This is odd to me, but perhaps not to the brilliant minds on this board. My '90 Convertible has always, (had it since 9,500 miles in 1995 now at 26,000), a gurgling sound in the motor compartment. I have always dropped fluids regularly, (oils and coolant), so levels are always correct. The sound is most apparent from 2,500-4,000 and the car has not ever shown any diminished performance etc. Any thoughts?

 

The rotator split valve is boken......... Maybe your halogen fluid is getting to hot

 

After posting this I reread it and wanted to say that this is actually a real issue....not a joke......then I read Cipher's comments and my thoughts were verified. SO, for future reference, this gurgling sound is real. thx

 

Air in your coolant system. I've got that problem as well...

Does anyone know what the best way to "burp" the S5 coolant system is?

Brandon

 

Sorry, couldn't help it.

Are you sure the coolant is not boiling? Certain Antifreezes lower the boiling point, so even though the temp gauge reads "normal" the coolant could still be boiling. Although if that is happening you should be loosing coolant.....

That would be the only thing I can think of, maybe RETed will have something to add....

 

Run the car with the heater onfor a minute or 2, then shut her down.

Pull the hose off the bac valve, then do cpr on the rad opening. when coolant comes out the hose, plug it back in. Job well done.

 

There is a "valve" (more like a bolt) on the bottom of the radiator. I believe you are supposed to open that valve before filling the cooling system and leave it open until there is a steady stream of coolant flowing from it.

 

Happens when cold, hot, warm etc. Coolant has been replaced every two years from 1995 on and it has always been there.....so I doubt that it is boiling....air in the system is interesting....

 

Burp! That's funny!
The way I read to do this is when you've refilled the system after a coolant change, start the engine with the radiator cap off and heater on and leave it running until the top hose starts to heat up (thermostat has opened) and all bubbles have stopped coming out. Maybe 10 min or so. Top up the coolant if the level drops from air leaving. This is what I've always done and I've never had a prob.