GooseJeep

Hey guys, I've got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee sport that I purchased a few weeks ago and have been working on, I recently realized that the heat doesnt work..too well. The fan blows hard (haha) but the heat is a fraction of what it should be on full hot setting. It comes out like a like a nice summer breeze's level of heat, which is not very hot at all for those of you wondering. Ideally i'd like to do the repair myself, any places I check for irregularities? This is my first time dealing with jeeps. All advice is appreciated!


Thanks!

RTorrez1

Flush the heater core. Try the search function on here there are hundreds of threads on it.

Roler

Yep, sounds like a good start to solve your issue....back and forward flush a few times, and I bet your heat will be like our summer breeze here atm

dt1050

maybe thermostat. not to sound like a ..., but is it full of anti-freeze?

GooseJeep

Okay so from my understanding of searching other threads and forums, I should flush the heater core. Here is what I've got on how to do that...


1. Unhook the 2 hoses from the radiator
2. Connect the bottom hose to a garden hose
3. Flush with water for about 5 minutes
4. Connect the garden hose to the top hose and flush again
5. Connect the hoses and heat should be ready.

Is this correct? Do I have to use anything else? I read somethings about acids and what not, do I have to flush the radiator too as well? Will there be any water remaning in the heater core that wont flush out that can cause problems later?

This just seems TOO simple, and I know jeep is known for simple fixes, but really?

Also I found this video, the comments on it seem to confirm that it works, I just wanted to double check before I do something I might regret later in the long run.

Video: Youtube:

FTHESHACK

That's pretty much all there is to it. Don't forget to top off the cooling system with anti freeze after you're done flushing the heater core.

Roler

dont worrry about the water left in there, it will mix with the coolant once everything is back connected.
flushing for 5 minutes is a waste of water. Just watch it come out, it will be obvious when you can flush the other hose. Repeat that 2-3 times. Some put some CRL through it, some do other stuff, some dont.
It will likely be enough to give you good heat, so yes, it sometimes CAN be that simple. Enjoy it, there will be other repairs/fixes will take more time and frustration

flushing the radiator at the same time is an idea, but don't expect to flush out much crap, the best way is a reverse flush, which you can't do with your garden hose, unless you remove the radiator, which you probably wont.

So, just go out there and do it, and enjoy some heat before the cold is gone...

CCKen

What makes you think you have to flush your heater core?

How does your anti-freeze look, is it all rusty looking, or is it nice and green?

When the engine is up to normal operating temp, are both heater hoses hot to the touch?

Is the upper radiator hose all plumped up and hot to the touch?

GooseJeep

I do not have hot air in the cabin when I turn it on, even at full blast. Occasionally it will be a little warm but most of the time it is just a cold breeze.

Its disgusting, I need to flush out the radiator, will get it done this Friday.

Yes the hoses are hot to touch.

CCKen

Genrerally, if both heater hoses are equally hot it means fluid is flowing through the heater core.

GooseJeep

It is brown, dark dark brown, and chunky.

CCKen

Do you think it's overdue... LOL

Be aware that the 2000/01 cylinder head, casting number 0331, has a problem with cracking, due in part to overheating. Poor cooling system maintenance has contributed to this problem. Appears as though your'e looking at it.

Due a Google search of the Cherokeeforum.com for 0331 cylinder head cracking.

Others here may jump in and give you addition guidance on this. Listen up.

Cheers

JackJare9455

wow... dont ever let your cooling system get that bad man! thats like letting your oil go unchanged... thats blood for your jeep!

BlueRidgeMark

Some people like their coffee that way, but it's definitely not a good thing for your radiator.

GooseJeep

Haha yea, pretty overdue. I bought it 2 weeks ago though, and the cylinder head was cracked, the entire engine was replaced actually hahaha. I guess they didnt think to change rad fluid when they swapped it... oh well.. will have to wait till friday as much as I'd like to get it done sooner.

I appreciate all the advice.