I drive an '83 240 to work and back. When the car is warm the temperature doesn't go much above the first line on the gauge. If I have the heater running on high it sometimes won't even get over the first line. I need to replace the radiator because I put a small hole in the edge of it last year when I replace the engine wiring harness. I just have to watch my water level carefully to make sure it is topped off. I'm wondering if the radiator is the problem with it not heating up or if there is something else I can do to get it to produce a little more heat. Any advice will be much appreciated.

Justin

Certainly sounds as if you've also got a faulty thermostat, one opening too early (at too low a temperature) -- sometimes they'll stick open (constantly open -- there's another thread this same day, a little further down, about that), and you won't get any heat in this season.

Several things come to mind here.

The small leak in the radiator could be fixed with a metal epoxy repair - such as JB's Metal weld.

You mix the 2 parts into a paste - work it into the leak area (cleaned and sanded to roughen the surface first.

ALSO - your comment regarding the temperature guage reading sounds like your thermostat is not functioning properly.

Ths is located inside the housing where the top radiator hose goes into the block (top front of the engine).
When you get the thermostat from the parts store get a gasket also.

I would recommend this as a first step - then see how the heat is - if the coolant is not getting warm enough - then it cannot transfer sufficient heat into the passenger compartment.


If you have not had a cooling system service for a few years - than the small ports within the radiator and the heater core (like a small radiator that provides the heat into your interior.)

Only do a coolant system flush and service if you are prepared to replace the heater core and/or the radiator. Many times with older cars - the solder joints break down - but no leaks occur since "scale" builds up inside the core.

When you flush the cooling system, the scale is removed, and then the small leaks are evident. Resoldering/replacing is your option then.


ALSO - is there any "sweet" smell in the interior when the heater/defrost is on - if you notice that - or any moisture build-up on the interior glass when the defroster is blowing warm air - this indicates the heater core has pinhole leaks.


good Luck

GH

Either the thermostat (I hope) or the heater control valve. I've seen them get stuck and not open.

Hope this helps,

Chris