hello; Funny you say that about by passing the HCV as I heard if you remove it the heat will be better. I did that on my van and the heat is about the same and my next move is to flush the heater core and see what happens.
IBBY
I'm having the same problem but i do not smell antifreeze. Mech said it was the heater core so should i change to a new HCV since I'm changing the heater core out?? Thermostat is a 160 degree and new and reading correct as far as the scanmaster #'s.
Feel the heater hoses going to the heater core. They should both be hot if you find that one is cold and one is hot you have a clogged core.
If it was the core your floors would be wet and or your windows would be fogged up
First check the coolant level if low no heat
Second check the hcv with a mighty vac and make sure the line hooked to it is pulling a vacuum Third open the glove box door and look at the plastic L shaped lever that is hooked to the heat lever and see if it is broken and or functioning
I can't see the heat being any better than a properly functioning control valve. What would the reasoning be?
Bryan