Noise like running water coming from engine

[TSS]

A friend of mine has a 1.4 Astra (N reg, 65,000 miles).

Under acceleration there's often a noise like water running through a pipe coming from the engine bay. It’s quite difficult to describe, sort of a “squeaky-squelchy” sound.

Somebody suggested it could be the head gasket leaking. Does anybody know if this is correct or have any other ideas?

Thanks,

TSS

[docevi1]

I would guess you need to change the hamsters nappy

Is the engine using coolant or oil? AFAIK (and I'm still learning here) a h/g failure would make the engine oil be contaminated with coolant so I'd be checking that as well. If it's only on hard acceleration I'd also be looking towards the intake manifold area see if there is any weeping or similar.

You could always try adding some UV fluid to the oil/coolant and seeing if you can see if it's coming out.

[GreenV8S]

Could be an air bubble circulating through the cooling system? This will make gurgling noises. Make sure the heater is on hot and the coolant is topped up.

[Mr Whippy]

My car does this from cold for the first 30 seconds or so. It's like the water gushing through the heat exchanger inside the dashboard.

I think I have a small bubble in my system, planning on bleeding it out again this weekend just to make sure

As long as it isn't overheating or using water it's probably just that!

Dave

[Tank Slapper]

Concur with the above. Mine does this as well - same year & mileage as well.

[TSS]

Thanks for the advice everybody. She's addeed some more coolant and says the noise has got better.