I was just out in the garage and filling my coolant system from nearly empty. I got a little over 3 quarts in it and I started to hear a sort of vacuum, inhaling sound coming from the thermostat housing. I put a little more coolant in to see if maybe it was just air escaping (which it probably was) to find that it just continued.

The system was atill taking coolant but very slowly. As it would drain from the thermostat neck I noticed bubbles coming from the thermostat itself. I squeezed hoses slowly to try to work the coolant everywhere.

After a good 5-6 minutes of the noise continuing I started to laugh about it but also get a little worried. So my question is, has anyone had this happen to them for so long when refilling the coolant system? What could be causing it to seem to release air so slow and for so long? Could a small leak cause this in a hose or would that not make a sound such as this?

Long winded but any help or similar stories would at least put my mind at ease :twitch

Thanks guys

Jes

The first question is, "Why were you low three quarts?"

The second question is, "Did you check to see if your oil was filling itself up x( ?"

Yeah, there's no way you should need 3 quarts unless you have a massive leak somewhere. The total capacity of the 2gnt system is 7.4 quarts.

However, it IS common to hear a sucking noise from the thermostat as you fill the car. Most newer cars (ie, the last 20 yrs or so if we're talking imports) have air bleed holes in the thermostat, on the top. This is to help prevent air bubbles from forming in the system. A lot of old school/domestic guys drill small holes in their thermostats to act as bleeders since they don't have them from the factory.

LOL, I forgot the detail that I just changed the timing belt tensioner, belt and idler pulley. I had the engine yanked so the three quarts was all that I had in the system when it started making the noise.

I did notice my exhaust bearings were a little loose :P .

Originally posted by ej420a
I did notice my exhaust bearings were a little loose :P .

nice :7

Originally posted by ej420a
LOL, I forgot the detail that I just changed the timing belt tensioner, belt and idler pulley. I had the engine yanked so the three quarts was all that I had in the system when it started making the noise. I did notice my exhaust bearings were a little loose :P .

Not unusual to make some air noises while filling. Just be sure to check fluid level after she warms up (after thermostat opens).

Thanks for the replies guys. I got her filled up last night and started today. Running a little rough though so that's my new puzzle.

Thanks again

Jes