Lightweight heater / Not doing much heating

[NichollsA]

Dear all,

Thank you for your assistance so far. In the few days I've been a member of this forum I've had some outstanding advice from many members.

Okay, I managed to get my wife aboard for test drive the other day, and one (of the many) issues reported was the heater. Even after a 20 minute run down the motorway the output could only best be described as 'slightly above freezing'. Is this just a feature of the lightweight, or is mine broken somewhere?

Kind regards

Andy

[57Kb17]

Hi, just check that the tap on the block is open, it might be just that. All the best Adrian.

[fv1620]

I used to disconnect the tube from the screen demister & stick it up my left trouser leg.

[alz]

The flat heaters have bad reputation, and my one was pitiful in a Scottish winter.
In desperation, I took it off - not an easy job - replaced the hoses, totally dismantled and cleaned the inside of heater, and now it gets really hot.
Only problem is with windscreen tubes...they keep misting up the glass!

[stanfonj]

They're also tricky to bleed. I've just replaced my radiator, hoses etc and since then cannot get all the air out, so my heater isn't as warm as it used to be. If you're getting plenty of hot water through then it's not a bad heater.

[chipbury]

I've got a flat heater and it works well, although when my wife comes out in the lightweight she always dresses accordingly!

[Bob Fell]

Bottom line is this, if you're comparing it's output with a modern car heater, forget it. It's what it is, slightly warm to warm in winter, hotter in summer when you don't need it. The oil cooler doesn't help as they are very efficient in keeping the engine temp down. As said check the heater tap, air locks I've never had a problem with, might pay you to do a good rad flush to clear any crud.
It's 50's technology after all; as the good lady does, dress accordingly
Cheers,
Bob

[airportableffr]

was the heater cool to touch or the cab in general? If the heater is cool then there's something wrong with the heating process. If the cab is cool then it could be drafts and poor door seals sucking out the heat.
Even with the heater off mine gets quite warm from the engine roaring away just a few inches on the other side of the bulkhead. But before I sorted out the seals it never got warm at all- especially when cruising.

[NichollsA]

was the heater cool to touch or the cab in general? If the heater is cool then there's something wrong with the heating process. If the cab is cool then it could be drafts and poor door seals sucking out the heat.
Even with the heater off mine gets quite warm from the engine roaring away just a few inches on the other side of the bulkhead. But before I sorted out the seals it never got warm at all- especially when cruising.

The flat black heater box doesn't get warm at all, and even after a while the air blowing on the windows is cold. Someone mentioned a 'tap' for the heater. Apologies but no idea where to find this, have tried Google!

[v8 power]

Just a thought here,might it be thermostat stuck open,is temperature gauge showing hot ,thermostat cheap and easy to replace.good luck. Other option in stall v8 engine,my trainers melted to the floor from the heat off the manifolds