The car's just not warming up enough

[marko]

As the subject name suggests, my 1500 engine is too cool. I bought a new 88℃ thermostat and a new temperature sender but that made no difference. I then tested and changed the voltage regulator which made no difference. I've now changed from the 3in1 (temp, fuel, volts) to a 2" gauge and it's still the same.
The air that comes out of the heater is warm but not hot and even on a good run on one of the warmer days recently it still doesn't warm up enough. Should I need to cover half the radiator with card or plastic when it's not even cold down here in south Devon? Would taking the fan off of the water pump be too dangerous?

[tony g]

Leave the fan on, it may be needed later. Try blocking the rad with card or similar would be my first check, you should find a happy medium somewhere .

Tony

[sprint95m]

From the description you have given,
I suspect the problem is with the heater matrix.

Does the input hose get hot and the output remain cold?

(Using a garden hose)
I would try back flushing the heater matrix and check that the valve is actually opening/closing.



Ian.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

Is the instrumentation indicating that the engine is cool as well as cool air from the matrix?

or does the instrumentation read correct but the heater only provides warm air?

My 1850 provides warm air for a few minutes then runs cold and I know it is a matrix problem.

[matienzo]

Blocked coolant return pipe? They get clogged up with muck and stop the heater working efficiently. You can replace the old one with a stainless version. http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-212935SS

[Karlos]

If the engine seems to be running at the correct temperature then maybe it is a case of cold air not getting diverted through the heater matrix correctly. The sponge seals around the flaps and ducts in and around the heater unit may need replacing. On my old 1850 I had hot air for the passengers feet and barely warm for the drivers feet.

First thing to do though is to flush the system and get any crud cleared out as previously mentioned.