Heater not working, what do you suggest

[rwiebe13]

Should I just replace the whole system or where do I start? The fan works, I'm just not getting heat! Is it the heater coil? Motor? I'm not sure. What's been your experience or fix?

 

[Master Chief]

Start with the basics:

Is the radiator full? Open the cap when it is cold.

Are you pulling the heater knob out?

Are the heater hoses actually connected to the heater core or did someone set them up to constantly bypass coolant?

If the hoses are connected correctly and the knob pulls free, look at the heater control valve, it is inline with one of the heater hoses. Is the cable connected to it?

If the cable is connected to the valve and it is made of metal it is probably corroded junk. Napa has new valves for 20 bucks...what you're looking for is part number: BK 6601141. They are made of plastic and work great.

If the controls are good replace your thermostat, it's probably stuck closed. Install a 195 degree, service up the system and you should have heat.

If all of this fails I would then take a look at the heater box.

I run a stock heater box. In the dead of Maine winter there are times that I have to turn the heat off because it gets too hot in the cab.

Roger

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

Start with the basics:


Are you pulling the heater knob out?

This... You would be surprised

 

[rustbucket]

If you're getting NO heat, my guess would be the valve in the heater hose might be stuck, or the cable has become disconnected. The plastic ones Master Chief mentions are better than the old metal style. How long have you owned the Bronco? Has it worked for you before? How is your engine temp?

 

[broncoitis]

Yeah, X2. I bet there are a couple of things wrong but the first to check for sure is if the hoses to the heater are actually even hooked up? Depending on if you are the Original Owner or not, there is no tellin what has been concocted on most of these trucks till you get you hands on them. Follow what Master Sergeant said and you should have heat.

Probably wouldn't hurt to flush out the whole system if it has been sitting for some time either. Good Luck! ;D

 

[half cab]

Get down there real close and read them chrome BEZELS

 

[rwiebe13]

I just purchased the rig 30 days ago. Apparently the guy restored everything but the heater! I've pulled all knobs, turned the fan speed on high (which does work). Just no heat. This evening when I have time to tinker with it I will do what you all have so kindly shared. Thanks again and I will report back later!

 

[Skiddy]

also if the heater hoses aren't hooked up more than likely the heater core leaks.

 

[70_Steve]

If the hoses are connected correctly and the knob pulls free, look at the heater control valve, it is inline with one of the heater hoses. Is the cable connected to it?

If the cable is connected to the valve and it is made of metal it is probably corroded junk. Napa has new valves for 20 bucks...what you're looking for is part number: BK 6601141. They are made of plastic and work great.

The thing with the heater control valve is, especially on the metal ones, the valve stem gets corroded and won't turn the ball inside. So, from the outside it looks like the valve is moving, cause the cable and lever are moving, but the ball inside is not.

If you have to replace the heater control valve, make sure it's one of the newer composite (plastic) control valves. I installed a new metal valve and it only lasted two years. Put in a composite one, and it's been in for 12 years.