I found a few posts on here that almost answered my question but not quite, hoping you guys can give me a hand.

 

I've got a 91' Loyale with a manual tranny. I had this car parked for 3 years or so and started driving it again last winter. I noticed on a cold day the heat wasn't working like it use too. It was the end of winter so didn't pay much attention to it and I'm gone for most of the summer's. Now it's winter and cold again and i've paid more attention when I have heat and not. Always have just a bit (lots of air coming out vents) but when the engine temp goes up (which is usually just above the first line) then I get some good heat which is about 3 percent of the time.

Could this be a sticky thermostat messing with me?

 

Any help would be nice. Thanks in advance!

When you say "engine temp goes up" what do you mean? Above the normal operating range?

 

Typically with EA82's I like to see 1/3 to 1/2 on the guage if it's working properly (by no means certain).

 

The first thing you need to do is take some temp readings - inlet and outlet of the radiator, and make sure the surface is uniform. It should show a smooth transistion from 195 to 210 degrees at the thermostat housing to less at the water pump inlet.

 

You might have a sticking thermostat, or you might have a clogged radiator core, etc.

 

You have verified that the coolant is full? If you are low on coolant the heater core won't have any flow through it.

 

GD

Coolant is full, could use a flush if sure... The temp gauge will read nothing most of the time, every now and again it will pop up just a bit maybe 1/8" or so. When it's up just a bit then I get some heat. Under normal conditions it will come up for just a bit, but under stress like climbing it will read for the entire climb but still only 1/8" reading.

Definitely replace your thermostat. Sounds like it's stuck or locked open.

 

GD

Definitely replace your thermostat. Sounds like it's stuck or locked open.

 

GD

 

BINGO!

 

Replace thermostat, use dealer thermostat and gasket. You'll be good to go.

 

Install, then enjoy all the heaty goodness that will come your way.

 

-Caleb

Thanks guys... I'm going to pick one up tomorrow just in time for some warmer weather i'm sure.

Yeah - the OEM thermostat and gasket is a much better product than the parts store crap.

 

GD