Why so Long

[flashlight]

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?

[leonbentz]

Thermostat

[brivers]

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

[DOCTORBILL]

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

[Hugemoth]

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

[wetback1]

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.