Rushing water sound (Page 1/1)
Rhodesia1977 APR 05, 09:05 AM
Ok folks, I have a 1986 Fiero GT. If she sits for a couple of weeks and I go out to start her, sometimes I will hear a rush of water sound under the passenger side near the heater core. This only happens after the car has been sitting for a while and the sound lasts for 2 seconds during initial start up. Coolant levels are fine and car never overheats. Anyone else experience this? Thanks for your help!
Mike in Sydney APR 06, 11:54 PM
I'm guessing air in the heater core. See this thread (https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20130314-2-120950.html).
theogre APR 07, 09:36 AM
Unlikely is "just air" in the system.

Air doesn't get into the system unless have major problems.
Coolant overflow tank level can lie for several reason even if tank and tube connected right.

Could have leaves or worse in the heater box and blower needs to push crap around a bit.
If true is a Major Fire Hazard and possibly a HAZMAT problem too if mice/rats live there.
See Heat/AC box cleaning, again... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/141959.html

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Rhodesia1977 APR 07, 10:43 AM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Unlikely is "just air" in the system.

Air doesn't get into the system unless have major problems.
Coolant overflow tank level can lie for several reason even if tank and tube connected right.

Could have leaves or worse in the heater box and blower needs to push crap around a bit.
If true is a Major Fire Hazard and possibly a HAZMAT problem too if mice/rats live there.
See Heat/AC box cleaning, again... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/141959.html





Thanks for the tips. Like I said, the sound only happens if the car has been parked for a few weeks and then I won't hear it again until it sits again for weeks. I do know that the coolant isn't low and that it does properly circulate through the system ( I had a dye test performed last year).I will check everything out and remedy as necessary. Thank you gentlemen!
Skybax APR 07, 10:59 PM
I've heard that before on rare occasion on one of my vehicles, but I can't remember which vehicle, I must not have been too concerned about it, lol
Rhodesia1977 APR 08, 08:15 AM

quote
Originally posted by Skybax:

I've heard that before on rare occasion on one of my vehicles, but I can't remember which vehicle, I must not have been too concerned about it, lol



Ya, you're probably right, no big deal. I checked the heater core and blower box and it's all clean. No leaks or overheats. Coolant is moving though system properly as checked with a scope and heat differences on radiator upper and lower hoses. It's been doing this for a couple of years now and doesn't seem to be a problem as of now.
Rhodesia1977 APR 09, 09:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by Skybax:

I've heard that before on rare occasion on one of my vehicles, but I can't remember which vehicle, I must not have been too concerned about it, lol



Funny thing, I went out to start a 1996 Tahoe that has been sitting for 2 years. After I got the engine started, I heard the same rushing sound of coolant under the passengers side glove box, ( lasted about 2 seconds) exactly like in my Fiero. I ran the Tahoe for awhile and no problems. Could it just be that when a car that has been sitting for awhile is first started up that you are simply hearing the initial suction of the water pump pulling the fluid up to pressure? Also, why is my 1996 Tahoe and 1986 Fiero more dependable than my 2015 Chevy and my 2010 Buick??? LOL! I Guess they just don't build them like they used to!