Weird 'trickling' noise from behind dash - any ideas?

Buffalo · 05-11-08, 05:01 AM

HI

I have recently noticed that i am getting what i can only describe as a trickling noise that appears to come from behind the dash around the level of the heater controls.

I have moved to a colder part of Australia - we are almost in winter now (very low teens 'c) and so we are using the heater inside a lot more. Previous we were in a climate usually no less than 15'c and average over 25'c so never used the heater.

Typically the noise occurs after i switch the motor on from cold and turn the heater on, then move off. It sounds under acceleration and is as I describe above. After couple of hundred metres (having gone through the gearbox) it stops.

Is it just the water trickling into the heater matrix..? Is it trying to tell me the heater matrix is knackered..? (I am not losing coolant) or is it something entirely different..?

Thanks ~PHIL

chuckirons · 05-11-08, 06:59 AM

I've had this happen too, everything seems to be operating fine, it's just the trickling noise you describe. Hope you can get some answers!

FJ60Cam · 05-11-08, 07:16 AM

Yep, just the coolant flowing through the heater parts. I think I've read that it could be air in the lines... mine makes the noise and it heats just fine and I don't have (engine) overheating problems so I don't worry about it.

cruiser88 · 05-11-08, 08:33 AM

Check the rad. fluid level......burp the system for air maybe?

RredFJ40 · 05-11-08, 05:53 PM

It's air in the heater core causing turbulent coolant flow. I've got a very slow coolant leak so it's my warning tone to check the coolant level

Buffalo · 05-11-08, 09:48 PM

Would air inthe system make the car run cooler as a whole..? I have been investigating my cooling system as the car is running too cold IMO. This weekend i replaced the thermostat and the noise was worse afterwards, but it was present before.

I don't think i am losing coolant. I haven't had to fill it up in years!

How do i bleed (burp!) the system..?

Thanks. ~PHIL

zuluzeugma · 05-12-08, 12:24 PM

This has been covered 5 times in the last 3 months... Use the search function.

Buffalo, it would probably be a really good idea to change your coolant out if what you say is true about not even adding any in years. A coolant system flush is probably way overdue. You can do it for free with a garden hose or you can take it some place. Either way, a good idea.

05-11-08, 05:01 AM	#1
Buffalo IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orange, NSW Posts: 92	Weird 'trickling' noise from behind dash - any ideas? HI I have recently noticed that i am getting what i can only describe as a trickling noise that appears to come from behind the dash around the level of the heater controls. I have moved to a colder part of Australia - we are almost in winter now (very low teens 'c) and so we are using the heater inside a lot more. Previous we were in a climate usually no less than 15'c and average over 25'c so never used the heater. Typically the noise occurs after i switch the motor on from cold and turn the heater on, then move off. It sounds under acceleration and is as I describe above. After couple of hundred metres (having gone through the gearbox) it stops. Is it just the water trickling into the heater matrix..? Is it trying to tell me the heater matrix is knackered..? (I am not losing coolant) or is it something entirely different..? Thanks ~PHIL __________________ '85 FJ62 Aussie model; 3F engine with carb & 5 spd box. Used extensively as a bush-cruiser... Mods currently on hold until rusty roof is sorted

05-11-08, 06:59 AM	#2
chuckirons IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas City, MO - pretty much in the Grandview Triangle Posts: 12	I've had this happen too, everything seems to be operating fine, it's just the trickling noise you describe. Hope you can get some answers! __________________ '85 FJ60 '02 VW GTI 1.8T '96 Corolla

05-11-08, 07:16 AM	#3
FJ60Cam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Memphis, TN TLCA# 16341 Posts: 692	Yep, just the coolant flowing through the heater parts. I think I've read that it could be air in the lines... mine makes the noise and it heats just fine and I don't have (engine) overheating problems so I don't worry about it. __________________ Cameron Mosley '85 FJ60 - Daily Driver HELP A BROTHER OUT!!! (LANDSPEEDER)

05-11-08, 08:33 AM	#4
cruiser88 They call me crazy88 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: over here TLCA# 17319 Posts: 6,637	Check the rad. fluid level......burp the system for air maybe? __________________ Girls you need to join this club http://www.playhardgetdirty.com/index.html "how 'bout we sing 'kyles mom is a bitch' in E minor?"by OregonCruzer http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...13957_15_0.jpg http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/f...113957_1_2.jpg

05-11-08, 05:53 PM	#5
RredFJ40 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Klamath Basin TLCA# 14992 Posts: 1,007	It's air in the heater core causing turbulent coolant flow. I've got a very slow coolant leak so it's my warning tone to check the coolant level __________________ Joel ----- "Birds have nests, foxes have dens but the hope of the whole world lay on the shoulders of a homeless man." - R. Mullins 82 FJ60 - normal stuff 68 FJ40 - gone 88 FJ62 - gone

05-11-08, 09:48 PM	#6
Buffalo IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orange, NSW Posts: 92	Would air inthe system make the car run cooler as a whole..? I have been investigating my cooling system as the car is running too cold IMO. This weekend i replaced the thermostat and the noise was worse afterwards, but it was present before. I don't think i am losing coolant. I haven't had to fill it up in years! How do i bleed (burp!) the system..? Thanks. ~PHIL __________________ '85 FJ62 Aussie model; 3F engine with carb & 5 spd box. Used extensively as a bush-cruiser... Mods currently on hold until rusty roof is sorted

05-12-08, 12:24 PM	#7
zuluzeugma Search 1st, THEN ASK Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kilgore, TX Posts: 728	This has been covered 5 times in the last 3 months... Use the search function. Buffalo, it would probably be a really good idea to change your coolant out if what you say is true about not even adding any in years. A coolant system flush is probably way overdue. You can do it for free with a garden hose or you can take it some place. Either way, a good idea. __________________ 72' FJ55 - SOA, SR, DB, FJ62 PS, Webber, Header, H.E.I., 37 X 12.5 X 15 MT/R's, Savanah-heat air freshener. 73' FJ40 - Long term project in the hands of HappyChappy 83' FJ60 - Mint Condition 07' FJC - Atrac Hack - DD 08' Tundra, 4.7 2WD - Company Truck

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