Astra 1.4 '96, the sound of running water

Astra hatch CNZ engine with Multech1.4 CFi, 1995.

Shortly after starting off there is a sound of running water...it sounds
like a good deal of water running across the bulkhead...quite loud. Once
the noise has happened it isn't noticed again until the next day.

I had this about a year ago and cured it by releasing air in the cooling
system by momentarily disconnecting the hose at the top rear of the fuel
injection unit. Cooling fluid goes everywhere over the rear of the
engine/engine bay, so it doesn't seem a satisfactory method. I'm sure they
don't do this in the factory.

Now the sound of running water has returned. The level of coolant in the
header reservoir has gone down significantly, but there doesn't seem to be
any water leak . Heater function doesn't seem to be affected.

Does the depletion of coolant and re-appearance of air in the system
indicate some trouble? The engine appears to function normally.
Is there a better method of removing the air?

Roger R

 

Sounds like head gasket troubles - have you had a block test done - it is a
test for exhaust gas in the cooling system?

 

No tests done yet, this is the start.

Roger R

 

I had a similar problem - bunged in some 'K Seal' and it stopped - this
stuff does work and certainly worth a punt before any major engine work.