The temperature has been dropping around here and it's my first winter with the Land Cruiser. I had always enjoyed the blazing heat that my 2003 Tacoma produced and from what I've read, the FZJ80s produce the same sort of temps when functioning correctly. Mine, however, does not.
I adjusted the temperature mixing valve to make sure it is achieving a full-open position, which it was not previously. The valve is newer, PO had it installed – when inspecting it today, it appeared to be in great shape. Cooling system seems to be in good working order as well. PO had a new radiator installed and on 1/22/2018 had a new thermostat installed along with new coolant (as part of an engine rebuild). I'm unsure if anything has been done to the cooling system since.
Below are the temps I'm getting at the vents:
If I understand correctly, the rear vent has its own heater core, which would lead me to believe it is performing as expected. Am I fair to assume that the main heater core is either failing and/or blocked? I see that back flushing the core is widely documented here on the forums, so I'm mostly seeking advice as to whether this is my next step. This post seemed to be a similar issue but the suggestion was a new thermostat and coolant. As is often the case, the OP didn't respond back regarding the outcome. Any comments would be appreciated.
One additional comment – is it typical for the dash vents to blow more forcefully for a given fan speed when the temp is set full cold versus full hot? I've noticed this to be the case. Possibly another data point?
I adjusted the temperature mixing valve to make sure it is achieving a full-open position, which it was not previously. The valve is newer, PO had it installed – when inspecting it today, it appeared to be in great shape. Cooling system seems to be in good working order as well. PO had a new radiator installed and on 1/22/2018 had a new thermostat installed along with new coolant (as part of an engine rebuild). I'm unsure if anything has been done to the cooling system since.
Below are the temps I'm getting at the vents:
Center Dash Vent | Driver / Passenger Footwell | Rear Auxiliary |
84° | 105° | 120° |
If I understand correctly, the rear vent has its own heater core, which would lead me to believe it is performing as expected. Am I fair to assume that the main heater core is either failing and/or blocked? I see that back flushing the core is widely documented here on the forums, so I'm mostly seeking advice as to whether this is my next step. This post seemed to be a similar issue but the suggestion was a new thermostat and coolant. As is often the case, the OP didn't respond back regarding the outcome. Any comments would be appreciated.
One additional comment – is it typical for the dash vents to blow more forcefully for a given fan speed when the temp is set full cold versus full hot? I've noticed this to be the case. Possibly another data point?