My 99 Dakota 318 doesn't heat up like it did during warmer weather. The gauge stays on the lower end of the operating range. That in and of itself isn't really the problem, it's that the best the heater does now is cool air, not warm or hot. I'm thinking thermostat, but before I tear into it in 10 degree weather, I thought I'd see if anyone has any other ideas first. Oh yeah, it's 4WD, with 160,000 on it and no fan shroud if it matters.
Posted By: 71yelladustr
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/23/13 08:22 PM
Most likely the heater core is plugged up internally. Pull the 2 hoses off of the core. Take your garden hose and flush out the heater core going back and forth on the core in and out tubes untill the water flows clear both ways. reattach the coolant hoses and try it. You should have much improved heat for awhile, at least til it plugs again.
Posted By: therocks
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/23/13 09:25 PM
The gauge stays low.That tells you its probally the stat.Easy to change and not expensive.That will affect the heater temp.Rocky
Posted By: therocks
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/24/13 01:04 PM
The heater cant blow hot if the engine temp isnt right.You said the gauge stays low now that its cold.That is usually a stat problem.Rocky
Posted By: Lmopar69
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/24/13 03:26 PM
Dont really mean to hijack your thread, however Im having the same problem with my 91 Dakota 4 banger. Already replaced the thermostat with a 195. Temp guage will rise but not up to "normal" operating temp.
Engine just stays cool. If I let it sit and idle for about 30 minutes (in 20F temps) it will get warm and the heater will work like a champ. Drive it 3 miles at highway speed and the engine temp drops and the heat is gone.
Checked the electric fan this summer... it only comes on when it should (mid point on the temp guage) and it will only get to that point sitting at idle for quite awhile. But, in the winter, I doubt the fan will ever come on.
So, I covered 3/4 of the radiator with cardboard... still no heat at highway speed.
The dang cooling system just apparently works too well.
I cant think of much else to do to keep some heat in this little truck. It is MUCH needed in the winter temps here in Nebraska!
Laine.
Posted By: toplescuda
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/24/13 03:37 PM
My 98 durango (same set up) will not blow hot air untill i get water movement in the core
what happends is as the water evaprates out of the over flow sooner or later the water level in the rad will drop enuff you WILL get a air block in your heater core
undo the two lines and force some.water through it (water pump does not force flow) and you will find the problem
can try parking on.steep hill and let motor run for a bit and it might come out
night and day differance in.the heat and its free..
Posted By: therocks
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/24/13 07:03 PM
LMopar they had a TSB on some of the early 2.2s for K cars.It had to do with the lower rad hose.Its been years since Ive read it though.I do remember that it was a lack of heat problem though.You might also try a 205 stat.Rocky
Posted By: Lmopar69
Re: 99 Dakota heater - 11/25/13 11:55 PM
I covered more of the radiator yesterday. keeps it at "operating temp" now. Guess problem solved for me.
Laine.