Heater core replaced, still no heat!

If your coolant system is full, the only other thing I can think of is that your water pump is worn out.
 
Could be something with the pump I suppose, but how does it circulate enough coolant to keep from overheating?

What is "air locked"? I did have a slight problem with the stud that holds the thermostat housing to the engine. On one side it is just a bit stripped, so you can get it tight enough to not leak if you are careful, but it sometimes would seep, just a tiny bit. I wasn't too concerned because I was just gonna throw a washer on that would have solved that, but it's cold enough here, that even with a steady leak if it wasn't huge, you could get by if you checked the level.

In any case, the point is now moot. I loved that car, but it's time to cut my losses and send her on. She has other problems, including that the back of her rag top is almost entirely made of duct tape (except for the plexiglass window I put in), the right A-Arm got bent slightly, then just the other day, the top shifted just right to shatter the driver's side window, and locally there are no convertibles, including Cavaliers, with a window and the hardtop one is different. Would have loved to fix her up over time, but finally had it; she blew a spark plug Helicoil insert out of her head. I had no idea there was one, but when it blew out, it took the threads with it. The only guy anywhere around who does over-sized inserts is a thief and would gladly jack me for more than the cost of a new head.

I could get a new head, because I do PC work for a friend who does free mechanical work for me, so I could have it put in at no cost for labor (not that I can't change a head, but I hate that kind of thing, so, I fix his PC and he does my dirty work). In any case, that would be all fine and good, but it would still leave me with a broken window, a top needing replaced with a leak right over the driver's seat (I can plug it with silicone, but it always starts leaking again shortly), and still no heat, and no stereo or even functioning radio, plus I never have had a key to the doors (I rigged a cable concealed under the headlight that unlocks it).

The car served me well for a long time, but at some point, one has to let go and cut their losses. My next car is a '93 Taurus wagon. Runs great, no sign of tranny or engine issues, it does have a crack in the windshield, needs a new hood latch and cable, and the clear coat on the pain is awful, but it's $450, gets very comparable gas mileage, has heat and even an FM radio, and all it's windows!

There is nothing I can see sexy about a Taurus wagon, but after this winter with my Sunbird, I am grateful for what is a real upgrade for a guy barely scraping by in this economic dark time.
 
Service Manual

I was lucky enough to get the Factory Service Manual for $10 delivered on Ebay. It shows no sign of a valve and the diagnostic for low heat doesn't mention one. I'm in Oregon and we were fortunate enough to have a mild winter or I would have frozen. With my raggedy rag top and no rear window, I get a bit of air flow at speed. That said, I also disconnected the low pressure cutoff on the AC so I can get recirculated air from inside on hot. I bought my '92 3.1 convertible when my pickup transmission went out. It's a beater car. 0300 departures in winter mean it's cold outside. My coolant was ugly, rusty blackish red and I flushed it with the lower hose off of the radiator. Been good all winter even with the top down! You've got blockage! One of my pipes had a definite crimp!
 
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