Slow to heat/defrost

[Redzombie]

Hi, In the winter my 1990, 305 Caprice Classic is usually only driven short 5 mile trips. It is never warm by the end of these trip. Longer ones I gets great heat. I wouldn't care too much, but the worst is when it snows (parked outside) I get snow in the fresh air intake and it blows right into the car and frosts the windows so bad I need to scape them down. If I let the car run in the driveway 1/2 hour before I drive it, it is usually hot enough to defrost. With the price of gas I want to correct this problem. I have washed the heater core(inside and out), 180 thermostat, new three way valve for the heater core, and even a new fan clutch. I cover the ouside front grill as well. Winters approaching...what to do????

Bill

[silicon212]

Use a 195 thermostat.

[Redzombie]

Actually I did try several different thermostats, including a 195 and 210, but one person suggested only using a GM thermostat. My dealers only had 160's and 180's so the last one i put in happen to be a 180. Any other suggestions.
I'm guessing my biggest problem is keeping the snow out. Is that normal. My wife has a jeep and that happens a little. But It basically snows in my car when I turn on the fan.

Bill

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by Redzombie

Actually I did try several different thermostats, including a 195 and 210, but one person suggested only using a GM thermostat. My dealers only had 160's and 180's so the last one i put in happen to be a 180. Any other suggestions.
I'm guessing my biggest problem is keeping the snow out. Is that normal. My wife has a jeep and that happens a little. But It basically snows in my car when I turn on the fan.

Bill

Any parts store should carry a 195 stat. Better get it in there quick, winter is coming soon..

al

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Redzombie

Actually I did try several different thermostats, including a 195 and 210, but one person suggested only using a GM thermostat. My dealers only had 160's and 180's so the last one i put in happen to be a 180. Any other suggestions.
I'm guessing my biggest problem is keeping the snow out. Is that normal. My wife has a jeep and that happens a little. But It basically snows in my car when I turn on the fan.

Bill

as stated earlier use only the 195 t stat...next I use an air filter material under the fresh air intake on my non cabin filtered cars for many years even before it was offered on the expensive vehicles...tree pollen....is why I did this and I replace the filter material every year...right after the pollen stops in the middle of june..this also will keep out the snow...


since you only drive 5 miles to from work use a stiff plastic sheet to cover 1/2 of the radiator during the winter when its cold...

I usually do this when it gets below 20deg f for a time as it does take too long to heat/clear the windows of frost...this plastic will keep the de-icing chemicals out of the engine compartment as an added benefit..

don't use any paper or card board as it will absorb the moisture and de-icing chemicals and cause problems..