Heater not working properly

1997 FORD TAURUS
174,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CANNON1349
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Hi, 3.0L Duratec DOHC engine here, I replaced the water pump on this, started to leak from the weep hole. It's the second pump I've done on it, the last one was 5 years ago. Also 5 years ago I did the thermostat with it. So, I got everything tightened up and my heat has just been okay. Kind of lukewarm really. It's been like this for a week so far, even after driving eleven miles to work. Seems like the heat almost gets normal just running the car with the cap off the expansion tank. Wondering what you guys might think about it
Dec 16, 2021 at 1:36 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Good afternoon,

I suggest flushing the heater core.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-hoses

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

Remove the hoses to the core of the firewall. Get your garden hose and run it through the core and flush out all the dirt and debris. Flush it both ways until you get a good even flow in both directions. Then hook it all back up and test it for heat.

Roy
Dec 16, 2021 at 2:22 AM
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CANNON1349
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Okay, I flushed it yesterday. Green coolant followed by a bit of gray/black and then clear flow on both sides. I hooked it back up and got good heat, then shut it off and topped off the fluid after it cooled down. This morning I drove it to work, and I let it run for 15min before leaving. The heat was lukewarm. Driving made it colder. When I arrived at work 11 miles later, and parked it in the garage, I felt that both heater hoses are very hot, and then the heat started to increase to proper temperature.
Dec 17, 2021 at 9:10 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Make sure there is no air in the system. Check the level and make sure it is correct.

If it continues, you may have to replace the heater core.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

Roy
Dec 17, 2021 at 11:06 PM
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CANNON1349
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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When I unplugged the left hose from the heater core it burped loudly. I'm squeezing hoses while the car is running to try to get the air out. Or is there a better way?
Dec 17, 2021 at 11:26 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
That's fine.

Roy
Dec 17, 2021 at 11:35 PM
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