Why so Long

When I go to heat my car up it seems like it takes forever to get hot. I have flushed the heater core and changed out the coolant.What should I do to increase the speed of heat output in my car?

Thermostat

How long are you talking about? Mine takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Can't expect to much out of our little 3 bangers.

My '93 - 3 banger takes a good 5 minutes to get warm. It's a motorcycle engine!

I have a new Thermostat, too! a 185° one.

If your Metro has over 100,000 miles, why not replace the thermostat just as a
matter of course.

It is right up there near the Distributor and is easy to get at. Costs $5.

It will give you peace of mind.....

DoctorBill

My 1.3L takes 15 minutes before it'll put out much heat. Just so happens that my commute is 15 minutes long so its a cold ride to work. A $20 heated seat cover works real nice.

Q

I'd certainly do the thermostat first. Then, depending on your climate, start with a full sheet of cardboard across the rad - if the engine tends to heat too much just fold down or cut off 4 or 6 inches at a time until you find the right balance. This worked well for me on the prairies with both 3 cyl Geos and 4 cyl Dodge Colts.

Now I live on the west coast and after a 2-3 min warmup in the driveway the car is up to full temp within 3 minutes - but I start off to work on a slight grade which makes things work a bit harder.