Where is the heat?

[DBentley]

Winter is here and I'm reminded of the last 7 winters in a diesel truck that never get as warm as the old gas fords.

I see normal temps 190-200 and still the air temp from the heater box isnt up to the job.

I just can't seem to get warm in the last 2 diesel trucks(96 and 06) I have owned. Both have great AC that will freeze me out in summer but the heater core must be too small to do the job in a extended cab truck?

Its the only real complaint i have against these trucks.

Would an espar type heater help?

 

[Shadrach]

An Espar Hydronic heater just preheats the coolant for easier starting. It does allow some heat into the cab to take the chill off and help with defrosting. Unless you used an Espar Airtronic heater which is an air heater for cabin or cargo heat it wouldn't help any in the cab. Shadrach

 

[Jim W]

Do you use a winter front cover? I have used one on my 08 Mega Cab and the cab will be warm enough to drive in just a long sleeve shirt. Granted this will only occur on a long trip after the engine is up to operating temperatures.

The front cover is made for Dodge and you can close off different % area of the cover depending on the outside ambient temperature. Easy to put on and take off, the cover mounts under the hood and is not visible when driving on the road.

 

[EricBu12]

if you dont have a winter front. . pm me to inquire,, I make them

 

[DBentley]

I don't use a winter cover.
Thats a good idea.
Thanks

 

[RHestand]

A cheap and easy idea would be to cut a pc. of cardboard to fit, and slip it between your inter-cooler and radiater. If you like the results (better and quicker heat) then buy a winter cover.

I did this last winter in WI. It worked so well I still haven't bought a winter cover yet.

Ray

P. S. Also be sure to cut about a 6-7" round hole approx. in line with the center of the fan, so the fan can cycle off and on as needed.

 

[MillerR]

Funny, I've always been impressed at how hot my heater gets. 'Course, I'm in the NW... not sure how much colder you get where you are. We do have days that get in the 20s though and I've always been able to stay plenty warm in the truck... Could it be a truck to truck difference?

 

[DBentley]

The heater cores in these trucks are pretty small. Around 8"x8"x1".

I think this is the problem.

Im sure the quad and reg cab have the same size core

 

[MVenditti]

Mine put out heat within 2 miles of my house even before gauge gets going as long as its on recirculate. Maybe the valve that controls water flow is not working right.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Diesels take some time to warm up. When it's really cold outside and I don't use the block heater mine starts to produce useable heat after 4 or 5 miles and just gets full heat by ther time I get to work 11 miles away. This was my experience with either the gen 2 or gen 3 trucks.

 

[DBentley]

I can run the truck hard all day and still never have enough heat from the last 2 dodge diesel trucks i have owned.
Last truck i did 2 t stats,heater core etc. before i found out there isnt any fix except a big coat.

 

[AABEN]

I do not have any trouble with heat. I thank you need to have it checked out. I have good heat in about 7 miles i will cut it back after i have ran 30 miles. run heater fan on 2 I do have the Quad cab.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

You still have one more fix to try before giving up and buying a new truck... the winter front. Worked fairly well in Alaska... maybe it was tepid in Alaska...

 

[rx7pat]

heat

Aircon on recycle turne cold/hot to full hot cab will heat in a few min

 

[DBentley]

Aircon on recycle turne cold/hot to full hot cab will heat in a few min

I am using the recycle setting with no air from the outside.

I even blocked the door with solid foam up behind the glove box that lets in exterior air so no air ever comes into the truck.

Winter front is the next step.

Then a big carhart coat

 

[NLeach]

You have a PM

 

[bheiting]

The winter front really makes a difference. Just make sure vent is partly open for
the intercooler.

 

[DonFitzwater]

My truck (06) has always had really good heat down to about -30. I do use a cold front below 0 and I did install an Espar Hydronic 5, that is awesome. Someone said they don't supplement heat to the cab when running but that is straight up bull$hit. Mine will cook you out at -55 F. It wouldn't do that before I installed the Espar heater. It also heats my engine up more while I'm driving as before the installation the engine would barely register engine temp at really low ambient temps.

 

[EricBu12]

Heres my winter front. . It has a little space on each side and all air goes through the intercooler. . just not as much of it. .



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Pic of the mounting



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