Dash Board Heat Question

[RNuzzolo]

Recently my dashboard heater in my 2010 Berk stopped giving heat. Always blowing cold air. I took the rig to a Freightliner dealer who diagnosed the problem as a blockage in the line from the engine to the heater in the front of the coach. After clearing the line and still no heat they told me my water pump and thermostat needed to be replaced. After replacing the water pump and thermostat and still no heat they said my radiator needed to be replaced. The mechanic said he checked the radiator with a thermo gun and it has hot and cold spots and that was why we were not getting heat from the dashboard heater. The coach runs fine. The engine holds a steady 192-198 degrees. I'm wondering if the radiator really can cause the dashboard heater to stop giving us heat. Has anyone else run into this issue? Can the hot/cold spots on the radiator really cause the dashboard heater to stop heating? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you

[Igave]

Seems like replacement mechanics a bit to me. I’m not at all a mechanic but I’d be rather skeptical on the radiator after all the other things that didn’t work. It sure could be, of course, but that’s a pretty expensive replacement if it isn’t the real problem..

[RNuzzolo]

I am skeptical and that is why I'm asking for input from other Berk owners. Thanks for your reply

[toddstep]

It isn't the radiator. You can diag this yourself with a thermometer gun.There is a manual valve at the engine make sure it is on. Engine operating temp and running high idle after driving. Start at the heater core, hoses should be warm. If not go back to the engine and work your way forward to find the restriction. Or find a new mechanic.

[rthomaslyons]

Originally Posted by RNuzzolo

Recently my dashboard heater in my 2010 Berk stopped giving heat. Always blowing cold air. I took the rig to a Freightliner dealer who diagnosed the problem as a blockage in the line from the engine to the heater in the front of the coach. After clearing the line and still no heat they told me my water pump and thermostat needed to be replaced. After replacing the water pump and thermostat and still no heat they said my radiator needed to be replaced. The mechanic said he checked the radiator with a thermo gun and it has hot and cold spots and that was why we were not getting heat from the dashboard heater. The coach runs fine. The engine holds a steady 192-198 degrees. I'm wondering if the radiator really can cause the dashboard heater to stop giving us heat. Has anyone else run into this issue? Can the hot/cold spots on the radiator really cause the dashboard heater to stop heating? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you

That is rediculous, my money would be on an air lock in the heater hose or in the heater core itself. Can and does happen. If you can troubleshoot that, I’d get them to put all the old parts back in at their cost or keep the new parts and credit you for the labor. Merry Christmas!!

[ceedog]

Try changing the control module for the dash AC/Htr. Thyat's what it was on my coach.

[jk510]

Very hard to diagnose problems like this online. But a couple of things that you know for sure is:
1) You now know what it's not and
2) You need to find a new (competent) mechanic!

[dave-g]

well its not your radiator, or the engine would be over heating. Could have been plugged but unlikely- I would guess its air bound or a valve is not open.

Its hard to believe its a freightliner dealer.

Good luck

[larry pw]

As was said check the htr core with the thermo gun and both htr hoses. Make sure the htr control valve, if it has a variable type is working (it could be mechanical or vacuum controlled). Also check the air mix and/or air blend doors, these control temperature of the air (A/C or heat systems). Although a diesel does not create vacuum as doers a gasoline engine, they many times have a mechanical vacuum pump for ventilation control and other.purposes.

Hope this helps

[veraken]

I would check your Heater Control Valve. This valve opens and closes to allow coolant to flow to/from your dash heater core and is connected to the temperature control valve on your dash (electrically, mechanically, or by vacuum). Don't know what model you have, but here is a trouble shooting guide.

http://www.evanstempcon.com/pdf/ccl/evtg.pdf

[RNuzzolo]

Thank you

[RNuzzolo]

Thank you to everyone who has replied to my post. I've got some things to check and I need to look for a new mechanic for sure. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!

[Bob43B]

There is a valve under the front hood that shuts off heat to front , try that. Turn it off in summer , hot water by passes dash heater.

[RNuzzolo]

Thank you, I'll try to locate it.

[ard58]

I agree with veraken. I've worked on over the road trucks for 40+ years. If this was a sudden issue it's probably related to dash controls, or the lovur door has stuck. Do not, repeat, do not let them mess with the radiator. As another post said, if it was radiator issue, then engine would be overheating. That goes same for the water pump and t/stat they threw at it. I also would ask for different tech to work on it.
As far as throwing parts at it, when it comes bill time I would do battle as none of the parts they threw at it changed anything. Take to the store manager, or corporate level if this is a multi store dealer. Also, BBB is your friend.

[cavie]

Tell them to put your old parts back on and refund your money.

[zuckerburg]

The electric switch for the heat is in the front left compartment where the 12 volt fuses are. It’s to the far right in my rig. If you switch from hot to cold you can hear it work.

[RNuzzolo]

Thank you

[RNuzzolo]

I will look for it, thank you

[dave-g]

RNuzzolo,
I was just looking at your signature, I'm very jealous of your "day camping" good for you-