no heat
 

hey guys i have a 95 camaro, the 3.8l v6
i get about 5 minutes of semi-warm heat blowing but after that, it just blows cold, can anybody tell me how to digure out if it could be the thermostat or the heater core?
any input would be greatly appreciated
thanks
-steve

RE: no heat
 

Have you checked your coolant level? If it's low, it will affect your heat.
If your thermostat is bad (stuck open) you will notice it taking forever for your temp gauge to climb.
If the thermostat is stuck closed, your engine will heat up...and beyond.
Otherwise, your heater core could be clogged, or your controls aren't working properly to either let the coolant flow through the core, or not opening your doors under the dash.

RE: no heat
 

yes, my coolant is low, the temp gauge is working normally and doesnt seem to heat up too much
also, recently noticed i smell anti-freeze while the fan is blowing, tell-tale sign of heater core?

RE: no heat
 

Yep, and that would also explain why the coolant is low.
When my core went, I was also getting steam coming out of the vents.
She blew out fast, and the inside filled up with smoke/steam.
Road-side emergency heater core bypass! Good thing I always carry tools.