Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 1996 Buick heater, upper radiator hose, coolant level


Question
Heater is slow to blow warm air. Core was leaking and replaced last year. Coolant level OK. I suspect a sticking thermostat, but I don't want to tear into it unless necessary. Is there a quick way to check for a stuck 'stat? Could it be something else (is there a mechanical valve, etc?)
Thanks

Answer
Hi Dave,
No mechanical valve, other than the thermostat.
You could unhook the upper radiator hose when the engine is cold, and crank the engine. If copious quantities of coolant immediately flow from the engine, the thermostat is open.
If nothing flows, reconnect it. When the thermostat opens, the hose will quickly grow warmer. But the heater hoses should warm up quite quickly with the engine running.
Van