1998 Ram 1500 5.9L V8 heat question

[demotim00]

The heat was not working too good when I bought my truck last Tuesday. It would barely get luke warm if that. Had the heater core flushed out today. Now I do have heat, however it takes about 20-30 minutes of driving before the heat kicks in and start to get hot. Despite the truck getting to about 180 degrees or so a lot sooner. Does this indicate that theirs a problem with the heater core, or likely the thermostat. Also I notice they sell thermostats from 160 degrees up to factory spec of 192 degrees. If i were to buy a lower temperature thermostat, would that mean the heat should kick in sooner?

[Stealthee]

A bad thermostat would result in the engine either overheating (if stuck closed) or not staying fully warm (stuck open)

A lower temp thermostat would mean less heat. When the thermostat opens and closes has nothing to do with heat operation.

My guess is you have a parital heater core blockage.

[demotim00]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

A bad thermostat would result in the engine either overheating (if stuck closed) or not staying fully warm (stuck open)

A lower temp thermostat would mean less heat. When the thermostat opens and closes has nothing to do with heat operation.

My guess is you have a parital heater core blockage.

Ok thanks

[demotim00]

I had the shop that flushed the heater core take another look at it. They said it was just an air pocket in the cooling system. The heat seems to work and keep you from being cold but it dont get so hot you gotta turn it down. It also blows cooler air when not moving and warmer air when moving. Is that normal for this type of truck?

[Chris Stewart]

1st off #1, it's pretty cold where you're at.
Mine blows hotter air running down the road.

My heater blows warmer air on fan speeds 1, 2 & 3 but the air is cooler on step 4.

[demotim00]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

1st off #1, it's pretty cold where you're at.
Mine blows hotter air running down the road.

My heater blows warmer air on fan speeds 1, 2 & 3 but the air is cooler on step 4.

Seems to be the same way my heat is. Although I'm not 100% certain my heat is where it should be as even today with the temps being in the 50's. While it does blow hot, it just doesn't seem to get so hot in the truck you gotta turn the heat down and a friend of mine who's owned 2 dodge rams around the same year even said this evening that it doesn't blow any where near as hot as either of his haved or does. Just not sure what else could be causing it to not blow as hot as it should.