akteamster

I have a 91 std civic hatch with 140k, original motor.
Yesterday i noticed my heat stopped working, it would only blow cold air.
I figured the thermostat was stuck closed, because the problem persisted today, only cold air with heater on.
After 2 miles of driving the car started to overheat, at this point I checked the radiator hoses, the lower was cold and the upper was very hot.

I picked up a new thermostat at my local parts store, i changed it, added some fresh coolant, but did not actually do a radiator flush. I bleed the system by leaving the radiator cap off and letting the car idle for a 10 min.

Test drove the car, did not overheat anymore, drove 6 miles to work, did not overheat and my heat was blowing hot again, seems like the problem is fixed.

The car did not over heat, but the lower hose still remains COLD, yet i DO have heat.

IS that normal? shouldn't the lower hose get hot eventually if it's a new thermostat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!