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Gurgling sound from engine on a Jeep TJ after engine switch off

30K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Jerry Bransford 
#1 ·
I want to get some guidance on a gurgling sound from the engine on my TJ after switch off. When ever I park my jeep and turn off the engine after driving I hear a gurgling sound from the front. The air conditioner is normally switched off, engine temp is normal, fluid levels are normal, and the vehicle is not loosing fluids over time. I read on quite a few threads that this seems to be normal, and some advice refers to changing the radiator cap etc etc. It is rather difficult separating the technical advice from the nonsense, and I would like some feedback from technically minded owners please.
 
#2 ·
The only gurgling I've ever heard is air bubbles trapped in the coolant system. Assuming you checked both the radiator and the reservoir, next step would be to try burping the system.
 
#5 ·
Gurgling is often coolant boiling in the overflow bottle. What kind of temperatures is the engine running at? On a hot day I wouldn't say it's abnormal. When you shut your engine off the coolant temperature will spike. The addition of antifreeze only raises the boiling point of water by about 10*, if the engine was running at 210* or higher and it spikes another 10* at shut off it'll push into the overflow and boil.
 
#6 ·
^ can't say as I've ever experienced coolant boiling in the reservoir, but it seems perfectly logical, as mentioned it happens after shut down. I'd check that first.
To burp the air out, remove the radiator cap when cool, start/run the engine up to temperature so the stat opens, top off as needed. You'll know when it opens, you'll see the coolant start flowing. Some suggest parking on an incline or raising the front end slightly to allow the air up/out. As with any procedure, I'm sure there's variations in method, but this is what has worked for me.
 
#8 ·
Gurgling Sound Fixed: guys and galls, the gurgling sound after engine switch off is caused by poor sealing of the radiator cap rubbers. Steam passes to the water reservoir causing the gurgling / bubbling sound. I replaced the cap tonight with a new one and then made sure I work the motor to heat everything up nicely. The gurgling / steam leak to the water reservoir is fixed.
 
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