D I've actually said something useful!



*ahem* carry on...

[Flagrum_3]

Nicker check the heater core by going under the hood there will be two hoses running thru the firewall, grasp both hoses. they should both be hot/warm (have the engine at operating temp and running with heat on), if one is cold your heater core is blocked or leaking.If they are okay I would check your coolant level and strength, if thats good its propably the thermostat.


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[nicker]

thanks Flagrum. I checked the hoses and they both are warm. Coolants is up not sure on the strength. I will get that checked on my next oil change which is very soon.

And actually it seems to be getting better. Maybe becuase the car was not used that often before ?? But I may change the thermostat becuase its pretty easy to do.

[Flagrum_3]

thanks Flagrum. I checked the hoses and they both are warm. Coolants is up not sure on the strength. I will get that checked on my next oil change which is very soon.

And actually it seems to be getting better. Maybe becuase the car was not used that often before ?? But I may change the thermostat becuase its pretty easy to do.

If you can't remember the last time the thermostat was done, its a simple thing to replace to give peace of mind, but I would suggest you get a 'Fail-Safe' type thermostat, if you can.The Fail-safe type if it goes bad, it will go in the open position saving your engine from over-heating.


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