Gurgling coolant?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
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From: Illinois, USA
Gurgling coolant?
I got home after a 1.5 hour drive back from the autocross this weekend and the coolant was "gurgling" in the overlfow tank.
The level was about appropriate for the hot level, however, I didn't see any coolant flowing through the cap during this. I pulled off the cap and it looks like the are air bubbles being blow into the overflow from the radiator side.
Did this twice (once each day) until it cools down. The level does receed back after it cools to the low point -- so I think things are working.
Is it running too hot? the temp gauge doesn't appear to exceed 210 tops. (normally < 200 if speeds are under 65).
Thanks
The level was about appropriate for the hot level, however, I didn't see any coolant flowing through the cap during this. I pulled off the cap and it looks like the are air bubbles being blow into the overflow from the radiator side.
Did this twice (once each day) until it cools down. The level does receed back after it cools to the low point -- so I think things are working.
Is it running too hot? the temp gauge doesn't appear to exceed 210 tops. (normally < 200 if speeds are under 65).
Thanks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by noonie
Water boils at 212 so you may be making steam in the cooling system if the pressure cap isn't holding.
Try a new pressure cap first.
Try a new pressure cap first.
However, if the fluid was boiling -- wouldn't I see some fluid travelling through the cap? Wouldn't the temperature consider to increase at that point since it is not effective in that state?
Brian.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
You could just be pushing the steam or air. It may only show when the engine is revved up producing more heat. When cool check the water level in the rad.
If the cap is okay, then your next step is to test for exhaust gas in the coolant. You can get a $8.00 tester or a $40.00 tester.
If the cap is okay, then your next step is to test for exhaust gas in the coolant. You can get a $8.00 tester or a $40.00 tester.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by noonie
You could just be pushing the steam or air. It may only show when the engine is revved up producing more heat. When cool check the water level in the rad.
If the cap is okay, then your next step is to test for exhaust gas in the coolant. You can get a $8.00 tester or a $40.00 tester.
If the cap is okay, then your next step is to test for exhaust gas in the coolant. You can get a $8.00 tester or a $40.00 tester.
I checked the radiator, the level is full ...so that part is okay, but I know I am losing fluid -- but I think I know why and a previous comment probably hit it -- steam. The cap was on to where it "clicked" into the detent, but not twisted far enough to "line up" the indicator with the overflow hose. I suspect this means that the system was not pressurized and therefore able to "boil off" some coolant.
Cheap fix -- big time duh! (if that holds true)
Brian.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by C3nMe
The pressure cap I have on there now is not even 60 days old. I guess I can pull it when it's cool and take it to Autozone to see if they can pressure test the cap.
However, if the fluid was boiling -- wouldn't I see some fluid travelling through the cap? Wouldn't the temperature consider to increase at that point since it is not effective in that state?
Brian.
However, if the fluid was boiling -- wouldn't I see some fluid travelling through the cap? Wouldn't the temperature consider to increase at that point since it is not effective in that state?
Brian.
As the engine cools, the excess is sucked back in to the cap.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Originally Posted by SanDiegoPaul
Brian these cars do not have a modern, completely sealed system. I think you're hearing pressure releasing from the cap which is normal. Pressure gets out of the cap, blowing air bubbles (or coolant/water bubbles) under the surface level of the coolant in the overflow tank.
As the engine cools, the excess is sucked back in to the cap.
As the engine cools, the excess is sucked back in to the cap.
