Just an update… I got a new blower motor, wheel (just in case), blower resistor, and heater control valve from RockAuto and today installed the blower motor, wheel, and resistor. Made sure all the grounds were clean, and tested it out…
What a difference!! Air is blowing much much harder now, and when set to hot, the air feels hotter too. Not sure if that is just from the extra air flow. Anyway, you were right on the money with the blower motor being suspect…that thing looks like it’s from 1985…and when I spin the wheel on it, it stops much faster than the new motor/wheel, which stays spinning longer.
I’m waiting for the coolant to cool down so I can do the heater control valve…going to replace it anyway, in case there is a blockage and more heat is to be had.
Thanks for your help with that problem! Just gotta sort out some grinding sounds now…