January 23, 200521 yr 2000 Subaru Impreza 1.6 Hi All, I had a rad fitted before Christmas. Seemed fine for 300miles but then I started to hear a "swishing of water sound" when I'd stop suddenly, I could also hear it now and then (particularly when cold) when revving the engine while stationary. The noise seems to be coming from the middle of the firewall under dash (near heater core??) I brought it back to mechanic 3/4 times and each time he's got some air out. Am I doing further possible damage by driving it? Is there any fool proof way to get all air out? Would another coolent change help? Is it possible I have a head gasket problem? My oil is clean and my coolent is also clear from any foreign objects. I don't see any major increase of exhaust smoke from tailpipe either, but very concerned its only got 50,000 mile (80,000km) on clock. Neil
January 23, 200521 yr There should/might be a little burp screw on the passenger side (Left Hand Drive models) of the radiator. You need to remove this screw to properly burp/bleed the cooling system. You could try this yourself. Unscrew the screw, open the rad cap, top the radiator off, leave the cap & screw off, and start the car. Let the car warm up. Turn the heater on full hot. Add coolant as the level goes down. As the coolant level starts to go up and down, and no more bubbles come out, put the screw back on, the cap as well. Rev the engine, drive it around to see if you hear the noise. Stop, let the car cool, and check the cooling system level again.
January 23, 200521 yr Author There should/might be a little burp screw on the passenger side (Left Hand Drive models) of the radiator. You need to remove this screw to properly burp/bleed the cooling system. You could try this yourself. Unscrew the screw, open the rad cap, top the radiator off, leave the cap & screw off, and start the car. Let the car warm up. Turn the heater on full hot. Add coolant as the level goes down. As the coolant level starts to go up and down, and no more bubbles come out, put the screw back on, the cap as well. Rev the engine, drive it around to see if you hear the noise. Stop, let the car cool, and check the cooling system level again. Thanks for quick reply. Just had a look on both sides and can't see it. Mines a RH drive. There is a small outlet (1cm length) just below the filler cap facing into the engine but I think it may be blank, its dark here so I cant see too good with a torch.
January 23, 200521 yr You can see the screw I'm talking about in these pics. it's right where the radiator hose goes into the radiator http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/headlight/DCP_2141.JPG this one's a little blury http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/headlight/DCP_2142.JPG
January 23, 200521 yr Author You can see the screw I'm talking about in these pics. it's right where the radiator hose goes into the radiator http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/headlight/DCP_2141.JPG this one's a little blury http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/headlight/DCP_2142.JPG Josh, Again thanks for reply. I can make them out,still don't think mines got one though. Neil
January 24, 200521 yr Try this method: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21681&highlight=Coolant+replacement
February 3, 200521 yr Author Hi All, Here I am another few weeks on and still have a problem with air in cooling system. I collected my car from mechanic on Tuesday having had another coolant change to see if that would do it. I even printed off the proceedures in the ultimate subaru repair manual post for the mechanic to try - didn't work. Assuming all was followed correctly what else may be the problem. My performance is quite good but I can still hear swishing of water and air coming from under dash area - intensifies when reved and when car is cold - almost non existant after a good spin. Could it be possible that air is getting in thru heater core or something. I've done a couple of hundred miles since this problem started first, if my HG was gone/damaged would I know by now? CURRENTLY:- My coolent is clear My oil is clear No vast amounts of white smoke from exhaust Ticking over smoothly Still got good response No strange smells (exhaust or coolant) Any suggestions? Neil
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now