97 Grand Am thermostat - heat problem

[lou S.]

Before replacing the heater core why don't you flush the system to make sure you get all the residue out of the heater core. You can replace the heater core too if you don't mind taking your dash apart to get to it. Just a thought.

[jgionet]

what's the best way to "flush" the system? I've seen some kits available here at CrappyTire however I wasn't sure if they were worth it or if there was a better way to do it.

thxs

[Shelli Martin]

Don't know if it will help at all, but we found the thermostat was stuck open. Nasty to get changed out! Then, after the heat still wasn't working we found the heater core had been bypassed. Another nasty change out. And.. the water pump is making noise. That'll need a change real soon. The thermostat on the '97 is where the radiator hose hooks into the engine. It's a silver housing.

[juki_gt]

Originally Posted by jgionet

hiya all,

I think I'm having a similiar problem with my 97 3.1. When I start the car it takes a good 15 to 20 minutes before I get any heat at all. Is this an indication that it's the thermostat or the heater core going? or both? Since I'm suspecting it's the thermostat I was going to replace it. Should I be replacing the heater core at the same time? I've had this car now for about 6 years and never had any "heat" issues. I'm going to replace the coolant at the same time since I doubt it was ever done before.

thxs
-JG

Hi! i have a 96 gt 3.1 and i had the same problem that the car would take time to heat up and i had the thermostat changed and now it's fine.
By the way what kind of coolant do you have is it the green or the orange one.I have the orenge one and it's 4 years i haven't change it ,they say the orange one is long life coolant and you need to change it every 5 or 6 years

[jgionet]

I'll be going to the dealer tomorrow to buy a new thermostat since it makes sense to replace that part first.. I've never replaced the coolant in my car and I don't think it's "EVER" been done.. DOH!! I have the green looking stuff and it's never failed me before. I'll be putting Prestone in it.. we need it for the cold winters we get up here in the north.. (4 hrs north of Toronto)

thxs guys for the help/advise.. I just need to know the best/easiest way to flush the system now..

-JG

[lou S.]

Use one of the kits. It's a job that ya really don't need to do that often so why spend mega $$$ on a kit. Just make sure ya get all the air out of the system when your done. Good luck.

[jgionet]

so your saying to use one of those kits or not? your message seems to indicate both.
thxs

[lou S.]

Sorry----yep go buy one of the kits---they install real easy.