Forum:
Hi again soon my fourtrak will be free from problems Hopefully!!!! i have a 1996 fieldman 2.8 td the heater doesn't seem to get hot although temp gauge works fine is this thermostat or matrix any easy ways to tell cheers in advance dan is the matrix an easy fix or a b*strd
re heating
'93 Fourtrak 2.8TDL
Hi I recently had the "wet feet" heater matrix nightmare. I'm no mechanic of any sort really & even my mate who has worked in the motor industry all his working life so far, found its removal "a little taxing" quote-unquote, but there, he is German, after all. We basically undid as much or as little as possible to be able to remove the fan housing which contains the matrix, without removing the entire dash/fascia. Having said all that, getting it back in was surprisingly much easier than I'd anticipated.
As for easy ways to tell if it's the matrix, well for me the giveaway was being almost knee-deep in hot water; if you're in any doubt at all, just make sure not to wear suede shoes when driving
'93 Fourtrak 2.8TDL
Change the thermostat.
First try flushing the engine block. However its easier to renew the thermostat and also flush the engine at the same time.
Is the bottom of the radiator cold whilst the top hose is 'boiling' hot? If yes ... thermostat is stuck partially closed. Renew the thermostat.
Check the water pump belt isnt slipping.
PS when re-bolting the thermostat housing, dont over tighten the bolts ...5 lb/ft. Use a new gasket plus sealant. Get the CORRECT type of thermostat.