What does bubbles in coolant mean?

rising air pressure
Bubbling indicates rising air pressure in the cooling system, which is a sign that the flow of liquid is blocked by a pocket of air. This escaped air causes bubbling in the coolant/antifreeze reservoir, which can often be mistaken for boiling.

What causes a coolant leak in a Duramax engine?

Failure to inspect the EGR cooler for leaks may lead to a misdiagnosis for coolant entering the combustion chamber. Previously, An EGR cooler pressure tester adapter set, EN-48974, was shipped essential to dealers in December 2007 to diagnose EGR cooler engine coolant leaks on all Duramax™ engines equipped with an EGR system.

Why are there no bubbles in car coolant?

Automotive coolant tends to work much more efficiently without air bubbles as the lack of air bubbles allows the coolant to absorb heat at a much faster rate than coolant containing air bubbles, making it a more efficient means of keeping your engine from overheating.

What causes a Duramax diesel engine to heat up?

When the engine is working hard, the turbocharger is drawing in a ton of air, and the restrictive stock turbo inlet tube can effectively choke the VGT turbocharger causing the compressor outlet temperature to skyrocket, heating up the intercooler, and ultimately raising the temperature of combustion and the coolant temp.

What causes a LLY Duramax fan to overheat?

Despite these issues, a majority of LLY Duramax overheating is actually caused by other common LLY Duramax problems. Blown head gaskets, water pump failure, fan clutch failure, and even a dirty or clogged radiator can be the root cause of your overheating issues.

Why are there bubbles in the coolant tank?

Though it is completely normal to find bubbles in the overflow tank while the engine is not overheating, bubbles in the coolant could be the sign of a leak at the head gasket.

What happens if there is a bubble in the radiator?

If bubbles are present during the test, combustion gas is leaking into the cooling system and this will need to be repaired. If left untreated, it could lead to a blown head gasket, which could leave you stranded. Geoff Hineman has been a professional writer since 2001.

Why are there bubbles in the overflow tank?

Problem Bubbles. Though it is completely normal to find bubbles in the overflow tank while the engine is not overheating, bubbles in the coolant could be the sign of a leak at the head gasket. To test for a head gasket problem, check each cylinder of the vehicle with a cylinder leakage tester while the engine is off.

What happens if the coolant cap is stuck?

If the cap is stuck, it will cause a collapsed hose when cool. If any doubt replace the cap. I don’t think you have a head gasket problem. The reason for the pressure– is to raise the boiling point of the coolant –to operate the engine at a higher temperature for emissions, engine life, and economy.