Chrysler Repair: 93 Lebaron: minimal heat, temp gauge cold, minimal heat, hi john

Question
I have a 93 Lebaron that I got from my father.  The heater will never get hot, the best it will do it warm air.  The temp. gauge only goes to about a 1/4 up and ususally stays at about 1/8 up (it does not show any degrees).  Dad said this car has never heated up very well.  I've changes the therostat but it has not made a difference.
Thanks
John

Answer
Hi John,
What was the temperature setting for the thermostat? It would improve things if you have a 195F thermostat in there. The low reading of the temp gauge suggests you may have a 180F thermostat.
Also, which engine is in the vehicle? If you have the 4 cyl there is a heater by-pass valve that is vacuum operated that may be allowing the coolant to by-pass the path to the heater core. This is not the case for the V-6.
Finally, feel both radiator hoses when the engine is warmed up. The hoses shpuld feel about the same temp, if not then the core thru the heater is partially blocked which you could back flush with a garden hose thru the return hose. Those are my ideas.
Roland