Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: heater, heater valve, suction side

Question
1987 olds 3.8 heater doesn't work.  The radiator is flowing,I had a new thermostat put in, the hoses going into the heater core are not hot; should they be?  I don't see a heater valve anywhere to make sure it is working properly.  I don't think this car has one inline.  When I pulled the input hose off and ran the care very little antifreeze comes out but when I turn the car off it pours out.  I don't understand why this would happen.  I don't believe that there are any airpockets, but i don't know how you would bleed the system.  Please help if you have any suggestions.

Thanks,
Walt

Answer
Hi Walt,
The heater core is probably plugged up. The reason coolant doesn't flow when the engine is running, is that hose may be connected to the suction side of the water pump. Pull the other hose, and check there.
The coolant just flows backward when the engine is off.
You may be able to flush that core with a garden hose by going from each direction alternately.
And the hoses should be hot.
In 87, I wouldn't swear there isn't a valve inside the heater housing.
Van