Heater Box Noise

[JJanzen]

When my thermostat opens after my truck warms up, you can hear the water circulating through the heater box. For about 30 seconds, it is very noisy like two squirrels scrambling to get out! Can anyone lend some insight to what is happening and how to fix? Thanks.

Joel

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

you might need a little more water in your radiator. Have you chacked the level after the themostat opens?

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by Bus Ted Knuckle

you might need a little more water in your radiator. Have you chacked the level after the themostat opens?

What Bus Ted Knuckle is saying is you may be low on coolant. To get the right amount of coolant in the system you need to "burp" the system.

With the engine cold, take the cap off the radiator, put a catch pan under the open end of the radiator and start the truck. Let the engine warm up. Once you see a good, continuous flow coming through the radiator, fill it up to the top and replace the cap.

I suspect the noise you are hearing is a slug of air that is trapped in the system. Burping it should make the noise go away.

[JJanzen]

Thank you all for advise. A little additional water did the trick and the "squirrels" are now gone!

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Originally Posted by JJanzen

Thank you all for advise. A little additional water did the trick and the "squirrels" are now gone!

you have enough antifreeze in the mix to do the trick don't you?

[Richard8971]

Originally Posted by JJanzen

it is very noisy like two squirrels scrambling to get out!

Joel

Have you checked the box for squirrels???

Don

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by JJanzen

When my thermostat opens after my truck warms up, you can hear the water circulating through the heater box. For about 30 seconds, it is very noisy like two squirrels scrambling to get out! Can anyone lend some insight to what is happening and how to fix? Thanks.

Joel

The way you describe it, sounds like a little more than water or air circulating in the system. I've heard the noise squirrels make when they're in a cage or trap.. Loud!

Is this with the fan off and only after it warms up?

Also, does it make the noise without opening up the heater/fan control lever?

Could be a loose squirrel cage, motor, heat control valve, restriction in the heater or the mounting is loose.

[JJanzen]

Thanks everyone for the immediate comments. It sounds a lot like a trapped air bubble. I am going to try and "burp" the system and see if that gets rid of it. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the help.