Thermostat has to open to allow fluid flow. The supply hose to the heater core is located before the thermostat, forcing the coolant through the core even as the coolant is heating up.
Water pump has to work properly to cause fluid to flow.
Temperature control (lever) has to operate properly to allow fluid flow.
System must not be air-bound to allow fluid flow
Heater core must not be plugged
The water pump pushes the coolant through the engine block and head(s) then into the heater core.
check the heater core
tools and knowledge (or a manual)
if its a 4 cylinder, its located inside the timing case.
== == It is accomplished by adding an indirect fired water heater and controls.
The fuel relay on a sunbird in under the hood on the left side just by the water over flow tank.
Check: Heater controls, doors & door actuators, thermostat could be stuck open, heater core possibly plugged, might have a water shut off valve that's not working (depending on what year).
Begin by training the water from your 1997 Pontiac Bonneville cooling system. Remove the heater core water supply hoses. Remove the heater core retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install the new heater core.
To turn off your electric water heater, locate the circuit breaker that controls the water heater and switch it to the "off" position. This will cut off power to the water heater and stop it from heating water.
heater core is shot...
Look at the belt on the engine, then look at the pulleys. The water pump is behind the pulley without any groves in the pulley.
No. There would be a gasket between the head and the block, though.