Heater Issue

[avking]

I just picked up a '95 H1 Wagon (Diesel) and have HVAC issues. I knew about them when I purchased it, so it is no big deal. I have the original HVAC system with the digital control panel. I know these systems are terrible and that the $4500 conversion is what most will tell me to do. I will be doing that, but I want to try and fix what I have in the meantime.

The blower works fine and at all the speeds it should blow at. The problem is that the air temp is the same no matter what I set it to. I know the A/C has a leak and is probalby empty and that would keep me from getting any cold air. But even after three hours of driving, the air does not heat up when set to the highest heat setting.

Can I get some pointers on what to look at to get the heat working? I really need the defroster to work at least a little, this time of year.

I ordered the service manuals, but will not have them for at least a week and want to try and work on the issue this weekend.

Thanks in advance. (I am located in Santa Barbara, CA).

[HUMTECH]

Check the heater shutoff valve located behind and below the batteries, an electric actuator that allows coolant flow through the heater core. If this actuator is not working you will get no flow through the core.

[Yetti]

well if the control valve is open and the hoses are getting hot then I would say its got a heater control issue under the dash.
IF the hoses are not getting hot given its age I would suggest a coolant flush. it maybe very plugged up.
secondly check the anti freeze. if the coolant is set to more then -30* it is to pure. if it does not have water mixed in the right ratio it won't absorbe heat from the engine and transfer it to the heater.

[ssgharkness020147]

There is a shop in Chicago called Lefty's. They were/are the only place I can think of that offers repair items for the pre-97.5 HVAC systems. I know the previous owner of my truck had a good relationship with Lefty's, and liked there service quite a bit. I believe they have changed owners now, and did hear of someone getting burned there. With that being said I'm not vouching for their rep.