Suddenly lost heat
#11
don't know if it makes it any better but on lhd they are a pain in the butt in to change. probably the same on a rhd as far as time goes. i'd say 10hrs if you do it quick 14-16 if you've never done one before imo
#12
Most interior components (including the heater) on RHD models are a "mirror image" of the LHD models. Exceptions include the parking brake (mounted between beside shift lever seats on RHD). I sincerely hope that I don't have to resort to taking everything apart to change the core, but as time goes on it's looking increasingly likely.
#13
Well I spent another couple of hours today trying things to improve my heater - am just about at my wits end now.
Although water seems to flow freely through the core when using a hosepipe, is it possible that the water is just taking a "shortcut" through the core header tank without actually flowing through the thinner tubes?
In desperation I am considering trying a flushing solution as suggested by blueblazer1982. maybe something stubborn has been sticking in the system somewhere & suddenly dislodged & blocked the core? We don't have Prestone products here in the UK but I am sure my local Auto parts store will have something equivilant.
Although water seems to flow freely through the core when using a hosepipe, is it possible that the water is just taking a "shortcut" through the core header tank without actually flowing through the thinner tubes?
In desperation I am considering trying a flushing solution as suggested by blueblazer1982. maybe something stubborn has been sticking in the system somewhere & suddenly dislodged & blocked the core? We don't have Prestone products here in the UK but I am sure my local Auto parts store will have something equivilant.
#14
Damn - that's the one thing I forgot to try. Thanks for reminding me.
Will go out & try that one tomorrow.
Will have to wait until this storm is over - boy have we got serious wind & rain today! Have just been out to get my mail out of the box & wind nearly blew me over.
Will let you know what I find - am kinda hoping it's the water pump as (apart from the expense) it'll be a lot easier to change that the heater core.
Will go out & try that one tomorrow.
Will have to wait until this storm is over - boy have we got serious wind & rain today! Have just been out to get my mail out of the box & wind nearly blew me over.
Will let you know what I find - am kinda hoping it's the water pump as (apart from the expense) it'll be a lot easier to change that the heater core.
#15
Problem solved - at last!
Hi again - finally got the problem sorted!
After a bit more testing I decided it WAS a partially blocked heater core. Although I had flow through it I could not help thinking it should flow better. Quite how it happended to get blocked so suddenly will always be a mystery - maybe some sludge let go from elsewhere in the system & lodged in the heater? Who knows?
Anyway, I decided to fill the heater up with acetic acid (white vinegar) I disconnected both heater hoses from the engine, tied them up as high as possible & filled up with 50/50 hot water & the vinegar. Left it for 24 hours. & then rinsed it thoroughly in both directions with a hose - I must have put 100 gallons of water through that thing! The crap that came out was unbelievable! I decided that using anything alkaline might attack the aluminum core so figured something acidic would be safer - although it was always at the back of my mind that I might cause a leak. Decided it was a risk worth taking.
Flushed the rest of the system & refilled with 50% Comma ethylene glycol 5 year antifreeze (not Dexcool - I hate the stuff), burped the system & heater is now hotter than it's ever been - even at idle it's plenty hot enough. Will keep an eye on the coolant level over the next few days & pray that I don't start smelling antifreeze in the cab. At least there's no mistaking the smell of that stuff.
I am one very pleased guy today - fingers crossed things stay that way!
After a bit more testing I decided it WAS a partially blocked heater core. Although I had flow through it I could not help thinking it should flow better. Quite how it happended to get blocked so suddenly will always be a mystery - maybe some sludge let go from elsewhere in the system & lodged in the heater? Who knows?
Anyway, I decided to fill the heater up with acetic acid (white vinegar) I disconnected both heater hoses from the engine, tied them up as high as possible & filled up with 50/50 hot water & the vinegar. Left it for 24 hours. & then rinsed it thoroughly in both directions with a hose - I must have put 100 gallons of water through that thing! The crap that came out was unbelievable! I decided that using anything alkaline might attack the aluminum core so figured something acidic would be safer - although it was always at the back of my mind that I might cause a leak. Decided it was a risk worth taking.
Flushed the rest of the system & refilled with 50% Comma ethylene glycol 5 year antifreeze (not Dexcool - I hate the stuff), burped the system & heater is now hotter than it's ever been - even at idle it's plenty hot enough. Will keep an eye on the coolant level over the next few days & pray that I don't start smelling antifreeze in the cab. At least there's no mistaking the smell of that stuff.
I am one very pleased guy today - fingers crossed things stay that way!
#16
glad to hear you got it fixed!!! hope you get no leaks, keep us informed
#17
Thanks - when I finished my nightshift this morning at 6am we had a really hard frost so I was really glad of a decent heater again. Just been out & checked coolant level again - everything OK so far.
Will let you know if I have any problems.
Will let you know if I have any problems.
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