I have a 2001 chevy blazer LT 2wd. Its got around 75000 miles and had a question. Everytime i accelerate it sounds like there is water turning in the engine somewhere. It is right in front of the passenger airbag and was wondering what the problem was. I have had it fixed before but can't remember what the guy said was wrong with it. I was thinking I may have to get it fixed again and was thinking about doing it myself so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I've had this same problem with my 1996 and now with my 2001 blazers. I had the heater core/coil flushed and ever since it still makes that same noise. I've learned to ignore it! If I find myself not having heat, I know it's time for another flush.

This probably doesn't help you with the problem, but it might make you feel better knowing that another person has experienced this same problelm.

Tina in NH.

 

This is a sign that there is air in the cooling system. It also is a sign that the heater core is restricted. If a flush did not change the noise or the noise was new after the flush, the core probably still has trapped air and is most likely still somewhat restricted.

 

Is it "urgent" to go get a flush, or wait until it's completely blocked, thus blowing out cold air?

Tina in NH.

 

Air in the cooling system is not a good thing. If you can swing it, I would do it as soon as you can.

 

Argh! Last time I had it done, two years ago this coming January, was at the dealership and it cost me nearly $1,000, if not more. I can't remember if they did something else at the same time - I'd have to go upstairs and grab the receipt.

It's a little costly right now. I don't suppose there is a home remedy for this?

Tina in NH.

 

Sure is, garden hose. Pull the heater core hoses off at the engine and flush through each one until you have clear water running out. Warm water works good.

I sure hope you had something else done or else they should have offered you a cigarette after that!!

 

Yeah, I imagine they did something else. A complete system flush at a dealer should only run ~$80-90. That's what they charge here.

 

Ran upstairs to get the receipt...$1,061.71 at Dobles Chevrolet - Now Quirk Chevrolet.

April 12, 2007

Cooling System Diag hours: 5.8 hours $464.00
Parts: $86.38

Check for coolant leak: 3.6 hours- intake gasket is leaking, reseal the intake.
Parts: $55.66

And an oil change for $87.00 (something about it having to be analyzed because of the coolant leak???)

I remember they gave me a rental car because they had to keep the Blazer overnight.

Tina in NH.

 

No mention of a flush in that. And most of the time when a shop does a cooling system flush, they never pull the heater hoses to isolate it from the rest of the system.