Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum, been searching and searching for answers, I hope you all can help.

I just bought a 98 camry with the 2.2l in it. It needed a new radiator, so I put one in it, had no heat. Made sure the system had no air in it. Still no heat, changed the thermostat, no heat. Changed the temp sensor in the bottom of the radiator, again, no heat. the heater hoses to the fire wall are both hot. The temp gauge is just under half. I'm kind of stumped. It blows hot air for about 5 seconds, then cools off. Help!! It's cold here in Michigan!! Thanks!

 

One heater hose going to the firewall has a valve installed that controls the amount of coolant circulating through the heater core. If the climate control system is manual this valve connects to the heater **** inside the car by a push pull cable.

Make sure the valve fully opens.

The heater core may have coolant debris built up inside the heater tube. Remove the hoses going to the firewall and attempt to run water from a hose full pressure into one of the hoses to flush any debris out the other.

Note: Suggest not attempting to remove the hoses at the firewall as the metal tubing these hoses are connected is very soft and could be damaged. Remove the other end of the hoses, perhaps at the plumbing coming off the cylinder head.

 

Thanks for the reply, I'll try this tomorrow and see what I find!

 

there are two sensors I believe in the plumbing that comes off of the cylinder head that the upper radiator hose and the heater hoses attach to. Would those have anything to do with the problem?

 

If the heater control is manual (your turn a **** ranging from hot to cold) versus an automatic where you set the temp then there are no sensors.

If a manual system the driver adjusts the temperature with the **** connected to the heater valve that opens and closes.

 

Thanks, it's manual. I followed the cable and it turned the valve you're talking about I believe. I can hear a change in air flow, and there is a temp change from cold to a very small amount if warmth. I can also hear something "shut" when the temp control is turned one way or the other. If I undo the upper or lower radiator hose and flush from there, will it get the heater core as well? Thanks!

 

The best approach to get the maximum flushing action is flush the heater core separately.

Be sure to remove both lines or any debris flushed out will get into the coolant system.

 

Thanks! Think that's the most likely issue at this point?