stormpap

My baby is getting older and starting to show her age(1992). I have no heat at low speeds , rotors need cutting again, power antenna needs replacing again and a few other things.
This heat issue is killing me.
I checked antifreeze in reseviour and it was full. Where the hell do you fill the radiator with antifreeze? Does it just go thru the reseviour? I also here a noise when I adjust the temp and wonder if the heat pump is bad.

Kansas

Yes, coolant is added to the reservoir and not directly to the radiator.

The lack of heat could be the thermostat stuck in the open position -- perhaps the most common cause of a lack of heat. Also, if your water temperature gauge is staying at the "cold" end of the scale after driving a while, this would also point to a defective thermostat. You should be able to buy a thermostat at almost any parts store.

What is the "heat pump" your are referring to?

aaronw

Could it possibly be the heater core behind the glovebox is going? Have you noticed any leaks on the passenger side carpet or a sweet smell in the car? Just an idea.

Harky

Hot coolant is admitted to the heater core thru a vacuum operated valve located on the firewall just behind and above the engine. It has 2 heater hoses running in and out of it and has a control cable which connects to a vacuum cylinder inside the car. If this valve is stuck closed, there will be no heat regardless of where the temperature is set inside. It will need to be replaced. If is it operating properly, you should see it open and close as someone inside the car increases and decreases the temperature setting. (The car needs to be running to do this)

If there is a vacuum leak in the control system, this valve may remain closed at idle, even if heat is being called for, but may open when engine rpm comes up. You could verify this condition by watching the valve as someone in the car speeds up the engine.

If avacuum leak is causing the problem, you will need to inspect all of the vacuum lines and find the leak. It is usually a hose that has become hard and split at a connection.
Good luck.