name that tune

[shnozz]

I have noticed after killing the engine about 10 seconds worth of a bubbling sound of liquids that seems to have only recently developed. I am sure I never heard this before, just the petrol swirling around for a couple of seconds.

Can anyone tell me what it is?

Cheers

Phil

[CarZee]

Coolant escaping into the expansion tank?

[PetrolTed]

Yep, I've been getting that for some years. Not losing any fluid so like Carzee says it must just be in the expansion tank.

[peterc]

You are obviously attuned to the noises your car makes and have heard something that is different. Do not dismiss your intuition. Bubbling infers air where there should be coolant and this suggests to me that there might be a problem.

You need to find the problem whilst it is small and inexpensive to fix, rather than have something let go whilst miles from home.

I would suspect the following:
Hose clips are loose allowing coolant to escape under pressure - tighten and replace as necessary.
Pressure cap (on swirl pot)and/or filler cap not sealing properly and failing to hold correct pressure.
Small split or damage in rubber hose - check all hoses
Water pump seal leaking
Radiator core leaking
Heater matrix leaking
Head gasket failure

Best advice - make sure that you check the coolant levels before every journey and carry a quantity of water in a plastic bottle in the boot. If no obvoius fault found when checking the points above, keep a carefull note of the coolant levels each time you do your checks, look for changes.

If you have a garage, get the car good and hot on a run then park in the garage over neatly laid out newspapers. Next day pull the car back and look for any tell tale damp patches and drip marks. If you are really clever and mark the front wheel positions on the newspaper, you will be able to tell exactly the area of any leak.

[shnozz]

thanks guys - like you say peter, theres no problem yet but I do like to be pro-active rather than reactive.

Will follow your advice at the weekend.

Phil

[rzrz]

Had the same problem due to a not working radiator fan (faulty relais). Coolant was boiling in the expansion reservoir. So check the temperature not getting too high.

[chin up]

Mine gurgles merrily after trips. It always has a steady temperature and (touchwood) I have never had any overheating problems. The coolant level never ever changes, and generally all is well. See how it goes.....mines been like this for 2 years

[shnozz]

just bought a new radiator cap to be fitted this pm and check coolant levels at the same time. whilst i am a "if it aint broke dont fix it" sort - it has only started happening in th elast few weeks and i want to nip any potential problems in the bud. if my coolant levels remain static i wont be too fussed in view of your comments

thanks all - eased my worries