Coolant bubbling

2007 NISSAN MAXIMA
235,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DUWHOP31
  • MEMBER
  • 151 POSTS
So, when I drive my car for a little bit and i park it and turn it off it sounds like a bubbling sound coming from my radiator and/or coolant reservoir. It doesn't run hot at all and when i let it cool and check the radiator it is still full. What could this be? Also, should I drain my coolant and refill it?
May 21, 2022 at 11:19 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Bubbling is usually a sign that the system is low on coolant or that you have a head gasket problem starting. I would first test for a bad gasket using one of these methods https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test
If it passes those then it is a good time to flush the system. When you refill it be sure to allow it to burp out any excess air. The best way to fill that engine is to use a vacu-fill system but barring that you can fill the radiator, then fill the reservoir. Run the engine until it warms up and the thermostat opens. Now let it cool off and top up the system again.
Then drive it and watch the coolant temperature as well as listen for the cooling fans.
May 21, 2022 at 1:53 PM