Okay, the specs...

85 4runner, rebuilt 22re, heat never worked.

When I put the new engine in, I left the heater core capped off.

I have a couple options, but I am looking for opinions.

Option one: replace the stock heater core and controls (they don't work and were removed)

Option two: Mohave Heater

Option Three: Get a power inverter and run a small space heater.




Now, option one is the most labor intensive, but gives a factory look (which is not overly important to me). The stock system works decently well.

For option two, I have to drill some fairly large holes in the firewall and mount a whole new unit in a way that will allow it to heat the front seats.

Option three seems to be the easiest, but I don't know how well this will work, and maybe the danger of fire... A simple power inverter wired in and then a space heater mounted to the floor behind the front seats to heat...


Again option three will be the easiest, but I want someone to play devils advocate.

 

Yeah dude, When I read option 3 all I was thinking about

I say option 1, just git r done...

 

Try back flushing the heater core. How? Shove hose into return line, open the heater valve and force water to flow through the core. Repeat with a forward flush and alternate back and forward until the water comes out clear.

Space heater will take lots of current, say a 1000watt heater (about the power of a hair dryer) is about 80 amps at 12 volts. Your alternator only puts out like 60 amps total less what all the engine loads are.

 

That's not what I wanted to hear...lol... Looks like I am in for a weekend of work to get the heater core and controls working again.

 

Where exactly are the inlet and outlet to the heater core? I know they are on the firewall somewhere..

 

Inlet = where the coolant enters the core (i.e. the pipe with the valve on it)
Outlet = where the coolant returns to the engine (i.e the other pipe)

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ne_Pix/14.html

 

Its not that hard to replace the stock heater core, you do have to remove the complete dash to get to the heater core, ive done two, both in 86 4Runners, it takes about 4 hours from start to finish.

 

I've got dash removal on these things down to an art. I'll bet you a fiddle of gold, against your soul, that I can do it faster than you

 

I need to do the same thing in my '85 2wd, I think. Wanna make a day of it sometime? I'm in Highlands Ranch.