JEEPerscreepers wrote:
If it were the heater core wouldn't it affect both sides though?
Lots of KA owners had this. If it were the blend door you would have = temp on both sides and all vents.
99.9% it is a partially blocked heater core. The drivers side of the core sits a bit lower then the passenger side, and is farthest from the inlet and outlet, so that is where the crud settles.
Isolate the heater core and flush it both directions several times. It only takes about 1 tablespoon of gunk to partially clog the core.
For a full system flush you are actually flushing 3 separate things, the engine, radiator, and heater core.
You will need to isolate both the radiator and heater core from the engine. These two should each be flushed while not connected to anything.
To isolate the heater core from the rest of the system, the easiest way is to disconnect both heater hoses, either at the fire wall or where they connect to the system under the hood. (You have to be careful not to crush the pipes if you disconnect at the firewall, as they are very thin.)
Be sure to flush both ways several times when flushing each system.
When you do a engine flush, again you need to isolate the heater core and the radiator to prevent the crud in the engine from settling in the cores.
If you disconnected the heater hoses where they connect to the system under the hood, to flush the heater, then you can put a section of hose between the two male fittings to make a loop. If you disconnected the hoses at the fire wall, then you can just couple those together to make a loop.
To properly flush the engine, the removal of the thermostat is needed.
The KK engines are designed to use HOAT antifreeze. Using any other type of antifreeze can cause premature failure of the internal parts of the engine/gaskets/seals. If you have a different antifreeze in it, get it all out of there! You can not blend them.
If you do not buy pre-mixed antifreeze, the water you use to mix your own is just as important as the type of antifreeze you use.
Most tap water contains additives and dissolved minerals in it. These additives and the minerals create deposits in the coolant over time and will cause problems. So if you buy antifreeze which needs to be diluted, be sure to use distilled water to dilute it.
A bottle of distilled water is a lot cheaper than new cores.
After the flush;
You will need to work the air out of the system.
To properly de-aerate the system after any major engine cooling system maintenance, you should fill the fluid in the reservoir to the full mark and put the cap back on. Start the rig and turn the heater on "High" heat (the heater fan has to be on, but at what level does not matter).
De-aeration does not occur at engine idle, higher engine speeds are required. Normal driving will de-aerate the cooling system.
After the rig reaches operating temp, shut it off and let stand till completely cold.(Leave the fluid cap on during cool-down!) Refill the reservoir again and repeat 3 more times.
If the system has air in it, the air could get trapped in the water pump, and you will get an overheating issue.
...End of Book... LOL