Heater Problems plz help (loning truck to my mom in NY)

[96Blacklimited]

Got my first 4runner in February this year. It was sitting for 5years an only had 68k on the vehicle. Its winter now in NC and the heat that comes out is bearly hot, more like engine heat lol. So i brought it to the stealership since i bough a warranty through Fedelis (Don't waste your money) Fedelis is not worth it, too much hastle and they don't pay too fix anything. They claimed that if the heater core is jacked, i was looking @ $1100 worth of work (lol, lol) but if it just need too be flushed (they think it might just be clogged) its gonna cost me about $300. Even that is just crazy.
So my question then is, has anyone took on the task of any heater/core issues? If so, how hard is the work and was it tedious? Pl

 

[bgmac]

Could just be the thermostat...I would replace that first

 

[96Blacklimited]

Could just be the thermostat...I would replace that first

Thanks man, but i also replaced the thermostat when i added a new radiator. I had a little trouble locating the heater hoses that leads to the heater core, but i have located them and i think i am going to make sure the lines are not clogged.

 

[004Gunner]

Thanks man, but i also replaced the thermostat when i added a new radiator. I had a little trouble locating the heater hoses that leads to the heater core, but i have located them and i think i am going to make sure the lines are not clogged.

Was the coolant flushed with the new radiator install? I would start by replacing the fluid if that was not already done with the t-stat and radiator replacement. Sitting for 5 years means ALL fluids should be replaced.

 

[JeremyH]

I've never had to replace a heater core, but I've installed an AC unit on a vehicle that required I remove the heater box (where the heater core is located) to access and modify the AC blend door. It is a tedious and time consuming job....but not hard. You have to remove a good portion of the dash. The heater core is located on the inside of the vehicle at the firewall, right where the AC drain is located. I'm not sure if a flush would work, but it's worth a shot. I've heard of folks removing the input and output lines and flushing them with a water hose by sticking the hose in one of the lines and running water until it flows freely. I am sure that a shop will have a fancier method, but it's worth a shot to save yourself some money.

 

[96Blacklimited]

I've never had to replace a heater core, but I've installed an AC unit on a vehicle that required I remove the heater box (where the heater core is located) to access and modify the AC blend door. It is a tedious and time consuming job....but not hard. You have to remove a good portion of the dash. The heater core is located on the inside of the vehicle at the firewall, right where the AC drain is located. I'm not sure if a flush would work, but it's worth a shot. I've heard of folks removing the input and output lines and flushing them with a water hose by sticking the hose in one of the lines and running water until it flows freely. I am sure that a shop will have a fancier method, but it's worth a shot to save yourself some money.

Thanks man, i was thinking about that last night. (Just found those input and output hoses that are on the fire wall) so when i ( removing the input and output lines and flushing them with a water hose by sticking the hose in one of the lines and running water until it flows freely) i would still have to drain my radiator right? i run Toyota coolant so i don't wanna waste it lol.

 

[JeremyH]

You would likely lose some coolant, but if you keep the hoses up high, then the loss should be minimal. With that said, it is always a good idea to flush your radiator every few years and add new coolant. Remember, if you need to add water, use either distilled or deionized water. Tap water contains minerals and can clog your radiator.