Bad heating issue (sorry for another thread!)

[mx3_ryder]

I don't want to hijack this thread but, I have a somewhat similar situation. My heater works fine until I get to a stoplight (or anywhere else it's just idling) and it immediately turns cold... Any thoughts on what the cause is?

Same problem I have with my Accord. How cold is it there?

 

[f4phantom.jw]

Typically 20's or 30's

 

[profdlp]

I don't want to hijack this thread but, I have a somewhat similar situation. My heater works fine until I get to a stoplight (or anywhere else it's just idling) and it immediately turns cold... Any thoughts on what the cause is?

Does it keep the heat going alright if you give it a little gas and keep the engine RPMs up? If that's the case I might suspect a water pump.

(I am an Instant Expert™ since I just did mine over the weekend.)

 

[f4phantom.jw]

Yes, it works perfect in that situation. How difficult is it to change the water pump?

 

[profdlp]

I would get a second opinion before diving in - it might be something simpler. I was being a little tongue-in-cheek with my "Instant Expert™ " crack.

If you do need to change it, here you go:

[YT]j9xCAXg9-5s[/YT]

I am mechanically inclined but had little experience with motor vehicles. If that video looks doable to you and you have a good socket set and torque wrench it is a simple job. I had a few problems, but they were mostly due to bad luck. I tried to replace the thermostat while I was at it and got a dud, then had the O-Ring on the radiator draincock fail. Neither was expensive but were a pain in the butt when working outside in 10-degree weather.

Play-by-play here:

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/water-pumps-n00bs-57502/

Like I said, I'd hold out for a second opinion before you start ripping parts off. The water pump cost me $50, so that part isn't bad. Make sure you use HOAT coolant ONLY, though, or you'll be doing it again before you want to.

 

[twowings]

^^
x1 what he said:

Amazon.com: Genuine Mopar Fluid 68048953AB Antifreeze/Coolant - 1 Gallon Bottle: Automotive

 

[profdlp]

You can use the Zerex G-05, too. It's about ten buck a gallon cheaper and is available at NAPA. There is a list of about a dozen certified brands floating around here somewhere but I'll be danged if I can find it.

 

[f4phantom.jw]

Thank you for all the good information!

 

[ltd02]

I don't want to hijack this thread but, I have a somewhat similar situation. My heater works fine until I get to a stoplight (or anywhere else it's just idling) and it immediately turns cold... Any thoughts on what the cause is?

Low coolant can cause this too. Been there. I'd check that first, then go with the WP.

 

[f4phantom.jw]

Thanks, I will be sure to check that today.