I've got the infamous waterfall.

[CalsonicGTR]

It has happen only a couple of times and it's only happened after the first startup after sitting overnight. Temp gauge has never been over half, but last night after getting it home I heard a gurgling under the hood and it looked like the coolant in the resevior was bubbling (looked kinda like foam). Is that normal? The coolant in the radiator is bright green and full and the reservior is to the full line but looks a bit dirtier (might be a dirty reservior). The oil has no signs of coolant and is full (but dirty).

I'm still waiting to hear back from Elmhurst on a new radiator cap and thermostat before I do a burp. I guess my main question is whether or not I should discontinue driving it. This is my daliy but I don't want to end up ruining a car that I've only owned for 3 month. Also, would these problems have anything to do with my AC not really working lately? What are my chances of BHG?

 

[NewWestSupras]

Pressure test the coolant system first, if that's good, then try a block test, compression test and leak down. This should give you the answers you're looking for. Of course hopefully its just a coolant system leak letting in pirate air...gl.

 

[Nocheez]

I had this problem for a couple years. Missing coolant at odd intervals, etc. and suspected a BHG. Turns out there was a tiny leak at the connection of the lower radiator hose to the radiator that would only leak intermittently. Once I found that and filled the system back up with no air bubbles it's been perfect. No waterfall, no problems.

 

[suprabad]

Block test it and save yourself wasted time speculating.

 

[suprahabsfan]

If you have foam its most likely oil and coolant mixing ... in other words.... BHG, unless you have something else mixing with the coolant? What coolant you running?

 

[KeithH]

I've had the waterfall sound for 136000+ miles. I've driven to Las Vegas from Portland 9 times - many of those up Baker Grade at speed with the air conditioner blasting as cold as it would go (a true test of any cooling system) - with no ill effects.

Do the normal tests before you panic - but do the normal tests.

Keith

 

[CalsonicGTR]

After driving around today, the local Napa did not have that block tester kit. Also, none of the shops around here could pressure test my radiator cap. I'm going to try the other Napa later with hopefully better luck.

I mentioned this above, but is my recent lack of air conditioning a symptom or is that something else entirely?

 

[7M-GTEric]

What exactly is wrong with your A/C?

 

[CalsonicGTR]

It doesnt blow cold air at all. When I hit the AC button nothing happens, it just blows air which isnt cold. All of the fan speeds work though.

 

[johnathan1]

I've had the waterfall sound for 136000+ miles. I've driven to Las Vegas from Portland 9 times - many of those up Baker Grade at speed with the air conditioner blasting as cold as it would go (a true test of any cooling system) - with no ill effects.

Do the normal tests before you panic - but do the normal tests.

Keith

My car also has had the waterfall sound on and off for about 2 years, and 20,000 miles...it never overheats, even with the AC blasting in the summer, and doesn't consume any coolant, no leaks. It's really boggled me. These days I just try not to pay attention to it, since other than the sound, the system is functioning perfectly...

 

[7M-GTEric]

It doesnt blow cold air at all. When I hit the AC button nothing happens, it just blows air which isnt cold. All of the fan speeds work though.

That could be a number of things, but you speak of it as if it's happened all of a sudden?

 

[johnathan1]

The refrigerant has probably leaked out of the AC system...take it to a shop and have them leak test it.

 

[CalsonicGTR]

Can anyone get me a part number or something for the block testing kit? The two Napas that I have gone to don't seem to even know what I am talking about and I didn't see it on their online site either.