Heater Issues?

Hello! Hope you have all been well, happy 2012!
As usual, I come to you guys for help. I'm just starting to notice this issue on my '95 and hope the forum will be able to shed some light. I apologize in advance if this has a write-up already and I didn't see it.

My AC was recharged successfully this past year. Blowing cold air, works great. At the end of the summer, I had my radiator replaced - the car was constantly overheating and wouldn't hold any liquid in it. So that works OK now too. As we come into the colder months, though, I've been trying to use the heat and it is just not working. I've had the temperature set up to 90* and it still blows cold air.

I'm not sure if the warm air off the engine is just being diverted elsewhere, if the radiator needs water in it, or I need a new thermometer? Last time I checked, all of my fluid levels were good and the car maintains a steady temp around 150* when running, not even close to the halfway mark. I'd like to have some idea of what may be wrong before I take it to my mechanic, I just moved & don't want it to be another $1K+ fix.

Thanks in advance!

florence_x wrote:

the car maintains a steady temp around 150* when running, not even close to the halfway mark.

Thanks in advance!

Should be 195*. Probably why you are not getting any heat.
You may have a stuck open thermostat.

Hi Florence! Mr. Riviera is correct. 150ºF is much too cool, and low coolant wouldn't cause that, so I say either your thermostat is stuck open, or the little rubber gasket seal around the thermostat has failed. Also there's a chance you had the wrong one installed! Remove the t-stat and check its temperature rating (written on the bottom). If needed, replace the t-sat and the seal, which should cost you about $10-15, and your coolant temp will go back up. Then you should feel more heat, unless there's another issue somewhere.

PS - the OEM t-stat is rated at 195ºF. You have the option to go with a 180º unit, and I recommend it. The 180º t-stat lets your car get warm enough to heat the cabin, but it will run a little cooler than stock, so the engine is happier running the supercharger.

Write-up is here. It's for a newer riv, but should be basically the same for yours:
https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t3484p15-write-up-thermostat-installation#41776

Mr.Riviera wrote:

florence_x wrote:

the car maintains a steady temp around 150* when running, not even close to the halfway mark.

Thanks in advance!

Should be 195*. Probably why you are not getting any heat.
You may have a stuck open thermostat.

AA wrote:

Hi Florence! Mr. Riviera is correct. 150ºF is much too cool, and low coolant wouldn't cause that, so I say either your thermostat is stuck open, or the little rubber gasket seal around the thermostat has failed. Also there's a chance you had the wrong one installed! Remove the t-stat and check its temperature rating (written on the bottom). If needed, replace the t-sat and the seal, which should cost you about $10-15, and your coolant temp will go back up. Then you should feel more heat, unless there's another issue somewhere.

PS - the OEM t-stat is rated at 195ºF. You have the option to go with a 180º unit, and I recommend it. The 180º t-stat lets your car get warm enough to heat the cabin, but it will run a little cooler than stock, so the engine is happier running the supercharger.

You guys are the best, thanks for the quick responses!

I had no idea it shouldn't be running so low (though I didn't really think that was a bad thing considering its age & mileage). Replacing the t-stat & its seal will be this weekend's project for sure, and definitely with the 180* unit as you recommend Aaron. I will let you know how it goes!