Engine temp and heater question

[rubywoofs]

A while back, I had my original 302 rebuilt. Now, I don't have heat (fan blows fine - air never warms up) and the engine temp seems to stay somewhat low. I am sorry I don't know the exact temp right now - just decided to post the Q though I haven't driven the Bronco in a bit. Maybe in the 150-160 range just by the engine temp gauge.

Where should I start looking first? Could it be a t-stat issue, or as simple as the heater lines not reconnected? Something else?

Thanks,

Ruby

 

[EPB72]

1 st Check coolant level in radiator. 2nd Start the engine cold and with radiator cap removed see if there is flow through radiator should not flow .... possible t stat issue,,, temp rating ?? Now at operating temp check heater hoses if are hot to touch , Hot coming of of intake manifold, hot on both sides of heater control valve near firewall, possible bad valve not letting circulation through core?....Is Southlake Tahoe?? so it;s pretty cold where your at...

 

[rubywoofs]

Awesome, EPB72. Thanks for the step-by-step. I'll work on that to get sorted out.

 

[Oldtimer]

The correct heater hose elbow in the intake manifold extends down into the coolant.
Some after market ones don't, and I have seen originals rusted off.
If coolant gets low it won't circulate thru heater core.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Heater hoses even hooked UP? Might have bypassed the heater when the engine was installed.
Heater control valve functioning? It might be installed but the control cable never connected.

 

[rguest3]

150-160* range? Thermostat Installed?

 

[rocknhorse76]

Does it take a long time for the engine to reach those temps? If so, your stat might be stuck open or missing completely.

 

[Steve83]

...I don't know the exact temp.... Maybe in the 150-160 range just by the engine temp gauge.
Where should I start looking first?

Start looking for a thermometer. The gauge is NOT calibrated or reliable or a meter. You can't get any temperature from it.

Something like this, or better:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN317X6Z/?tag=classicbroncos-20