I have a Chevy 350 that I put in a 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. Just getting done with the project and I'm having a problem. After shutting off the engine, the engine/radiator make a boiling/bubbling noise. I'm sure it does it while it is running as well but you can't hear it over the engine/exhaust noise. At first I thought the noise was coming from the radiator, but the more I listen to it I believe it is coming from the front of the engine above the water pump. The engine doesn't overheat at all. I read that it might be an air bubble in the system or a head gasket leak. Anyone ever experience something like this? Thanks for your help.

 

Is the radiator full? Not the overflow tank but the radiator.

 

Yes, it is full and the overflow is at the proper height.

 

Is the exhaust not white smoke, after warmed up? Leave the cap loose, there might be air in the system. Run it for awhile with the cap loose.

 

I've attempted to bleed the system of air, and it still has the same gurgling/surging noise after the engine is off.

 

Can you pressurize the radiator static, with it cold, engine off? There is a pump that you can attach the the fill neck. I'd suggest pump it up to 10-12 lbs, and see if you have any abnormal noise etc.

 

Also, have you ran this with the heater on, did it get warm?

 

Yes, it comes up to temp and does not overheat. I've driven it down the road as well. Seems to run fine, but there is that Gurgling/surging sounds after the engine is off until it cools down.

 

Can you pull the thermostat, and run it without it?