The Ford Barn

Joe Shell · 12-08-2013, 08:01 AM

The heater in my 36 is the type with the heater hoses connected to the upper and lower rad hoses. It worked fine until I drained and flushed cooling system and added fresh AF. Now the heater blows cool air even though the engine temp is normal. Any ideas. Could the problem be no circulation thru heater core due to air? How would I get the air out if necessary?

Thank,

Joe

Walt Dupont--Me. · 12-08-2013, 08:23 AM

Sounds like the heater plugged. Remove the heater hoses and take a garden hose and try to flush out the heater both ways. Walt

Kube · 12-08-2013, 08:42 AM

I'm guessing you have an air pocket. This was typical of many cars in the 1970's early 80's. It had to do with the location of the hoses and heater core in relation to the radiator.
We used to simply remove the cap and allow the system to flow freely until the pocket was gone.
Might not work as well in a slow flowing system.

Once your car is to temp, grab hold of each heater hose and check (by touch is good enough) is they 1) feel hot and 2) both feel about the same. They should both be hot and about the same temperature.

Joe Shell · 12-08-2013, 10:14 AM

Thanks Walt. And Kube. Heater worked perfect before AF was changed. I'll try your suggestions after breakfast. Like to drive this 36 almost daily and it's getting cold here on Long Island (NY).

Barlea · 12-08-2013, 10:38 AM

Loosen the top heater hose at the firewall and let the air burp out. Have a towel in place to catch the coolant which will come when the air is released. ..B.

Don · 12-08-2013, 11:02 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You might have to just put a little pressure in the radiator to move the air lock along,not much tho..

L78CHEVELLE · 12-08-2013, 02:14 PM

This may not have anything to do with your problem, but anti-freeze has gotten so specific that it is made for certain brands of cars. GM has their own anti-freeze that is a reddish color. I have seen people try to mix these different types of anti-freeze and the chemical reaction of the mixing closed small openings in their cooling system. You may have a chemical reaction between the old anti-freeze you had in the system and the new anti-freeze you put in. Look on the new anti-freeze container and see if it says it will mix with all types of anti-freeze. Just a thought trying to help.

Joe Shell · 12-08-2013, 03:48 PM

Thanks L78. Good thought.
Just checked the empty Prestone jugs and luckily the label reads "can be used with any color antifreeze". I did flush the system twice before adding the new AF.

I disconnected the top heater hose at the firewall and I think some air came out. Reconnected and let car idle for 20 min. Temp gauge only went to the halfway mark, but I did get some warmth from the heater. Heater hoses were about as warm as radiator hoses. Think I'm alright now. Thanks to all for suggestions.

Joe

G.M. · 12-08-2013, 08:16 PM

Sounds like you need Bob Shewman's [email protected] thermostats or cardboard over about 1/3 rd of the radiator at the bottom. It will just lay against the radiator with the incoming air holding it in place. G.M.

billwill · 12-08-2013, 08:20 PM

Youhave air in thcolding system try bleeding the system

epw1949 · 12-08-2013, 08:47 PM

Joe,years ago some the aftermarket hot water heaters had bleeder valves on the upper hose connection just for the problem your having.I know goodrich water heaters did have such valve.So with that said:Just loosen the highest heater hose connection and let the air bleed out , do this when engine is warm,heat makes pressure,and pressure will force the air out.Like I said loosen,do not remove upper heater hose.I hope this helps.E.P.W.

12-08-2013, 08:01 AM	#1
Joe Shell Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 72	Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat The heater in my 36 is the type with the heater hoses connected to the upper and lower rad hoses. It worked fine until I drained and flushed cooling system and added fresh AF. Now the heater blows cool air even though the engine temp is normal. Any ideas. Could the problem be no circulation thru heater core due to air? How would I get the air out if necessary? Thank, Joe

12-08-2013, 08:23 AM	#2
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Sounds like the heater plugged. Remove the heater hoses and take a garden hose and try to flush out the heater both ways. Walt

12-08-2013, 08:42 AM	#3
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,007	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat I'm guessing you have an air pocket. This was typical of many cars in the 1970's early 80's. It had to do with the location of the hoses and heater core in relation to the radiator. We used to simply remove the cap and allow the system to flow freely until the pocket was gone. Might not work as well in a slow flowing system. Once your car is to temp, grab hold of each heater hose and check (by touch is good enough) is they 1) feel hot and 2) both feel about the same. They should both be hot and about the same temperature. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

12-08-2013, 10:14 AM	#4
Joe Shell Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 72	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Thanks Walt. And Kube. Heater worked perfect before AF was changed. I'll try your suggestions after breakfast. Like to drive this 36 almost daily and it's getting cold here on Long Island (NY).

12-08-2013, 10:38 AM	#5
Barlea Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Central Alberta Posts: 441	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Loosen the top heater hose at the firewall and let the air burp out. Have a towel in place to catch the coolant which will come when the air is released. ..B.

12-08-2013, 11:02 AM	#6
Don Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ashland KY Posts: 1,159	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You might have to just put a little pressure in the radiator to move the air lock along,not much tho.. __________________ DON P

12-08-2013, 02:14 PM	#7
L78CHEVELLE Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London Kentucky Posts: 356	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat This may not have anything to do with your problem, but anti-freeze has gotten so specific that it is made for certain brands of cars. GM has their own anti-freeze that is a reddish color. I have seen people try to mix these different types of anti-freeze and the chemical reaction of the mixing closed small openings in their cooling system. You may have a chemical reaction between the old anti-freeze you had in the system and the new anti-freeze you put in. Look on the new anti-freeze container and see if it says it will mix with all types of anti-freeze. Just a thought trying to help.

12-08-2013, 03:48 PM	#8
Joe Shell Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 72	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Thanks L78. Good thought. Just checked the empty Prestone jugs and luckily the label reads "can be used with any color antifreeze". I did flush the system twice before adding the new AF. I disconnected the top heater hose at the firewall and I think some air came out. Reconnected and let car idle for 20 min. Temp gauge only went to the halfway mark, but I did get some warmth from the heater. Heater hoses were about as warm as radiator hoses. Think I'm alright now. Thanks to all for suggestions. Joe

12-08-2013, 08:16 PM	#9
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Sounds like you need Bob Shewman's [email protected] thermostats or cardboard over about 1/3 rd of the radiator at the bottom. It will just lay against the radiator with the incoming air holding it in place. G.M. __________________ www.fordcollector.com

12-08-2013, 08:20 PM	#10
billwill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: capemaynewjersey Posts: 653	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Youhave air in thcolding system try bleeding the system

12-08-2013, 08:47 PM	#11
epw1949 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Hamphire Posts: 1,320	Re: Changed antifreeze in my 36 now no heat Joe,years ago some the aftermarket hot water heaters had bleeder valves on the upper hose connection just for the problem your having.I know goodrich water heaters did have such valve.So with that said:Just loosen the highest heater hose connection and let the air bleed out , do this when engine is warm,heat makes pressure,and pressure will force the air out.Like I said loosen,do not remove upper heater hose.I hope this helps.E.P.W.