a/c noises in 94 legacy GT

[hutchwilco]

Hi,
looking at a 94 legacy GT to buy, and noticed a gurgling noise behind
the central dashboard when accelerating (even lightly). the car has
apparently been sitting unused for at least a month or two, and i know
that a/c seals can perish an leak A/C gas out. the A/C seems to work
fine however,
I'm just wanting to double check if that's normal - to hear the
gurgling sound.

cheers

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi,
looking at a 94 legacy GT to buy, and noticed a gurgling noise behind
the central dashboard when accelerating (even lightly). the car has
apparently been sitting unused for at least a month or two, and i know
that a/c seals can perish an leak A/C gas out. the A/C seems to work
fine however,
I'm just wanting to double check if that's normal - to hear the
gurgling sound.

cheers

If you hear it with the A/C and defrost off - I'd suspect air
entrained in the coolant(bubbling in the heater core) - that's bad cause
it can lead to overheating.

I'd definitely have an experienced sube mech. look it over. It can be a
little tricky to properly refill a sube's coolant system.

Carl

 

[Porgy Tirebiter]

Hi,
looking at a 94 legacy GT to buy, and noticed a gurgling noise behind
the central dashboard when accelerating (even lightly). the car has
apparently been sitting unused for at least a month or two, and i know
that a/c seals can perish an leak A/C gas out. the A/C seems to work
fine however,
I'm just wanting to double check if that's normal - to hear the
gurgling sound.

cheers

That's NOT the A/C doing that, but rather bubbles in the heater core (BAD
sign).You need to test for exhaust gases in the coolant AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.Run this test with the A/C off.
Low coolant will cause "hot spotting" and engine failure in a hurry. What
you are hearing can be a sure sign of head gasket failure.Check coolant
level AND see if you smell the pungent "sweet" smell of antifreeze in the
exhaust.If the coolant is 100% water you wont smell anything, but you will
see water vapor from the exhaust when the engine is cold, watch for it.You
can (if cold) run it with the radiator cap off and watch for bubbles.
Be advised that IF this is the problem you are looking at $2000 in R/R. Be
advised that not only will you be doing head gaskets, but also seals, water
pump and possibly timing belt while in there.Unless your going to "steal"
this car..you might want to consider passing on it.

 

[AS]

If the a/c system is low on refrigerant, you can also hear gurgling.

As others have stated, gurgling can come from the heater core as well,
even though I have not experienced this myself.

Is the gurgling only when the A/C is on? When it is off?

Good luck!