Thermostat problem???? Opinions please...

Oct 20, 2003 4 Replies
C

I have a 94 GC, 3.3l with only the front heat and A/C.



Now that colder weather is here I have noticed something strange.



I adjust the heat controls to comfort. When driving straight, all is well. However, if I turn to the (I think I have this correct) right, the heat virtiually disappears. If I turn to the left, there is a sudden burst of heat!



I have kept a watch on the coolant, and it is rock steady. There is sufficient coolant in the system, and there are no coolant leaks.



I have watched the temp gauge, and it works as expected. It starts cold, then rises to a specific point and stays there. Now I know the temp gauge is NOT a fast responding gauge.



Is it possible that my thermostat is acting up just enough to screw up the interior heat, but not enough to affect the overall operation of the engine?



Is there anything in particular that I should be looking at/for here?



All ideas greatfully accepted.



Thanks!


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B

Sounds like air trapped in your coolant system - you get heat or don't get it depending on where the bubble (think of it as the absence of water) moves is as you turn one way or the other.

Bill Putney (to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with "x")

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M

You have a hot spot that has an air bubble in your coolant system.

You have to make sure that you purge the high point of the coolant channels in the engine.

There is a nipple in the top of the manifold on my Concorde that you have to unscrew a bit to release the air trapped in the channels. When it runs solid out the top, without bubbles, it will be ready to be tightened and checked at the radiator overflow for correct level. It may take a few tries, but once you've correctly filled it and purged it, you'll have consistent hot air being blown, whether stopped or moving.

Good luck!

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C

Thanks guys!

I had my head gasket done earlier this year, so this makes sense. I mean, up until now I have been using the A/C not the heat!

I'll check it out.

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