93 3.1 transport warm heat

[kcpete]

I am not getting enough heat. Its warm at times, but gets foggy inside window. 3.1 engine. changed thermostat, no change in temp. The radiator has a leak, but I am not having to top off over half gallon of coolant. Can someone help! Need heat!

[dzus]

Inside foggy windows=leaking heater core.Pulling up front passanger carpet will probably prove this.

[LMP]

Well..check for this option..antifreeze fumes are really greasy on the windshield..and the smell is unmistakable...so you will know rather fast if this is a blown heater core...
However , changing core is not an easy task so better doing it for good reasons; look also for other signs..a lot started changing cores, thermostats, radiators, water pump...to end up with the "normal" conclusion with 3.1 heating problems: head gasket failure. YOu would have eventually coolant spillage at radiator , temperature gauge reading going up and down, , have to refill coolant regularrly, and engine overeheating...

[kcpete]

The radiator hose will get hot, and previously I had pricked back the hose off the water pumped to check for circulation. It checked good. Also secondary to core. good. I will go ahead and replace what I know is bad Radiator, and than go from there. I will let you guys know as to whats up. Thanks

[kcpete]

A note of update over the weekend. Had already changed thermostat, so now went to radiator which I already knew was leaking. By keeping coolant level high while letting van run was getting hot air. I placed a thermometer under the floor vent and it reach up to approx 110deg over time. My other transport registers about 10degr higher, but heck not going to complain. If the weather doesn't drop into teens I will be okay until I put another radiator in. thanks guys. Sure glad I didn't go replacing core!