2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Heater Core ?

[Cummnzpowr]

I keep hearing gurgling from under the passenger side dash usually when i first get in and drive when it's cold. . could this be the heater core? {FYI--The block right now is cracked and no heat blows through the vents, could this be from the radiator being always low on water?} thanks. .

 

[DKarvwnaris]

I keep hearing gurgling from under the passenger side dash usually when i first get in and drive when it's cold. . could this be the heater core? {FYI--The block right now is cracked and no heat blows through the vents, could this be from the radiator being always low on water?} thanks. .

Yes, You are most likely hearing air bubbling through the heater core, especially with the cracked block you're running with. Have you tried unlocking the radiator cap from its full lock position? This has helped other guys I know with the cracked block problem to keep coolant in the system longer. It doesn't get pushed out by the pressure, it just drips this way. If you start seeing the engine temp going up, just tighten it back down again, usually runnng around unloaded in town it will be fine, especially in the cooler months.

If the heater core is gurgling, it will not get enough fluid flow to provide any warm air exchange.



Not sure on your time frame to fix the cracked block or whether you're running the truck til you can find something else, but you need to keep an eye on the coolant diligently. If the liquid gets low enough to effect the heater core, it can also cause cavitation in the cooling jacket of the engine and cause further damage to the block. Granted the block is cracked, but a warped piston or cracked head will make it an immediate problem with complete engine failure, not just a lingering annoyance and expected repair at your leisure.

 

[Cummnzpowr]

..

Hey thanks for the info. . yeah i notice when it gets near empty on the water level it doesn't blow any heat at all. . and i already have a 12 valve lined up for the truck. . i'm actually trying to kill the 24v at the moment. . :-laf

 

[DKarvwnaris]

Hey thanks for the info. . yeah i notice when it gets near empty on the water level it doesn't blow any heat at all. . and i already have a 12 valve lined up for the truck. . i'm actually trying to kill the 24v at the moment. . :-laf

nah!! Don't kill it, pull it out and part the engine out. lots of guys looking for parts and cores with the 24 valves. The fuel system is worth some money itself. The big cores to consider selling are the accesories, the head, Crank, injectors, and exhaust manifold. (turbo too if you don't plan to reuse it).

 

[DKarvwnaris]

That sound is from the hose fitting on the block. There is a TSB out for it. I had the same problem with mine and I performed the TSB and replaced the hose fitting. The sound is gone. I do not remember what it is but it was listed in the TDR.

I remember the TSB on this, but since he is dealing with a low level coolant problem already from a cracked block, it is more likely the low coolant level causing the problem. He's planning to R/R the engine for 12 valve as mentioned above, so the problem will be remedied with that regardless of the hose fitting or not. If the heater's gurgling quiets down with a full coolant level, that solves the issue in the mean time. No sense in throwing money and parts at a problem that will be irrelevant soon.