fourtrak - heater not getting hot...

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my heater used to get really hot, now not getting hot at all. I think it could be the thermostat, but where is it and am i right?

Colder than an eskimo

Sorry, not usually the thermostat, unless it is stuck open, then some heat would come from the heater matrix after a reasonable run.

Check the cooling system for air locks or blockages; the heater valve is opening, or even if there is a thermostat fitted.
Remove one of the heater pipes that feeds the heater matrix, insert a hosepipe and flush it out, ensure the heater valve is in the hot position or nothing will pass through. If nothing comes through check the heater valve is opening, if this is open there is a blockage in the heater matrix, try to flush through with the hose until it all runs clear. Drain the cooling system and flush this also, usually the heater matrix traps debris from the cooling system, refill with water and anti-freeze.
After a reasonable run, lift the bonnet and feel the radiator, if this is cool then it is likely that your stat is missing or stuck open, check by placing the stat into a pan of water on the cooker, as it heats up the stat should fully open at around boiling point of the water.
Usually this type of problem is attributed to poor maintenance of the cooling system, a good flush, several times, cures the problem; refill with good quality anti-freeze and all should be well.

thank you for your help.

thank you for your help. could you please tell me where i'm going to find the thermostat. Top left hose, top right hose, bottom left or bottom right. there is a small amount of heat like you say after a good run. Getting cold everytime i think of eskimos.

fourtrak - heater not getting hot...

on my trak which is a G plated (1989) 2.8td its being the fan on top of the waterpump connected to the top right hose, however i dont think that’s your problem, assassin is right about reverse flushing your system, my guess it will come out with a brown colour in it (first time i did mine it was like mud) if my memory is working the fan on the trak is a three speed temperature controlled fan i.e the hotter it gets the faster the fan spins , controlled by a fluid coupling, a clutch connected to the water pump, it is not unheard of for the clutch on these to fail and the fan to be stuck on at whatever speed the pin slipped on thus giving you too much cooling apart from on a long run
options
1 replace/ repair the fluid coupling (sell a kidney) there are posts on the site somewhere
2 leave as is and wear two pairs of socks
3 remove fan and coupling and studs and fit Kenlow electric unit with a switch on the dashboard
4 find a direct connection type of water-pump and fan assembly in a breakers yard

FYI mine broke years ago Biggrin

Is the main radiator hot?

If the radiator remains 'cool' rather than reaching normal temperature, then the thermostat is stuck open. An open thermostat will not allow the coolant to be sufficiently hot to give heat from the heater. If replacing the thermostat, be certain you get the correct type and fit it with the toggle in its higest position. Toggle hole stops air locks.

If the radiator is 'hot' at normal temperature but the heater remains cold, then there is a coolant circulation problem. Check the water pump belt tension. If tension is OK then suspect the water pump has failed.

IMHO the fault is the thermostat stuck in the 'open' position. Easy to renew but take care to fit a new gasket and dont over tighten the nuts!

thanks for the help just

thanks for the help just waiting for better weather to have a good look. Know what you mean about selling a kidney. Wink