foamy coolant and gurgling noises
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foamy coolant and gurgling noises
My 92 SE will start to gurgle after driving a while, and it appears it may be gettinig a bit warm. I filled up the coolant the other day. It does not appear to be low. I looked in the overflow tank, where it gurgles, and there is a lot of foam in it. The coolant also appears to be dark in color, although I'm not certain.
Does the coolant just need to be flushed? I'm assuming its the original coolant. What are the procedures to do this?
Does the coolant just need to be flushed? I'm assuming its the original coolant. What are the procedures to do this?
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From: Chicago,IL MWBF '04 SURVIVOR MWBF '05 SURVIVOR Napa Manager
Originally Posted by jwikoff99
Your coolant is boiling. It is my guess your fans are not working. Check the fuses and relays.
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From: Enfield, CT
You may be low on coolant due to a leak. Look around for wet spots and and check the coolant level in the radiator (MAKE SURE THE CAR IS COLD FIRST).
If low fill the system back up ensuring you "burp" or release the air out of the system via the screw on the waterneck. Once you start it keep your eyes open for leaks. Then watch for leaks and keep an eye on the temp. Low speed fans come on around 215 and high speed come on at around 225. Do not let it overheat if they do not seem to come on.
If it isn't low then start it up and check your fans. Low speed fans come on around 215 and high speed come on at around 225. Do not let it overheat if they do not seem to come on.
If low fill the system back up ensuring you "burp" or release the air out of the system via the screw on the waterneck. Once you start it keep your eyes open for leaks. Then watch for leaks and keep an eye on the temp. Low speed fans come on around 215 and high speed come on at around 225. Do not let it overheat if they do not seem to come on.
If it isn't low then start it up and check your fans. Low speed fans come on around 215 and high speed come on at around 225. Do not let it overheat if they do not seem to come on.
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From: Enfield, CT
If you don't have enough coolant, then it could boil at any speed. No coolant..no cooling.
Next time it is cold, take off the radiator cap. It should be full. If it'* full and you are gurgling you probably have a bad head gasket. However usually we don't think about this because 3.8'* having head gasket problems are extremely rare.
Next time it is cold, take off the radiator cap. It should be full. If it'* full and you are gurgling you probably have a bad head gasket. However usually we don't think about this because 3.8'* having head gasket problems are extremely rare.
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Being that this is a 92 there are 3 things I want you to check....
First the thermostat, with this cars age its possible that the thermostat is sticking shut...
Second, Look under the alternator, there will be a hose under it, Check it for leaks
Third, while you are checking that hose ( Water Pump Bypass Hose ) Look at the fitting in the intake manifold, in 92 these were plastic and usually over the years will fracture causing a leak... If it has been replaced it should be metal... You may not be able to check these very well with the alternator in place...
Also when the car starts to get good and warm, 220-227F both fans should cycle on and bring the temps back down...
Also just because the overflow is full does not mean the radiator is, please check it as well... If after of of this the car is still overheating that I would suspect the thermostat if it hasn't been replaced yet...
Good Luck
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First the thermostat, with this cars age its possible that the thermostat is sticking shut...
Second, Look under the alternator, there will be a hose under it, Check it for leaks
Third, while you are checking that hose ( Water Pump Bypass Hose ) Look at the fitting in the intake manifold, in 92 these were plastic and usually over the years will fracture causing a leak... If it has been replaced it should be metal... You may not be able to check these very well with the alternator in place...
Also when the car starts to get good and warm, 220-227F both fans should cycle on and bring the temps back down...
Also just because the overflow is full does not mean the radiator is, please check it as well... If after of of this the car is still overheating that I would suspect the thermostat if it hasn't been replaced yet...
Good Luck
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From: CT
boil
How old is the coolant.
Could be worn out coolant and a clogged radiator.
You allways do well to check for leaks as Jr stated then do a total flush and re- fill when you have cooling problems.
Could be worn out coolant and a clogged radiator.
You allways do well to check for leaks as Jr stated then do a total flush and re- fill when you have cooling problems.
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