FJ60 heater question

[gregnash]

So the next step is going DEEP...Time to pull apart the dash and see if there is an "apparent" issue that you would not otherwise see. I didn't read back through the whole thread but have you completely flushed out the heater core and system with the coolant cleaner (acid basically) stuff? That may be the best bet for you. I am starting to have a few issues with my truck where if it is cold outside (say below 40*) the heater only puts out luke warm air (measured at the heater vents at about 100*) regardless of how long the truck runs. However on days like today where it is almost 50* at 6am (odd for this time of year) she was running like a champ when I went out to warm up the truck for work.

Most all the hoses have been replaced in my setup so there is no blockage anywhere unless in the heaters. The head was done about a year ago so there should not be any HG issues (no other indicators as well of HG issue) and the temp gauge never really reads above half or maybe 2/3rds at warmest.
So for me that means that I have two paths;
1. pull the heater lines and "flush" the heater core using the phosphoric acid stuff
2. pull the dash and clean EVERYTHING out from the heater core, AC condenser, and blower motor sections under the dash.

The second is going to be the most time consumptive but may lend to other items being taken care of like; wiring cleanup, debris removal, new dash cap to cover up cracked one, proper mounting of stereo to dash, etc.

 

[Plemonator]

One thing to note, I can hear coolant kinda of gurgling through my heater core. I havent flushed it yet...my water hose is frozen. : )

 

[gregnash]

One thing to note, I can hear coolant kinda of gurgling through my heater core. I havent flushed it yet...my water hose is frozen. : )

If you hear coolant gurgling in the heater core that means that your system is low on coolant and you have bubbles stuck in the system. Time for a good burping!.
This special funnel is supposed to be well worth the money.. Amazon.com: Lisle 24610 Spill-Free Funnel: Automotive

 

[Plemonator]

Just ordered it!

 

[gregnash]

Just ordered it!

Nice... now to burp the system.. basically take the cap off the radiator for a cold/cool engine (no pressure in rad), attach funnel, lift nose of cruiser up so that fill neck is highest point by a few inches (at least) and then start vehicle. Let warm up to operating temp and then crank the heaters (yes both). Once they are both going and blowing for a few minutes then start adding coolant and watch the system suck it in. Massage the upper rad hose every few minutes to help push the bubbles through and keep it going. When I have done this in the past I have let is go for a good 30 minutes to ensure that as many bubbles are out as possible, even occasionally going in and revving the engine for a 30 seconds or so to like 2k rpm (don't know if it does anything or not).

 

[Plemonator]

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the advice! It's way to cold to not have any heat. The rear heat is not functioning...in fact didn't really know I had it. The PO installed the carpet right over the top of it.
Just removed the seat and carpet, gonna track wires and coolant lines to see if I can get it back up and running.

 

[gregnash]

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the advice! It's way to cold to not have any heat. The rear heat is not functioning...in fact didn't really know I had it. The PO installed the carpet right over the top of it.
Just removed the seat and carpet, gonna track wires and coolant lines to see if I can get it back up and running.

If that one is not working then may be worth while to delete it completely from the equation and gain yourself a little room under the passenger seat. Mine still works so I am keeping for the time being.