Re: Flushed.. no better tho'

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

On Tue, 22 Dec 1998, John A. Landry wrote:

> This sounds to me like the heater core isn't the problem.  Trust me, it
> doesn't take much coolant flow through it at all to put out a moderate amount
> of heat.  Are you sure your heater control valve isn't the culprit... or maybe
> a collapsed or blocked heater hose?  The valves contain either a plastic or
> rubber seal that can break loose and could possibly block the flow.  You
> should be able to easily blow breath through it when it's full open.

Well, while it was apart, I looked at the valve and operated it by hand, 
with a large "cavity" clearly visible.  The cable is currently 
disconnected since I managed to pop it off the interior's sliding 
control.. so I figured I'd just leave it OPEN for the winter.. in which 
case, I'm not against simply bypassing the valve with a hose-splice, either.

I didn't try blowing through the valve.

I didn't notice any collapsed hoses.. but I wasn't specifically looking 
for one, either.

> I'd just hate to see you pay the radiator shop to flush the core and it not do
> a thing to fix your problem.  

Me either! ;-)

> It sure sounds like maybe you have a flow restriction.

That's what it sounds like.  From past experience, the heater core was my 
first suspect.. but, if running water through it backwards is all that's 
necessary to unplug it, and I did that, then you're right.. shouldn't be 
the heater core.

The hoses are certainly hot.. I didn't touch them *today* but since my 
air-manifold and quick connect, etc. are mounted right there, I've often 
tried burning myself on the heater hoses while attaching air tools. :)

Back on the diagnostic path, I guess...

I have a .. 200+ mile trip next week.. road trip to Medicine Hat, Alberta 
for some skiing.. I'd rather not be cold on the way!

Thanks, John.

-Tom Mandera, Helena MT
http://www.tmcom.com/~tsm1/scout
'72 and '77 Scout IIs