Engine noise, just replaced coolant

[James]

so i just replaced my coolant in my 97 mountaineer with 171k miles since i noticed the reservoir was bone dry and i was due for a change anyway. I think I mostly bled the system. i have been driving it for about a week since but my friend noticed a gurgling or groaning type noise. he said it sounded like his computer’s radiator when it is low on coolant. I opened the radiator cap and it was a bit low. I tried to bleed the system and it just kept making a similar but louder noise. I have driven close to 2-300 miles since draining and filling with no overheating. any idea what this might be? I am taking this to the mechanic but I want to be prepared for what could be wrong .If it helps it is a brand new radiator (within a few years, i bought it a year ago so the PO did it.)

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[jonathan]

Is there any antifreeze leak that’s visible ? Because you say you opened it again and it was low

[Its me]

Sounds like it still may be low on coolant. May want to pressure test the system and re-bleed.

Karl

[James]

So i filled it last night, and it was low this morning (like an inch below the opening for the radiator cap. checked again 5 hours later (just now) and still low but not as much. Would a bad radiator cap cause a leak while the car isnt running (did not drive it this morning)? or is that indicative of air in the system? probably just not bled properly. there are no visible leaks

[jonathan]

How much coolant did you pour in all in the system ?

[James]

i removed about 10 quarts, and replaced about the same by now, but i didnt do a full flush, just drained it from the drain on the radiator

[jonathan]

Can you pinpoint exactly where the noose is coming from ? Maybe from the water pump ? Do you see any drips on the floor of coolant ?

[James]

it was the idler pulley, coolant is bled now. just happened at a weird time

[jonathan]

Glad you sorted it out, i too thought it was strange 🙂

[Author]

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