1999 MERCURY villager van heater doesnt get hot unless you give it gas !!!?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kapkrusader
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kapkrusader

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Hello and merry christmas !
I have a 1999 mercury villager van with 160k miles on it.I had the oil changed every 3-4k miles since new an all maintenace done as needed.Very well taken care of.Just a little history.

I have a problem with the vans heat not getting warm unless you give it gas or are driving.It doesnt seem to be using any anti freeze,it doesnt run hot and i had the thermostat changed about 3 years ago or 20k miles ago. any ideas? Is it just old? heater core problem? Just need a flush and fill? I know its impossible to diagnose without seeing it,just looking for ideas from a mecahinc.Thanks.
 
Tricky. Heat with acceleration suggests that increased water flow is happening through the heater core. Sometimes you can get air in the system. It will look like you have the system filled, but it really isn't because the thermostat hasn't opened up yet and you think it is full. That has happened to me twice. With the stat not opened, it will only take so much water and then when it opens you are short, causing the problem that you describe.

Replacing the heater core is serious business and very expensive. They do clog though. Which could be your case. It is possible. You could try a complete flush and fill. Remember to flush with the heat on full blast and then don't forget what I told you above when you refill the system, not to get air pockets.

If it is your water pump, you should see it dripping as the gasket wears out and then coolant starts to seep. The would cause the problem you describe as well.

Heater core replacement is LAST RESORT. Break out your wallet, and have tissues for the tears.
 
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