To whom can help,

The END of last winter, I noticed some vapor coming out of my vents. The heat still worked and I let it go. This winter I attempted to heat the car, and no heat at all. There is no coolant on the floor, but would have dried by now, anyway. But don't even see a stain on the rug.

When I move the temp slider, it changes nothing. Could it be that the heater core is gunked up. Can I use an air compressor to clear it out...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Horn

 

Assuming the vapor coming out of the vents smelled like anti-freeze, that's apretty good sign the heater core is no bueno. Still, moving the heater temp slider should alter the temp. I'd think you should check the heater control valve and make certain the cable is still connected and that the valve is moving. Are you the only driver? Is it possible someone else bypassed the heater core?

 

Thanks for getting back to me... I actually took some of the dask apart and the heater core is still hooked up. I also checked the cable on the heater control valve. The cable is moving the moving piece on top of the valve apparatus, but of course I can't tell if there is
anything happening inside those hoses. Here is a possible scenario... Is it possible that when I saw those vapors (yes, they did smell sweet like coolant) it was the heater core clogging up and the coolant leaked from somewhere else because of the pressure change? Maybe out a hose end, etc. Can I attempt to flush or blow out the heater core? What about removing the heater control valve and cleaning it out?

 

You need to look under the hood where the two hoses attach to the firewall nipples. That's where folks bypass the heater core. Without heat, you can try either of the things you described. I think I'd tackle the heater valve first. It obviously isn't working correctly...possibly it was the source of the leak. Blowing out a heater core is a VERY delicate thing. Replacing the heater core is a righteous PITA. It is worse than replacing the blower motor. I've known folks who sold their 240's rather than spring for the repair.

 

Thanks for the info, but I have owned the car for 8 years and have always had heat up till this winter. Yes, it's either the heater control valve or the heater core... I may be one of those folks who have had enough...

 

Quite understandable. That's how I get my cars!