Questions and Answers

Toyota Camry Exhaust Gurgle Q. Hello, I have a 1986 Toyota Camry, 2.0 liter engine with 85,000 original well maintained miles. I am the second owner. I recently had the A/C compressor replaced due to freon leaking around outer seal area. Also had changed the timing belt, belt pulley and new timing belt cover.

After all is said and done, ONLY after engine reaches temperature, I can hear what sounds like a gurgle from the exhaust manifold. Pulled front right wheel off vehicle and rechecked previous replaced components, all is fine. I have NO clue why this "gurgle" only appears when engine reaches operating temperature.

Engine runs cool, A/C blows cold, I am stumped!. So are the mechanics, that is why I had them check. Before work was performed, I never heard this "gurgle". It is audible. I know under normal conditions heat expands metals, etc. Also, would Exxons XD3 15W-40 motor oil be acceptable in this vehicle? I live in South Florida.

Thank you very much for taking the time and helping me cure this occurrence.
Thomas

A. I have heard cars make all kinds of weird sounds, but I have never heard an exhaust manifold "gurgle". There is nothing inside an exhaust manifold.

However there are cooling passages in the cylinder head where the exhaust manifold bolts to. So you may be hearing the sound of an air bubble trapped in the cylinder head being amplified by the exhaust manifold.

I would check the cooling system and make sure there is no air in it.

To me a 15W-40 is a little heavy to use in a warm climate like Florida. I would suggest a good 10W-30 instead.