Chrysler Repair: 2000 4.7 dakota heater, excess water vapor, head gasket leak

Question
I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota with a 4.7l engine, so far this winter I am not getting very much heat through the heater. I have checked the coolant level, good, The engine temp. is about 90c on the gauge, I have checked for heater hoses and found only four hoses going through the fire wall, two for the A/C and the other two (hopefully) heater. removed the hoses and found the hoses contained an oil in them. I need some more advice on which way I should go about repairing this shortage of heat from heater?

Answer
Hi Don,
I was wondering whether you had any further observations to report about the heater issue. Kevin is back by the way. May I ask a favor? If you would be so kind as to use the 'thank/rate' tab below and where you see the question about a nomination of me as 'expert of the month' check the 'yes' box I would be most appreciative. I'm in a close race and so I need every vote.
Thanks in advance.
Roland



Hi Don,
Do you detect any similar oil in the cooling system overflow bottle or from looking into the radiator filler pressure cap hole? How about the oil in the crankcase, is it at all cloudy/foamy? Whenever you find oil and water together it raises the possibility of a head gasket leak that would allow the two fluids to interchange. Are you loosing coolant without any signs on the ground? Similarly excess water vapor out the tail pipe when you start it from cold or too early bubbling sounds from the cooling system when it is starting to get warm are signs of that issue.
Other than that, you could try using domestic water supplied thru a garden hose applied to the disconnected hoses to reverse flush the heater core. I am not cognizant of the design of the ac/heater housing in the the trucks to know how the 'blend air' door system is controlled but that would be the other possibility for low heat when you are sure that the coolant is going through the core well. When the system has been running for while the two heater hoses should be at a similar temperature if the flow is good. The outlet air temps are changed by the position of the door which directs air over the heater core and the ac core in varying flow rates.
Kevin, the other Chrysler expert, is away but should be returning after New Year. He works at a dealer so may have more information than I have given you.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me with further questions. There is a question there also about a 'nomination for expert of the month' which if you would answer 'yes' would provide me another vote for that honor. Thanks in advance.