One last time before I give up, and with one extra clue, I'm trying to find out why the heater in my Shadow (2.5 auto, 65k miles) is cantankerous. Heres whats been done so far over the last two winters. Full flush, twice, air bled each time. New hoses Heater removed, internal valve replaced (thanks to Daniel Stern's help in locating it) Vacuum system checked, it will hold vacuum Heater core has been power filled by mechanic, to make sure there arent air bubbles causing airlock Highest temp thermostat available has been installed, and replaced twice, just to be sure. Temp guage goes 1/3 of the way up, and remains steady, rises to the 2/3s mark at stop signs, slightly increasing engine revs in neutral will bring it back to normal immediately. Vacuum system upgrades, cannister replaced, as per Chrysler tech bulletins, by mechanic. Heres my usual routine, start car, let idle while I scrape ice/frost off windows. Drive to work, 32 miles each way, non-stop. Heater puts out tepid air, defroster barely works, car will finally get warm about 4/5s of the way to work. Same thing coming home. BUT!!!! heres the extra clue.....my coffee pot dies one morning. I drive seven miles down the road, stop at a convenience store for coffee, turn car off. Car sits for 5 minutes. I get back in, start car, continue driving, and the heater is blasting like a blast furnace! I've now added this 5 minute stop to my driving schedule, both ways, and the heater always begins cranking out much heat after each 5 minute stop. I'm used to it now, and I'm toasty, and its a great little car, but why the 5 minute stop time for the heater to get with the program? When I mention this to various mechanics, tell them the symptoms, and what I've had done, all I get is a blank look. Anybody want to take a stab at it? Chrysler owner since my first new car, 74 Roadrunner Deke
