Heat not working good all the time?

I have a 95 Tacoma and my heat does not do well it seems when the temperature is below 40. I have changed the thermostat twice in the last two years and the temperature gauge never seems to get more than a quarter way up when the temperature is very cold outside. when its in the 40s or higher it seems like the heat is much warmer than when it is in the 30s. I have also flushed my heater core multiple times and have been told that it is nothing clogging it to make the heat less efficient. does anyone have any ideas?

 

Did you install a 195 thermostat ?
Get an infrared thermometer. With the engine at operating temp. See if there are any cold areas on the radiator. The engine should run at 185 at least. If not. I'd make an aluminum block off for part of the radiator. Start with cardboard to see if you can raise the motor temp to normal.

 

im not sure what type of thermostat is on but I do know its been replaced twice and it will rise to halfway like it should on a normal warm day but when the temperature drops low it does not rise but maybe a 1/4 way up on the guage.

 

Something that trucks do (and folks that live in cold areas) is make a vinyl cover that goes ovr the grill to reduce the flow of air. Air will still be pulled through by the fan, but you don't get the forced air cooling effect.

 

and its been like this for about 3 years now the only thing iv been told that might be the problem is that the heater core may be bad but I just haven't felt like trying that because I was told you had to remove the entire dash just about and I don't really want anyone tearing into that and taking a chance of ruining something and not being able to put it all back together as smoothly as it should be

 

so what does that mean as far as the heat not working good and the thermostat not rising like it should

 

Temp rheostat inop or cable broken, not allowing flow to the core?

 

what kind of cable?

 

If the temp is getting up to normal, but heater is not heating as it should, look toward heater core/heater control valve/temp controls. Another possibility is air trapped in the system.
If the engine is not getting up to temp, look at the thermostat or airflow. Thermostat would be failed open. Excessive airflow in cold environments can cause poor heating conditions by not allowing the coolant to reach and maintain temp.

 

On the firewall there is a valve that the heater hose attaches to. This valve is controlled by a cable (or vacuum, not sure on 1st gen). If the cable or vacuum line isn't functioning correctly, it could prevent the valve from opening and allowing flow. There will be a similar connection behind the actual controls on the dash.

 

Connection between the temp control and core.

Windsor maybe on to something.

Also, the conditions may not be related and you have 2 different issues.

 

'95 def. has a cable. look on firewall while someone slides the temp control back and forth, then make sure that valve is getting opened ALL the way open. I like cables better but even they are known to rust up and fail. The truck is old.

 

Reach down and grab the radiator fan and give it a spin. When the engine is cold, first thing in the morning. Then go for a drive, a good 15 minutes, it should be warm by then. Now turn off the engine and grab the fan and give it a spin. You should notice a difference. It might still be tight and spinning with the motor pulling waaaay to much air.

 

^^^ What "cruxofthebisquit" said. Does it get any warmer if you have it on air recirculate? The inlet heater hose should be as warm as the upper radiator hose the other one without water valve will be cooler.

Many owners have had their Taco's in -0 temps and heater worked fine. I'd still kinda lean to T-stat if water valve is ok.

 

what or where is the fire wall?

 

but would that cause it to not work all the time or not work half the time? like I said it only does in very cold conditions

 

Really?

 

it can be partially open and cause your symptoms

 

Really dumbass I wouldn't ask a question I already knew the answer to

 

Thank you!