Heater Problems...

[TCHRISD]

I have a '98 ram V6 single cab.
My heater is not working properly. It appears to warm up but doesn't get hot. I mean I will fill slightly warm after a while of driving but not nearly as hot as any other car I have owned. I have recently bought it for a work truck.

any help is appreciated.

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by TCHRISD

I have a '98 ram V6 single cab.
My heater is not working properly. It appears to warm up but doesn't get hot. I mean I will fill slightly warm after a while of driving but not nearly as hot as any other car I have owned. I have recently bought it for a work truck.

any help is appreciated.

Does the engine get to normal operqting temp or does it seem to be low.

Cold be a partially stuck open thermostat and or a plugged heater core . Do the heater core hoses get hot?

[TCHRISD]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

Does the engine get to normal operqting temp or does it seem to be low.

Cold be a partially stuck open thermostat and or a plugged heater core . Do the heater core hoses get hot?

The engine does seem to take longer to reach normal temps. It may be a little low.
I will check the heater core hoses today.

[TCHRISD]

Well it's running temp is around 170-180°.
Is the thermostat the problem?

[Chris Stewart]

Could be, 160-170F is not normal temperatures...should be 190-200F.
With the engine cold, start the engine, remove the radiator cap and see if coolant is circulating on the cold engine. It should be still with no sign of flow.

[TCHRISD]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Could be, 160-170F is not normal temperatures...should be 190-200F.
With the engine cold, start the engine, remove the radiator cap and see if coolant is circulating on the cold engine. It should be still with no sign of flow.

I tried this and it appeared there was no flow in the radiator when started cold.
.......

[Chris Stewart]

I guess the temperature gauge will have to be the main source of info and it indicates the thermostat is faulty.
Upon removal cold, the old thermostat should be open a bit if it's bad.
You might look for numbers on it too.
Many good folks install a cooler thermostat for summer time and given last year's excessively high temperatures throughout the South, someone may have done that with your truck.

[TCHRISD]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

I guess the temperature gauge will have to be the main source of info and it indicates the thermostat is faulty.
Upon removal cold, the old thermostat should be open a bit if it's bad.
You might look for numbers on it too.
Many good folks install a cooler thermostat for summer time and given last year's excessively high temperatures throughout the South, someone may have done that with your truck.

will this condition cause any harm to the truck if I don't need the heater? I have been driving it and it appears to run fine.....

[Chris Stewart]

As long as the engine is happy, no Check Engine light, I don't see a problem.