Heater Core Output Optimal Temperatures

[forestmyths]

Does anyone know what the optimal temperatures are for the two heater matrix? I bought a reliable digital thermometer and tested mine. After driving for a half hour, on the driver's side I get a reading of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. On the passenger side I get a reading of 130. I would rather not pull the matrix out of the passenger side if 130 is a good reading. I don't know how much 20 degrees difference will make when the weather gets really cold. Any thoughts??

[T-Cut]

I'm not sure I understand your question. What are you trying to measure? Does the car have climate control or the basic heating system?

The one matrix supplies both the left and right side air flows. Individual temperature control is done by mixing cold air with the flows. Ideally, the hot part should be as hot as it can get. This is generated by the engine coolant flow and the temperature of coolant flowing into the matrix is the same as the 'engine' temperature. Coolant flows directly into the heater circuit, bypassing the thermostat. The surface temperature across the matrix should be more or less the same. A difference (lower) on the passenger side may indicate a partial blockage of the matrix. Or it may be getting more cold are mixed in. Whether the temperatures you measure are adequate depends on how warm you want to get in the cabin.

How are you measuring these temperatures?

TC

[forestmyths]

Should have mentioned--I have a 76 Classic SE with a 1.8 petrol engine. I thought there were two heater matrix--one on the driver's side and one on the passenger side. I'm using a digital thermometer that has an element at the end of a wire. My question is, just how hot should the air coming from the blower vents be? Good point about the 20 degree temperature difference I got possibly being a result of the cold air mixture.