Mell Does coolant always flow thru the heater core?
Since the liquid flowing in and out of the heater core is constantly heated by the engine, the only other component necessary to produce heat is a fan blowing air through the heater core (much like the radiator, except the air enters the cabin.) So, what can go wrong: No Coolant in the system.
What would cause coolant not to circulate?
The coolant level could be extremely low because of long-term neglect, or because a coolant leak has developed in the radiator or radiator hoses. The thermostat that allows coolant to circulate may be stuck in the closed position or a clog may have developed, perhaps from debris in the cooling system.
What function does the heater core serve?
Because the heater core cools the heated coolant from the engine by transferring its heat to the cabin air, it can also act as an auxiliary radiator for the engine.
How do I know if my coolant is not circulating?
Start your engine. When the engine is warm, visually watch the coolant in the cooling system to see if it is circulating. Tip: If the coolant is not circulating, then it may need a new water pump. The water pump test should only be done after you verify whether or not the thermostat is faulty.
How can I tell if my coolant is circulating?
Compare your two readings: Also, touch the lower radiator hose, after the engine has reached operating temperature. If the lower hose is hot to the touch, coolant is circulating. If the lower hose is not hot, it’s possible the radiator is restricted.
Why are the hoses to the heater core cold?
But it sounds like a bunged up heater core…..or a massive air pocket blocking coolant flow into the heater core. With the engine cold and you’ve got reasonable access to safely disconnect your heater core hoses one at a time, disconnect one or the other and have a friend start the engine.
What to do if heater core is air locked?
I’d personally try to find the heater core return hose and disconnect it at the engine. Start the engine and look for coolant flow. Have the friend shut down the engine after you see some reasonable coolant flow. It’s a messy method, but it’s usually effective in purging trapped air if the heater core is air locked.
Why do I Run my heater core in the summer?
The fluid stays stagnant in the heater core in the summer and can cause gunk to build up. After I flushed out my heater core I run the heat once a week in the summer to circulate the coolant through the heater core to keep it moving. I haven’t had a problem since.
Why does water have a lower boiling point than coolant?
As far as the boiling issue, water alone has a lower operating temperature than using 50/50 coolant. Also, the coolant system, under normal operating conditions, is pressurized which increases the boiling point of the fluid by 2 degrees for every pound per square inch of pressure.