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2002 Buick Rendevous Heat question
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johnatwork
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Oct 4, 2013, 1:33 PM
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2002 Buick Rendevous Heat question
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Have a Buick Rendevous 2002 with 160000kms. The cooling system was flushed by my mechanic this spring during a complete check up of the vehicle. Now that the summer is over and I am calling for heat most mornings, I notice the air temp out of the vents seems only moderate even with setting at high and car at running temp. Once the outside air climbs to 8 - 10 celsius the heated air seems to be a bit higher. Because it IS a Buick, I would think the system should be capable of much more noticeable heat.
I bought the vehicle from the original owner at 120000 k and seemed to produce pretty good heat at that time. My mechanic told me that at some time a stop leak additive had been put into the system and he was afraid to flush it too vigorously in case things might start leaking again. There have been no leaks detected since I have owned it.
My question is ... 1) once a stop leak product has done its job, can it actually be flushed back out of the problem area? and 2) would it make any difference if the heater hoses were installed reverse on the core?
Any help is appreciated. John
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 4, 2013, 2:51 PM
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Re: 2002 Buick Rendevous Heat question
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John - IMO most stop leak will flush out and most seems to be some sawdust concoction that can stop a leak AND cause problems. May not last or work at all and to be avoided. Many different brands and claims all about that junk.
Unfortunately it would likely collect at a heater core even if that wasn't where the leak was if this has really had it in it.
Other is if this car has "climate control" it really shouldn't blast hot air at you but more volume till it reaches desired interior temp. Another thing and you said you've owned it some KMs is to me anyway after Summer the cold of Fall seems colder than the same temp when Winters give in to Spring.
Other II: It may also have a cabin air filter that is dirty - if so check or replace it. That would more likely hurt volume not the actual temp.
If not climate controlled most will put out close to the thermostat's rating when engine is fully warmed up. That could be pretty close to 100C or so or most vehicles run a 195F thermostat.
I don't drive a wild assortment of vehicles over a period of time but have owned zillions. Climate controlled ones of any make never did blow real hot air. Pain in the butt if you are trying to de-ice a damn car from an ice storm as it's all happy in there but slower to let you clear it off in those situations.
It's also older and heat exchange anything does seem to be compromised with age and just plain dirt inside system or outside. Check actual output temps with a real thermometer could help decide if there's a real issue or not,
T
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Hammer Time
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Oct 4, 2013, 2:52 PM
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All stop leak does is ruin a system. You have to flush the heater core out if you ever expect to have heat. You don't have to flush the rest of the system if it's not overheating.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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johnatwork
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Oct 4, 2013, 4:34 PM
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Hammer ...Thank you for the advice. Do you have any thoughts on my question about the hoses?
(This post was edited by johnatwork on Oct 4, 2013, 4:36 PM)
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johnatwork
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Oct 4, 2013, 4:35 PM
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Tom ....
Thank you for the advice. Do you have any thoughts on my question about the hoses?
(This post was edited by johnatwork on Oct 4, 2013, 4:37 PM)
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Discretesignals
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Oct 4, 2013, 4:39 PM
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I wonder kind of leak the stop leak is hiding. The intake gaskets are leakers on those.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
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Oct 4, 2013, 4:43 PM
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Yes, it could make a difference if the hoses are reversed. The flow is engineered to keep the core full at all times. Some cars it matters and some it doesn't.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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johnatwork
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Oct 11, 2013, 10:15 AM
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Thank you for your comments. This heater core has both the inlet and the outlet located at the top. I think the core would be full either way. I was thinking that after flushing it if I connected them in the oposite, it might eventually flush everything out and work better. Comments??
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johnatwork
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Oct 11, 2013, 10:17 AM
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Is there any way to know if the intake gaskets are leaking? The engine runs smooth and idols smooth.
(This post was edited by johnatwork on Oct 11, 2013, 10:18 AM)
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Hammer Time
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Oct 11, 2013, 12:48 PM
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If the intake is leaking on the outside it will be visible. If it's leaking on the inside it will be in the oil.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
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Oct 11, 2013, 2:06 PM
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If you can't plain see it you need tests.
If I didn't say it again by subject line heat will be messed up/erratic if cooling system isn't in order. Air and or bubbled up coolant however caused will mess up the show.
That you find a fix where ever it is,
T
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