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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'93 Mazda MPV, The Worst Heater
Q:
I have a ‘93 Mazda MPV 4WD van it is a V-6 3.0 and it
has the worst heater I have ever seen. This is the 1st winter I had it,
and may be the last. I flushed the system, and replaced the thermostat,
also replaced the radiator with a brand new one, put a brand new water
pump and new 13lb. radiator cap as well. All this work was done to end
up with a heater that does not put out more then a very little heat and
I mean very little. What else can I do to it, so my wife can see this
winter to drive it to work? Any help will keep peace at the table in the
morning......Allen Schaffner
A:
The way the temp’s been dropping in this area I would not want to
be across the breakfast table from my wife if her vehicle did not have
heat. My mother inlaw, that’s a different story. She could use having
her rockets cooled down just a bit. If coolant flow is good through the
heater core and the engine is at the correct operating temperature then
I would question the positioning or the gaskets of the temperature blend
door. The temperature blend door directs the flow of air over the heater
core. If the gaskets on the door are worn or missing, the door is mispositioned
or broken it will allow cold air to enter the passenger compartment. The
result would be the chilling of the love of your life. This can have a
chilling repercussion that can go far beyond the breakfast table. If all
else checks good misdirect air flow could be the problem.
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