1996 Dodge Ram not getting much heat

180,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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C.PATCHAK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
last winter when i got this truck it wasnt blowing out much heat. When i checked the coolant level i noticed that there wasnt any pressure in the radiator. i changed the thermostate from 175 to a 165 degree because i also have a plow on the front and it seems to run hotter with the plow on. i also changed the water pump and both of the hoses. after i got all that changed i gave the motor a coolant flush to get out any obstructions. before i could make sure the heat was working good it started getting warm out and it seened to be wotking well. now that its getting cold again, i just found out that it doesnt work any better then it did last year. Im not really sure what else i can do to fix the problem. it does go through a little bit of coolant once in a while( one quart every 2 or 3 months). What else can i do???
Oct 6, 2010 at 12:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
I realize the plow obstructs air flow. However, the 165 t-stat isn't allowing the engine to warm up when the plow is off. That could be one issue.

Next, with the engine hot, heater on, do both heater core hoses get hot?

Finally, have you checked to make sure the blend door is working properly? It is the vent door that determines how much air goes through the heater core.

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 7, 2010 at 5:49 AM
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