98ti making gurgling sounds

[qccabrio]

HELP, I just bought a 98ti with the M package in silver. I test drove it the other day it seemed fine. I bought it home today , when I shut if off it seemed to be making a gurgling sound for like 15 to 20 seconds, any Idea? I have to drive this bad boy to NY from Arizona in a few weeks......

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Are you sure it is not the idle control valve? Also what location is the noise coming from?

[98318ti]

Could just be the radiator exchanging coolant with the overflow tank. These cars do have a weak cooling system as I'm sure the other guys on this forum with more experience than I will tell you, but the sound could be normal or a sign of low coolant.

[qccabrio]

Sounded like water draining. I am waiting for it to cool off so i can check levels

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Most likely low on coolant

[zoner]

You should be able to check the coolant level through the expansion tank unless the tank is discolored and/or there is no antifreeze in it. Did you have the A/C on for awhile right before you shut it down? Sometimes that can be the sound of a gurgling noise- something about refrigerants and phase transition and whatnot.

If the coolant level is fine and the temperature gauge rises normally to operating temperature (12 o'clock) and stays there, it's probably OK for the time being. However, if it's never had any work done to the cooling system and it has over 100-120k miles, it's probably time to start thinking about addressing that before it leaves you stranded somewhere.

[qccabrio]

yes I did have the A/C on here in Arizona you need it lol. I will check levels in the morning. The ti does have 179k on it I thought about replacing water pump, thermostat, and replacing belts before I go. Oh yea one other thing ignition spins, east task?, I know I have to go to dealer and they have to code it.
Thanks for the input

[qccabrio]

OK it seems if a/c is on and I shut the car off, it gurgles, I drove the car the other day with no a/c for like 45-60 min (hard to do in AZ) shut off car and didn't here gurgling. After I get the ignition issue resolved ordering tomorrow, I will drive without a/c to see if it just happens again. If it doesn't is it something I need to worry about